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Condor's new conventional passenger and freight ferry will be arriving in the Channel Islands for the first time on Monday for trials in preparation for it entering service in October.
MV Condor Islander is expected to dock first at St. Peter Port and then travel to St. Helier on the same day. The vessel is then scheduled to travel to Saint Malo and Cherbourg.
The purpose of the trip is to conduct mooring trials and allow Condor and port staff to familiarise themselves with the ship.
The vessel previously operated between the North and South islands of New Zealand under the name MV Straitsman and was bought by Condor in April.
The ferry has been undergoing engineering work in Santander, Spain. Interior work has not started yet and is expected to take place in the UK, according to the operator.
Pictured: The new vessel, the Condor Islander, has been in Santander where engineering work has taken place.
When the Islander joins Condor’s fleet this Autumn, the ferry will sail between Jersey, Guernsey, Portsmouth, Saint Malo and Cherbourg.
The ship is similar in size and speed to Commodore Clipper.
Condor Chief Executive John Napton said: "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.
"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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