ONE of Condor’s conventional passenger and freight ships is being chartered by Brittany Ferries for a service from France to Ireland, as the two operators look to work more closely together.

The announcement comes just weeks after Christophe Mathieu, who replaced John Napton as Condor’s chief executive on an interim basis, said the companies were taking a “far more integrated” approach to their operations.

Mr Mathieu, who is also the chief executive of Brittany Ferries, which is a shareholder in Condor, said the company was “looking at Condor now as part of Brittany Ferries’ operations”.

His comments came shortly after Barfleur – a 157-metre Brittany Ferries passenger ship – successfully completed a berthing trial in Elizabeth Harbour.

Condor has announced that Islander – its most recently acquired vessel – has taken over Commodore Clipper’s operating pattern connecting Portsmouth, Guernsey and Jersey and returning to the UK overnight.

Islander will operate the route six days each week, while Clipper is switching to Islander’s overnight departures from Portsmouth on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. This is because Brittany Ferries is chartering Clipper three days a week for a service from Cherbourg to Rosslare.

However, the company has stated that this is being done with “a call back option” in place, meaning the vessel can return to service in the islands “if required”.

A Condor Ferries’ spokesperson said: “Both companies have worked extensively with stakeholders on both Islands in preparation for schedule and ship changes.

Brittany Ferries has also explored potential for ships of its fleet to support the islands, evidenced by the berthing trials in Jersey and Guernsey with Barfleur, which is a Brittany Ferries’ 157m ropax [roll-on/roll-off passenger vessel] that can carry 900 passengers and 590 cars.”

They added: “Condor’s Commodore Goodwill has already reverted to her historic schedule, offering early-morning and late-afternoon arrivals to support the food and medical supply chain.”