Displaying items by tag: ferry off service

1st November 2023

Channel Islands Ferry Has Technical Fault After Entering Service Sees Ship Go to Irish Sea for Dry-Docking

UK-Channel Islands operator, Condor Ferries' newly introduced ropax, Condor Islander, is out of service due to technical problems that took place just three days after its first passenger sailing.

The stern vehicle loading only ferry which was acquired from a New Zealand operator, arrived to St. Peter Port, Guernsey from the UK on Sunday 22 October, the day of its maiden passenger sailing.

The Dutch built ropax was unable to continue on to St. Helier, Jersey but returned to Portsmouth instead.

ITV News understood there is an issue with the ferry's bow thrusters (see symbol on bow of above photo) that led to sailings between Thursday 26 October and tomorrow’s, Thursday 2 November being cancelled.

Afloat.ie today (1 November) can confirm Condor Islander is off service, as the ropax vessel departed last Thursday bound for the Irish Sea where the ferry arrived two days later and is currently in dry-dock at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead.

The 125m long 400 passenger ferry with more than 1,200 freight lane metres, was in April acquired from New Zealand operator StraitNZ with the help of a £26 million loan from the States of Guernsey.

When approached by ITV News, a spokesperson for Condor Ferries declined to comment on the disruption which continues as Afloat adds with this week’s Storm Ciarán.

According to the operators’ facebook sailing update, it has been necessary to cancel conventional and fast-craft crossings today.

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About Foyle Port

Foyle Port, located in the North West region of Northern Ireland, is estimated to handle around 2 million tonnes of cargo per year, with a trade value of approximately £1 billion. The port plays a crucial role in facilitating the import of essential agri-products, supporting around 20,000 farms in the region, as well as various local business sectors such as fuel/oil and construction industries. The organisation supports an estimated 1000 direct and indirect jobs.

Originally located in the bustling heart of Derry City, the Commissioners relocated the port to its current deep-water location at Lisahally in 1993. The terminal boasts an impressive 440 metres of quay and can accommodate large vessels of up to 62,000 DWT. Foyle Port is primarily a bulk port and a significant importer of essential commodities such as oil, coal, animal feed, fertiliser, and plywood, all of which are vital for the North West rural region.

Since 2003, the organisation has experienced significant growth, doubling both turnover and profit and attracting approximately £100 million of inward investment to the region. This investment has supported projects, including a fertiliser plant, an oil tank farm, and a biomass power station.

Established by Act of Parliament in 1854, the Londonderry Port & Harbour Commissioners is an independent statutory authority with a duty to develop, maintain and operate to the highest standards of efficiency, financial prudence, environmental awareness, safety, and security. The Port is independent of the Government and is self-financing. All financial surpluses are reinvested in the business for the benefit of future generations of stakeholders.