Portaferry II (Vessel Profile)

By: Steven Tarbox
Date:
Last updated:
Portaferry - Strangford Ferry Portaferry II
Portaferry II. Copyright © Scott Mackey

Overview

Portaferry II was the main vessel used on the Strangford – Portaferry vehicle and passenger service across Strangford Lough in County Down until February 2017.  A more modern part-sister ship was ordered in 2015 to act as a replacement for Strangford Ferry and operate alongside Portaferry II.  The new vessel, Strangford II, was introduced into service on the 2nd of February 2017.  The two vessels will operate interchangeably with the option to run both on the service during peak times.

Portaferry II on the Mersey during November 2015 whilst she was off service for overhaul at Cammell Laird. Copyright © Das Boot 160. Flickr.
Portaferry II on the Mersey during November 2015 whilst she was off service for overhaul at Cammell Laird. Copyright © Das Boot 160. Flickr.

In late 2015 to early 2016 Portaferry II had a dry dock and refit at a cost of around £374,000.  This involved the vessel crossing the Irish Sea to Cammell Laird Birkenhead, under her own power but shadowed by a tug for safety reasons.  While at Cammell Laird repairs were made to the hull and ramps, and the entire vessel was shot blasted and repainted.  To date this is the only time the vessel has been properly dry-docked, though overhauls take place at the ebbing dock in Strangford on an annual basis.

Title image credit: Portaferry II.  Copyright © Scott Mackey.

Portaferry II shortly after leaving Strangford for Portaferry, May 20, 1915. Copyright © Alan Geddes.
Portaferry II shortly after leaving Strangford for Portaferry, May 20, 1915. Copyright © Alan Geddes.

Technical Data

 

MV Portaferry II

IMO Number

9237436

Building Yard

McTay Marine, Bromborough, Merseyside, England

Yard Number

127

Keel laid

14th Ferbruary 2000

Launched

Delivered

1st June 2001

23rd October 2001

Owner

Department for Infrastructure

Operator

Strangford Lough Ferry

Year Completed

2001

In service (original)

18th December 2001

Call sign 

ZNXC8

Previous names and operators

None

Length excluding ramps

38.2m

Beam

14.56m

Draught

1.9m

Gross Tonnage

312

Deadweight

178

Machinery 

Twin Voith Schneider propellers coupled to a Cummins diesel engine each.

Power(Max/Pme  @ 75%)

?

Operational/max speed 

10.5/12kts

Capacity (max)

260 passengers and 20 cars

up to 5 crew

Vehicle decks

Single deck accessed by a ramp at either end.  Double-ended ferry.

Flag

United Kingdom (Belfast)

 

Additional Photographs

Portaferry II builders plaque and naming plaque. Copyright © Scott Mackey.
Portaferry II builders plaque and naming plaque. Copyright © Scott Mackey.
Portaferry II arrives at Strangford. Copyright © Scott Mackey.
Portaferry II arrives at Strangford. Copyright © Scott Mackey.

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