Update 06.04.21: ISLE OF INISHMORE left Rosslare at around 20:00 with a destination of Brest.
The latest addition to the Irish Ferries fleet arrived at Rosslare this morning. BLUE STAR 1 berthed at the Wexford port just after 9am following a five day voyage from Piraeus, Greece. The ship backed on to berth 2, with STENA ESTRID already using Irish Ferries’ usual berth 1.
At the time of writing, BLUE STAR 1 is scheduled to take over from ISLE OF INISHMORE on the Rosslare – Pembroke Dock service tomorrow. This will be dependent on the ship passing all necessary regulatory inspections. BLUE STAR 1‘s entry into service will allow ISLE OF INISHMORE to go to dry dock.
Inishmore to dry dock in France
The ISLE OF INISHMORE will dry dock in Brest tomorrow according to French media reports. In addition to routine maintenance, the ship will need to be prepared for her new role as a Dover – Calais ferry.
It is not yet clear whether Irish Ferries intends to run the ship on Ultra Low Sulphur Fuel Oil, or to reactivate the deferred scrubber installation project on the ferry. One of these solutions will be required in order to comply with stricter emissions controls on the English Channel.
‘Mega Express Four’ finishes Irish charter
Separately, Irish Ferries’ overhaul relief vessel MEGA EXPRESS FOUR is currently on her way back to the Mediterranean. Ahead of the conclusion of her charter, the Corsica Ferries vessel made a final crossing from Dublin to Holyhead on April 3. After taking on bunkers at the Anglesey port, MEGA EXPRESS FOUR left for Genoa that evening. She is presently expected to arrive there on April 8.
