The investigation into the Condor Liberation is being commissioned by the States of Jersey and Guernsey and will be funded by the ferry firm.
Condor have faced increasing criticism since the ship hit a fender at Guernsey’s harbour during its second commercial crossing in March.
Since then questions have been raised over the vessel’s suitability for the English Channel and whether or not it is safe to use.
The company dismissed the concerns as ‘sensationalist and factually incorrect’.
Today Economic Development Minister Lyndon Farnham announced that an independent report would be undertaken.
He said he hoped it would put an end ‘ill-informed speculation’.
‘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,’ he said.
‘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.’
Russell Kew, chief executive of Condor Ferries, said the report was being carried out to reassure their customers.
He 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.’
The results are due to be published in June.
