June (and early July) 2019 news roundup
A brief roundup of news stories not already covered on NI Ferry Site including local news, news of vessels which have left our waters, plus industry and new building news.
Red Star Ferries
Further Update on the former Stena Antrim and Stena Galloway
Since publishing our update on the former STENA GALLOWAY (presently LE RIF, originally GALLOWAY PRINCESS) and STENA ANTRIM (Presently IBN BATOUTA, originally ST. CHRISTOPHER), further information has come to light.
Ibn Batouta (ex Stena Antrim) update.
Further service (hopefully) beckons for the former North Channel favourite It has been confirmed that the purchasers, at auction, of the former COMANAV ferry Ibn Batouta (better known as the former Stena Antrim and St Christopher) was Albanian operator Red Star Ferries.  Red Star Ferries currently operate from the Italian port of Brindisi to the Albanian ports of Durres and Vlore, with the elderly Red Star 1 (ex, Viking III, originally built 1965).  It is rumoured that Ibn Batouta has been acquired to operate one of the existing Brindisi to Durres or Vlore routes, though it is understood that the Vlore route has less traffic and so it may be more likely she will operate to Durres instead.  It is believed that the vessel is currently (or about to) undergo an intensive refit at Bijela (Montenegro), which will involve her capacity being enhanced, and recertification.  Certainly, an intensive refurbishment will be required, with the long layover in Algercias having … Read more
