New multi-million pound Strangford ferry launch on hold

New multi-million pound Strangford ferry launch on hold

30 November 2016

MODIFICATIONS are having to be made to the new multi-million pound Strangford ferry before it can be pressed into service.

The new £6m ferry — which will replace the 40 year-old MV Strangford — arrived in the village recently, but the ramps at either end of the vessel are being modified by engineers to ensure they can be extended fully onto the slipways on either side of Strangford Lough to allow vehicles to get on and off.

The modification work is being carried out by engineers from the Cammell Laird shipyard on Merseyside who built the new ferry which is due to be operational before Christmas.

Additional safety rails and signage are also being fitted to the vessel so a Passenger Safety Certificate can be issued to allow the vessel to become operational.

The ferry, which will operate alongside MV Portaferry II, is capable of carrying 28 cars, 260 passengers and crew.  At just over 38 metres long, it will be manned by a crew of four.

A spokesman for the Department for Infrastructure has confirmed that while the new MV Strangford II was built to the highest standards of design and workmanship, a number of minor issues need to be resolved before the vessel can be put into service.   

“A minor modification is required to the ramps to ensure that they can extend fully onto the slipway at high tides. The shipbuilders, Cammell Laird, are planning to carry out the minor modification to the ramps this week.

“Some other minor modifications, such as additional safety rails and safety signage, are also required by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency so they can issue a Passenger Safety Certificate to allow the vessel to become operational.”

The spokesman said the new ferry is expected to go into service before Christmas. The vessel’s official unveiling is expected to take place in the New Year.