THE only 102m trimaran in Northern Europe, which is being fitted out as a ferry in Poole, is on schedule to make its maiden voyage on March 27.

State-of-the-art Condor Liberation, recently named in a competition in the Channel Islands, is currently a building site as 40 to 50 skilled marine specialists customise the hull for Condor Ferries.

“Work is on schedule to complete the fit-out in early March,” said executive director Alicia Andrews, speaking at Condor House at Poole port, close to where the enormous ferry, which can be seen from Poole Quay, is docked.

A duty-free shop covering 100sqm, children’s area, three bars and restaurants, lounge for Ocean Plus customers and much more is being created and its new name will be painted on in early February.

The company has made an investment of £50million in the ferry, of which £1m is being spent on bridge wings, built on to either side of the middle bridge, making it easier to bring the vast vessel alongside the dock.

Sailed over from the Philippines, the ferry arrived in Poole on Boxing Day having travelled 10,500 miles to reach its home port from where it will cruise daily to the Channel Islands, after the company was issued with a new 10-year licence “For many years we have sailed from Poole, either all year round during 2012-13, or part of the year.

“We are delighted we have reached a medium-term agreement with Poole Harbour Commissioners,” she said.

The company is currently going through a rebranding and launched its new look at an event at Lighthouse attended by 200 people.

Staff will have new tailored uniforms and the “Good Times” rebranding will be used across the freight ferries as well as the passenger ferry Condor Rapide which goes to St Malo.

“This is the ideal time to refresh our brand and bring it up to date with our new vision and identity – Good Times for our customers and Islands,” said Justin Amey, strategic marketing manager.