- MS Stena Mersey
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Stena Mersey as Mersey Seaways in LiverpoolCareer Name: 2005-2010: Mersey Viking
2010-2011: Mersey Seaways
2011 onwards: Stena MerseyOwner: Levantina Trasporti Srl Operator: 2005-2006: Norse Merchant Ferries
2006-2010: Norfolkline
2010-2010: DFDS Seaways
Dec 2010 onwards: Stena LinePort of registry: 2005-2008: Bari, 
Italy
2008-present: Belfast,
United KingdomBuilder: Cantiere Navale Visentini Yard number: 213 Completed: December 2005 Maiden voyage: December 2005 Identification: IMO number: 9329851 Status: in service General characteristics [1] Tonnage: 26,500 GRT Length: 186.46 m (611.7 ft) Beam: 25.6 m (84 ft) Draft: 6.63 m (21.8 ft) Installed power: 2 x MAN B&W 9L 48/60B Propulsion: 2 x Controllable pitch propellers
2 x bow thrustersSpeed: 24 knots (44 km/h) Capacity: 980 passengers The Stena Mersey is a RoPax ferry operated by Stena Line between Birkenhead and Belfast.
She was built in Italy by Cantiere Navale Visentini. She is 26,500GRT and can carry up to 980 passengers in her 2 lounges, and can sleep up to 480 passengers in cabins. She has 4 vehicle decks and room for around 200 lorries. Her maximum speed is 27 knots, but usually sails at 23 knots maximum.
The Mersey Viking name has been in the company since 1997 (formerly Norse Irish Ferries), The original Mersey Viking was renamed Dublin route.
Contents
History
The Stena Mersey was launched in December 2005 as the Mersey Viking, Entering service with Norse Merchant Ferries later the same month. Within a few months of operation, Norse Merchant Ferries was acquired by Norfolkline. The Mersey Viking received Norfolkline lettering on her red hull but retained her Norse Merchant Ferries funnel for many years.
In July 2010 Norfolkline was acquired by DFDS. The vessel was renamed Mersey Seaways during her refit in August 2010. Later that same year, DFDS sold its Northern Irish operations to Stena Line.[2] The sale included the Belfast - Birkenhead route and the chartered Mersey Seaways. In August 2011 the vessel was renamed Stena Mersey[3]
Route
Stena Mersey operates on the Birkenhead-Belfast route with her marginally older sister ship the Stena Lagan. The total journey time on board the ship is 7 hours.
On board
The ship has several facilities on board such as restaurants, bars, shops and a cinema.
References
- ^ "DFDS Seaways - Ferry Fleet - Mersey Seaways". DFDS Seaways. http://www.norfolkline.com/EN/Irish_Sea_Ferries/Onboard_our_ferries/Ferry_fleet/Mersey_Seaways/. Retrieved December 2010.
- ^ "Stena ends Larne to Fleetwood line and buys Belfast routes". BBC News. 3 December 2010. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11910853. Retrieved December 2010.
- ^ http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shipdetails.aspx?mmsi=235068243
External links
Categories:- Ferries of the United Kingdom
- Ferries of Northern Ireland
- Ferries of England
- 2005 ships
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