A REVIEW has been launched into the "suitability and performance" of Condor Liberation following problems with the £50million fast ferry's service from Poole.

The state-of-the-art ferry was beset with difficulties after its launch in March and now an independent report has been commissioned by the States of Guernsey and Jersey and the Poole-based ferry company.

Its rocky start prompted Condor Ferries to issue a lengthy apology for the failings in an open letter to customers in April.

Now the review, funded by the company, will be undertaken by world leading experts in naval architecture and will provide objective factually-based analysis.

Senator Lyndon Farnham of the States of Jersey said “I hope that this report will help us to draw a line under ill-informed speculation about the ship which is not only damaging Condor Ferries’ business, but could potentially impact our Islands’ reputation.

"Condor Ferries provides an important service for our Islands and, despite the difficult start experienced by Condor Liberation, continues to support the islands through its freight and passenger services.”

Deputy Kevin Stewart of the States of Guernsey said: “By commissioning this report with our colleagues in Jersey, and Condor Ferries, we have the opportunity to reassure Islanders and visitors about the suitability of Condor Liberation. I welcome the investment which Condor Ferries is making in this independent report.”

Russell Kew of Condor Ferries said “Condor Ferries commissioned significant independent due diligence before purchasing Condor Liberation from Austal, one of the world’s leading ship builders. It has since been certificated by all relevant independent certification and regulatory bodies.

"Nevertheless, whilst we know that our punctuality and reliability performance needs to improve, we also want to give our customers every necessary reassurance regarding the suitability of our ship, and so are pleased to be working with the States of Guernsey and Jersey in commissioning this independent report.”

During its first days of operation, Condor Liberation hit a quay while berthing in strong winds in St Peter Port the day after its maiden voyage and repairs took a week.

High winds, bad weather and an electrical fault have resulted in a number of cancellations in its early weeks. However Condor says the ferry is now operating at more than 95 per cent with punctuality almost 70 per cent and the last technical cancellation was almost two months ago.

Councillor Xena Dion, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy, Culture and Leisure, Borough of Poole, said: “Condor Ferries’ high speed service is a very beneficial one for both local residents and visitors to Poole. It is important to have a vibrant and thriving economy and this service helps provide a welcome economic boost to our town.”