UK. Condor Ferries, which operates year-round services from the UK to France and the Channel Islands, has announced the official name of the latest addition to its ferryboat fleet. The Condor Liberation – named in recognition of the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Channel Islands – will begin service between the Channel Islands and the UK in spring 2015.
Based in Poole Port, the new ship represents a £50 million investment in the Channel Islands. “From the end of March, all journeys to the Channel Islands will be on Condor Liberation from Poole, offering improved reliability, increased capacity, and a much greater level of comfort with smoother journeys,” Condor Ferries stated.
Marine interior specialist Trimline has been appointed to complete the internal customisation fit-out, which upon completion will feature a new duty free shop, a range of food and beverage outlets, a children’s play area and an information desk. Three new seating lounges will include two upgrade areas designed to let passengers travel in “ultimate style”, the ferry operator added.
The vessel was named following a competition held in the Channel Islands, with a year’s free travel with Condor Ferries as the grand prize. The naming contest attracted 7,146 entrants, and Clive Davies from Guernsey was named the winner by a judging panel.
Condor Ferries Executive Director – Commercial Alicia Andrews said: “We’re delighted with the name of our brand new ship, Condor Liberation. We felt it was particularly apt in this, the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Channel Islands, and are very pleased that Liberation is a name that will be as significant to our French passengers as it is to our Channel Island and UK passengers. We are now looking forward to welcoming Condor Liberation into service just before Easter.”
Condor Ferries Executive Director Steve Champion-Smith (left) congratulates the winner of the ferry-naming competition, Clive Davies, who wins a year’s free travel with Condor Ferries |