P&O Ferries Dover to Calais freighter EUROPEAN SEAWAY is set to return to the Larne to Cairnryan route as refit relief vessel in 2019. According to the P&O Ferries online booking engine, the 1991 built vessel will first cover EUROPEAN HIGHLANDER from the 07:30 departure ex Larne on Monday 6th of May. EUROPEAN HIGHLANDER is then scheduled to return with the 07:30 ex Larne on the 28th May allowing EUROPEAN CAUSEWAY to go for her refit.
EUROPEAN SEAWAY‘s final scheduled sailing on the North Channel is on Wednesday 19th June with the 23:59 departure from Cairnryan in place of EUROPEAN CAUSEWAY. On the Dublin to Liverpool route a reduced passenger schedule will be in operation between March 31st and April 25th to allow for vessel refits, with a Ro-Ro vessel likely to be providing cover.
EUROPEAN SEAWAY last appeared at Larne in 2017 when she had a successful spell as refit relief vessel. Unlike in 2017, it appears P&O Ferries are taking web bookings for foot passengers for her 2019 spell at Larne.
Prior to 2017 the normal refit relief vessel on the route was the stern-only loading NORBAY, however the redevelopment of the berth at Cairnryan meant that larger vessels such as EUROPEAN SEAWAY could be accommodated. You can take a ‘look inside’ EUROPEAN SEAWAY here.