The UK's second busiest ferry port, Portsmouth International Port and Channel Islands operator Condor Ferries have agreed a new long-term deal, which cements their partnership until 2033.

Portsmouth is a critical shipping route for the Channel Islands’ trade with calls to St. Peter Port, Guernsey and St. Helier, Jersey. With sailings 364 days per year, carrying predominantly freight, there are regular exports of cars, building materials, food and drink supplies, clothing and utilities.

In fact, 95% of everything consumed on the Channel Islands comes through Portsmouth. This long-term agreement provides certainty for this vital freight and passenger service.

Condor’s ships, Commodore Clipper and Commodore Goodwill, are much-loved regular visitors to the port. They will soon be joined by Condor Islander, another conventional passenger and freight vessel that will help provide even more capacity and resilience, ensuring essential freight can continue to flow to businesses and residents based on the Channel Islands.

Ian Palacio, business development manager at Portsmouth International Port said: “I’m delighted that we’ve signed this 10 year agreement with one of our longest standing customers. We are proud to play our part in providing these essential lifeline ferry service to the Channel Islands.

“With the port’s excellent location right next to the UK’s motorway network, we look forward to working closely with Condor Ferries to continue to boost trade and tourism between the UK and the Channel Islands.”

Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Portsmouth City Council‘s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the port added: “We have a long-standing bond with the Channel Islands here in Portsmouth, so I’m pleased to see that this relationship is on a firm footing for the future with this new deal.”

Condor has over 75 years’ experience operating services. Its mixed fleet of conventional and high speed ships carry hundreds of thousands of passengers, 200,000 freight vehicles and 65,000 trailers each year between the UK, Guernsey, Jersey and the French ports of St Malo and Cherbourg. See Afloat's related coverage of Brittany Ferries seasonal fast-craft English Channel services.

John Napton, Condor’s CEO, said: “We are naturally very pleased to conclude this agreement as it secures Condor’s priority services to the Islands from Portsmouth for the foreseeable future.”