POOLE’S new £50million ferry was put out of action just one day after its maiden voyage following an accident as it docked at Guernsey.

Condor Liberation, which was used commercially for the first time on Friday, smashed into the quayside as it approached its destination at St Peter Port on Saturday afternoon.

The damage to the 102-metre-long vessel, which has been described as minor, was sustained after it landed heavily against fenders in high winds.

Speaking on Saturday, captain Fran Collins, Condor’s executive director in charge of operations, said: “On arrival in St Peter Port, Condor Liberation attempted to dock on Berth Two, but high winds prevented this, so the decision was taken to change to Berth One.

“Whilst manoeuvring onto Berth One in strong winds, the ferry landed heavily against a fender, causing minor damage to the protective belting.

"As a result of this, Condor Liberation will return to Poole for repairs, which are expected to take only a couple of days.

“In the meantime, Commodore Clipper will provide passenger services between the UK and the Channel Islands. All affected passengers are being advised of the changes to their sailings.”

The operator had earlier announced it was cancelling its service on Sunday ‘due to sea conditions forecast that are well outside the legal operating limit’.

The ship, which has now arrived back in Poole for repair work, was welcomed to the town for the first time on Boxing Day after a three-week voyage from Cebu in the Philippines.

Condor had hoped the high-speed ferry, which can reach 35 knots and has a capacity for nearly 900 passengers and 245 cars, would face fewer cancellations as it can sail in higher seas.

It is currently operating with restrictions of 3.5-metre-high waves until it has further sea trials later in the year.