PORTAFERRY II
Quick Strangford ferry update
Strangford II floated out at Birkenhead The new Strangford ferry which is currently under construction at Cammell-Laird in Birkenhead passed an important milestone yesterday when she took to the water for the first time having been floated off at around 13:45. She was then towed by Smit Sandon and Smit Waterloo to the wet basin were further work will be completed. The new ship has been named Strangford II and has Belfast as her port of registry, just like her eventual operating partner (and near sister ship) Portaferry II. Strangford II will replace the existing ‘second ship’ Strangford, which is now over 40 years old and nearing the end of her operational life, later this year. Title image: Northern Ireland’s new ferry STRANGFORD II Registered Belfast built at Cammel Lairds was today launched (floated off) Lairds slip at 13:50 moving round to the wet basin dead tow, assisted by Smit Waterloo & Smit Sandon ... Read more
PR: BCTQ Designs New Ferries For Northern Ireland Executive
Strangford Ferry moves towards build with Cammell Laird BCTQ has been working with the Department for Regional Development (DRD NI), part of the Northern Ireland Executive, on the design and development of two car and passenger ferries for the region. The first of these designs for the “Strangford” service has been completed and we are pleased to announce that the build contract has now been signed with Cammell Laird shipyard. Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: “The new ferry will replace the existing MV Strangford with a new modern ferry that has been designed specifically for this service. The new ferry will be built over the next 18 months and, when it comes into operation, will provide a more reliable and efficient ferry service. “The Department for Regional Development currently operates a vehicle ferry service in Strangford Lough between Strangford and Portaferry with two vehicle ferries and a back-up passenger ferry. ... Read more
Portaferry II (Vessel Profile)
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