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The Condor Islander has completed its trip from New Zealand and is now running berthing trials, with the ship briefly visiting Guernsey today.
The States of Guernsey loaned Condor £26million to buy the ship, while also investing a further £3million into the vessel.
Condor was originally planning to purchase a new ferry through a financial arrangement with the Guernsey Investment Fund. This fell through and subsequently the CCA were convened for an, as of yet, unknown emergency that could impact the island if the ferry wasn't bought immediately.
P&R were then instructed to facilitate a loan of £26million out of the Guernsey Bond and also match £3million in funding that Condor were putting in.
A service level agreement has not yet been forthcoming following this transaction.
Condor will now run berthing trials with the Condor Islander, in France, the UK and the Channel Islands.
Pictured: The MV Condor Islander arrived in Guernsey this morning (31 July).
The vessel has been undergoing engineering work in Santander since the beginning of the month, and will begin commercial service in October.
"These trials are important for our crews and shore staff in the various ports to familiarise themselves with the new ship, but she will not be ready for carrying passengers for a few months as refurbishment work is still ongoing," said Condor's CEO, John Napton.
"We are making a number of alterations from Islander’s previous operator so there are different requirements involved. Changes include installing a duty-free shop, changes to overnight cabin configurations and refreshing the passenger lounges."
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