CONDOR Ferries has secured international accreditation for the steps it has taken against the coronavirus.

The operator, which has services linking Poole to the Channel Islands, has been recognised by the international accredited registrar DNV GL for the work it has done to safeguard passengers, employees and crew against Covid-19.

Elwyn Dop, Condor’s operations director, said: “This is a very positive and important endorsement of our unrelenting effort to ensure the right safety protocols are in place to ensure the delivery of lifeline services to the islands.

"I would like to thank the team for their meticulous planning and attention to detail which has led us to being recognised in this way."

DNV GL’s Covid-19 Statement of Compliance was developed to help companies demonstrate that they have adopted effective Covid-19 measures, as services are up and running again after lockdown.

Torgeir Sterri, Western Europe regional manager at DNV GL - Maritime, said: "Ensuring the health and safety of their crews and passengers is a priority for ferry operators.

"We are pleased to award Condor with this international accreditation and to ensure that their ferries continue to operate in the safest conditions."

Condor, which sails from Poole and Portsmouth to the Channel Islands and St Malo, France, has welcomed more than 5,600 passengers onboard its ferries since services resumed earlier this month.

A company spokesman said: "Condor introduced a range of measures due to Covid-19 including an enhanced hygiene procedure which increases the frequency of cleaning in line with up-to-date international guidance and all staff issued with additional PPE.

"Other protocols comprised of mandatory face coverings for all passengers aged over 11, self-service for food and beverage, floor-distancing markers and protection screens installed plus contactless payments for shopping onboard.

"At all ports, passengers are notified to check in earlier than usual to ensure safe embarkation.

"These measures have been successfully used on Condor’s conventional and high-speed passenger services from the UK and France."