PORTAFERRY (ex PORTA FERRY / CLEDDAU KING) - niferry.co.uk

A new ferry for Strangford

February 24, 2018February 3, 2017 by Steven Tarbox

STRANGFORD II crossing 'The Narrows' bound for Portaferry. © Steven Tarbox.

Strangford II ushers in a new era for historic lifeline ferry link. An historic ferry link. The Strangford Lough Ferry across “The Narrows” between Strangford and Portaferry has existed in one form or another without a break for over 4 centuries, since the time of James I. Records even exist showing that a ferry across Strangford Lough existed as far back as the 1180’s. The current service makes the 0.6nm crossing in around 8 minutes, a significant saving in time from the alternative 47 mile trip by road taking around 90 minutes. A first for Ireland The ferry between Strangford and Portaferry holds the distinction of having the first steam powered ferry in the whole of Ireland, the paddle steamer Lady of the Lake, as far back as 1836. This was some 36 years before Belfast got its first steam powered ferry. Lady of the lake was a paddle steamer built by Alexander McLaine in Belfast and launched … Read more

New ferry for Rathlin Island service

February 27, 2018June 7, 2015 by Steven Tarbox

MV Canna. Photograph Copyright © Gary Andrews

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that the £2.8million contract to build a replacement car ferry for service between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island has been won by Irish based Arklow Marine Services. ~ Friday, 22 May 2015 The new vessel, to replace the existing MV Canna, is expected to be in service from the end of the summer next year. Danny Kennedy said: “Today we see a very significant step forward in delivering a much needed new car ferry for the people of Rathlin Island and indeed for visitors to this unique part of Northern Ireland. “The new ferry which has been specifically designed to operate on the waters between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island will replace the now 40 year old MV Canna. “I congratulate Arklow Marine Services on their successful bid in the open competition which attracted interest from shipyards across Europe. I look forward to following the progress of … Read more

STRANGFORD (Vessel Profile)

October 24, 2019February 26, 2014 by Steven Tarbox

Frazer Ferries STRANGFORD seen leaving Greencastle at the start of another crossing to Magilligan Point while in service for Scenic Lough Foyle Ferry, Spring 2019. Scenic Lough Foyle Ferry.

MV STRANGFORD (also known as STRANGFORD FERRY, as that was the name she had painted on her hull) was the smaller of the 2 vehicle carrying vessels operating on the link across Strangford Lough between Strangford and Portaferry until the end of 2016. Until the entry into service of the PORTAFERRY II, STRANGFORD FERRY was the main vessel on the route, having launched the vehicle ferry service in 1969. Following PORTAFERRY II‘s arrival her role changed to provide extra capacity on the service during the summer and to cover maintenance on the larger PORTAFERRY II. STRANGFORD FERRY was originally built for Down County Council in 1969, and was earmarked as far back as 2009 for replacement in 2016, by which stage she was operational for some 47 years. Life extension and replacement In order to extend her life until 2016 STRANGFORD FERRY received new vehicle ramps and a full repaint following sand blasting during a dry docking at Harland and Wolff in 2011. Despite … Read more

Portaferry II (Vessel Profile)

May 3, 2019February 26, 2014 by Steven Tarbox

Portaferry - Strangford Ferry Portaferry II

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 … Read more