Condor Express – A Unique Super Fast Car Ferry

Designed by the prominent Incat shipbuilding of Tasmania, Australia, the Condor Express is a catamaran unlike any. Operated by the UK-based ferrying company Condor Ferries, the Condor Express ferries passengers between the route of Poole and the Channel Island of Guernsey.

The vessel was built in 1996 and began its operations the following year – in 1997.

The singularity of the vessel stems from the fact that it thrusts through the waves literally cutting though them, thus accounting for increased speeds of about 40 knots.

• The vessel has a length of 86 metres and a beam of 26 metres with a draught of 3.5 metres. Apart from the Condor Express, there are three other catamarans of similar dimensions which have been built by Incat. Two of these, the Condor Vitesse and the Condor Rapide are sister vessels of the Condor Express
• The vessel has a deadweight tonnage of 415 tonnes and is longer by five metres as compared to its previous peers
• It can accommodate nearly 800 passengers, having a vehicular carrying capacitance of a maximum of 200 cars. Alternatively, the ferry can also accommodate up to four buses combined with its car carrying capacitance
• The Condor Express is powered by four engines functioning on diesel with each engine generating power to over 7,000 kilowatts

In order to enable stability to the ferry during turbulent weather conditions, the prow of Condor Express has been equipped with T-foils. Similarly the ferry has also been equipped with a ride controlling gadget known as Maritime Dynamics.

Passengers aboard the ferry can enjoy the facilities of a bar, a restaurant, shops and a playing domain for youngsters. To meet the needs of new-born babies, the ferry also houses required assisting facilities.

The Condor Express combines a unique blend of functionality with power and class which makes it a vessel worth taking a ferry ride.

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