Portsmouth: Ferry Returns Ahead Of Schedule

26 August 2014, 09:15 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A Portsmouth-to-Channel Islands ferry, which was damaged after hitting the seabed more than a month ago, starts taking passengers again today.

Condor Ferries is pleased to announce that Commodore CIipper is back in service earlier than originally planned – with passenger sailings resuming today, following the completion of repair works in dry dock in Falmouth.

James Fulford, Chief Executive Officer at Condor Ferries, said: “We are delighted that the repairs to Clipper have been completed ahead of schedule. I’d like to thank our contractors, A&P Falmouth, and crew at the dry dock in Falmouth for all their hard work, which has meant that we have Clipper back in service earlier than we expected.

Clipper returned to work on 22 August, initially providing a freight-only service to allow routine maintenance for Commodore Goodwill which had been postponed to ensure the best possible service for our Islands during Clipper’s time in dry docks. 

She will be back in her usual routine from today (26 August).

Condor’s comprehensive contingency planning allowed for two charter freight vessels to be brought on the route very swiftly. Charter ships Arrow and MN Toucan have spent the last few weeks working alongside Commodore Goodwill to keep the Islands connected and supplied.

Whilst the repair works have been underway in dry dock, Condor has taken the opportunity to undertake additional maintenance to Clipper, including refreshing her paintwork across many areas of the ship, including decks and passenger spaces.

To keep updated with the latest news about Clipper’s progress on Twitter follow @clipperupdate.

For more information visit the Condor Ferries website