Fast Craft Finishes Early
Update 08.09.19: Images have appeared on social media in recent days which appear to show a crankshaft from one of the engines onboard DUBLIN SWIFT being removed.
Irish Ferries DUBLIN SWIFT has finished her season early this year after persistent technical issues. The vessel, which was converted for civilian use at Harland & Wolff, was observed being assisted by two tugs onto the former HSS maintenance berth at Holyhead on Saturday. She had arrived in the Welsh port after crossing from Dublin at a reduced speed of around 22 knots. Despite significant investment while the vessel was off service over autumn and winter, reliability issues have returned this year after a problematic first season during 2018. A number of sailings this year have been cancelled due to technical reasons, while other sailings have been operated at reduced speed. Reports on social media suggest the vessel has been having problems with one or more of her four engines.
In addition to regular maintenance during her 2018/19 off-season, new mezzanine car decks were fitted at Harland & Wolff (after loading them at Larne). A retractable bow thrust unit was also added at Cammell Laird this May after a short spell in service for Easter in order to aid manoeuvrability.
DUBLIN SWIFT had originally been expected to be in service until September 30th this year. The ship has now been removed from the Irish Ferries is timetable and online booking engine, leaving the Dublin to Holyhead route maintained by ULYSSES and EPSILON. It is not yet known when DUBLIN SWIFT will return to service as Irish Ferries have yet to release their 2020 schedule. W.B. YEATS is still expected to switch with EPSILON later in the year, with the latter maintaining the Dublin to Cherbourg route during the low season.
