[Quick News] Former Galloway Princess looking for a new operator?

For a more up to date look inside LE RIF, please see the gallery here

The Detroit World Logistic Maritime (DWLM) owned ferry LE RIF, the former GALLOWAY PRINCESS / STENA GALLOWAY, has appeared on an online brokers website for charter (but notably, not sale). DWLM had expected to operate Harland & Wolff built vessel on her former route between Algeciras and Tangier, however her re-entry into service has been continually delayed. As reported on the brokers website, LE RIF has been undergoing a refit, and so it would appear likely that the North Channel veteran will enter service with someone though at the moment it is unclear who with. Some modernisation has also taken place on the vessel, with the bridge wings enclosed for example so the bridge crew are no longer exposed to the elements, as well as an internal refurbishment.

Interior render of LE RIF as it is intended she will look following the completion of her refurbishment. DWLM.

Of the 4 part-sisters built for Sealink by Harland & Wolff, 2 (PORT LINK (ex ST DAVID / STENA CALEDONIA) and BARI (ex ST ANSELM / STENA CAMBRIA) are currently in service. While LE RIF appears to be close to a return to service, IBN BATOUTA (ex ST CHRISTOPHER / STENA ANTRIM) was recently towed from Albania to Turkey with an unclear future, having been out of service for a number of years.

LE RIF
Other names (dates,operator)	*Stena Galloway* (1/1991 – 2/2002 Sealink Stena Line, Stena Sealink Line, Stena Line) Galloway Princess (1980 – 1991 Sealink British Ferries, Sealink UK Limited)
IMO Number	7719430
Building Yard	Harland and Wolff (Musgrave Yard), Belfast
Hull Number	1713
Keel Laid	29^th September 1978
Launched	24^th May 1979
Completed	1980
Original entry into commercial service (route)	1^st May 1980 (Stranraer to Larne)
Classification (Current)	Lloyds Register of Shipping until 2/12/15 (TBA)
Length overall (between perpendiculars)	129.426m (120.7m)
Breadth	21.62m (extreme)
Depth	6.43m (extreme)
Draft	4.74m
Gross Tonnage as built	6,268
Gross tonnage (Current)	12,175
Main engines	Two Crossley-Pielstick 16PC2-2V-400 16-cylinder medium-speed marine diesel vee engines producing 8,000 BHP each. Built by APE-Crossley, Manchester.
Power(Max/P_me@ 75%)	11,770kW
Operational speed	18.5-19kts

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