AS Condor Ferries awaits the outcome of an independent review into its £50m fast ferry Condor Liberation, the company which operates from Poole has been reflecting on its first few months of operation.

“Things have not all been smooth sailing but we are committed to steady improvement,” said Alicia Andrews, Condor's executive director for commercial operations.

The 102-metre long trimaran is one of only two similar craft operating commercially in the world and was beset by problems in its early days when it began sailing between Poole and the Channel Islands in March.

Following electrical problems, bad weather and the ferry striking the quay at St Peter Port when berthing in strong winds, complaints of long waits, poor and conflicting information, the company issued an open letter of apology to customers in April.

However sailings are operating at more than 90 per cent and 70 per cent the fast ferry is on time or early. In the first four months it carried more than 100,000 people from Poole and more than 25,000 vehicles.

She said the stability issue had been addressed as had customer service, vehicle declaration and keeping travellers better informed and customer feedback had been very positive.

Day trips from Poole were popular, as was whale and dolphin watching, and the islands were popular stopping-off points for people travelling on to France. With the pound at a seven-year high against the Euro, "France is a very tempting destination for people."

And they were competing with the "fly and flop" budget airlines. "We are working really hard to be as attractive as possible," she said.

Of the independent reported commissioned by the States of Guernsey and Jersey and Condor Ferries into the suitability of Condor Liberation, she said the ship had previously been certified by all the relevant regulatory bodies.

"The probable outcome is it will confirm what's already come to pass," she said.

And the company was now looking towards its schedule for next year with sailings continuing from Poole.

"Poole we feel is working really well for us. We are continuing to work closely with Poole Harbour Commissioners," she added.