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.
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.
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
