Hampshire-based Fleet Support Limited (FSL) is strengthening its reputation in the fast ferry industry.

Cross-channel operator Condor ferries is the latest company to use FSL's Portsmouth headquarters as the major location for its winter refit work.

In addition, Southampton's Red Funnel, which operates ferry services between the city and Cowes, Isle of Wight, has also block- booked the company's three conventional Raptor Class vessels for annual surveys and maintenance programmes with FSL.

This is on top of Hoverspeed agreeing a contract with FSL last year, which will see three vessels stemmed over the next few weeks following work on the cross-Channel craft, Diamant and Rapide before Christmas.

The Hoverspeed package, carried out in conjunction with Dover-based Burgess Engineering, includes aluminium welding, hull surveys, mechanical engineering, structural work and repair and maintenance of water jets.

The Condor vessels have also completed widespread maintenance and survey procedures.

FSL's commercial ship repair department manager, Nick Horn, said: "Fast ferries have become a regular feature of our winter docking programme and we are working towards making Hampshire a centre of excellence in this sector by expanding the services that we can offer.''