Two fast craft operating to the Channel Islands by Condor Ferries have been sold and will be replaced by a single larger vessel.
The Condor Express and Condor Vitesse currently operate between Guernsey, Jersey and the UK.
The vessels, built in Tasmania in 1997 and 1998, have been sold to Greek firm Seajets for an undisclosed sum, the BBC reports.
They will be replaced on the service by a £50 million Austal-class vessel, which was bought earlier this year and has yet to be given a name.
Due to the size of the vessel, known as Condor 102, the company will no longer sail from Weymouth and will operate from Poole where internal refurbishment is being carried out.
The 335ft vessel can carry up to 880 passengers and 245 vehicles, compared to the current fast ferries with capacity for up to 741 passengers and 175 vehicles each.
It is due to enter service to the Channel Islands from the end of March.
The company’s other fast ferry, the Condor Rapide, will continue to operate between the Channel Islands and St Malo.
Captain Fran Collins, executive director of operations, said: “Condor Vitesse and Express have served our customers extremely well over the years and we shall be sorry to say goodbye to them.
“We are very excited with the excellent progress being made on the final fit-out of Condor 102 and look forward to introducing her to the islands in March.
“Until then, we will operate our normal winter schedule between the Islands and the UK.”