8 January 2002
DRD MINISTER LAUNCHES NEW STRANGFORD FERRY
The new £2.7 million Strangford Lough Ferry was officially named and launched by Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson, MP MLA, today.
The MV Portaferry II replaces the MV Strangford and can hold 28 vehicles as opposed to the 20 that its predecessor could carry.
Mr Robinson said: "I take pleasure in naming the new Strangford Lough ferry - the MV Portaferry II – which I trust will provide as long, reliable and safe service as the MV Strangford.
"At a cost of approximately £2.7 million, the new ferry represents a considerable investment in the service and demonstrates my Department’s full commitment to the operation.
"We will continue to look at ways of improving the service and, as most people are aware, are currently considering involving the private sector to provide innovation in the management and operation of the ferry."
The Minister also paid tribute to the ferry crews for their continuing hard work and said: "On top of their normal duties, they have been heavily engaged in trials and training on the new ferry since delivery to ensure that it could be brought into full service as quickly as possible.
"Credit is also due to everyone who has been involved in the project from the outset including my department’s Roads Service and the shipbuilders, McTay Marine."
Mr Robinson also revealed that the smaller MV Strangford will assume a standby and support role when the new vessel is being serviced, and will also operate during the peak traffic periods in the summer months.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- DRD Roads Service is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Strangford Lough ferry service which provides an essential transport link for cars, commercial vehicles and foot passengers across the fast flowing currents of the southern end of the Lough between Portaferry and Strangford. The alternative road journey is approximately 64 kilometres and takes about 70 minutes by car.
- The service has been in operation since 1969 and is provided and operated under the provisions of Articles 98-109 of The Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993. The service runs for approximately 16 hours each day, 364 days per year. The ferry route is approximately 0.6 nautical miles with a typical crossing time of about eight minutes and the service normally operates with one vessel which leaves each slipway at 30 minute intervals; from Strangford on the hour and half hour and from Portaferry at quarter past and quarter to each hour. At certain busy periods, such as Bank Holidays and summer weekends, both vessels are operated off schedule to meet the extra passenger demand.
- The new £2.7 million vessel, MV Portaferry II, replaces the MV Strangford as the main vessel. The MV Strangford replaces MV Portaferry as the second vessel and the latter will be disposed of.
- DRD Roads Service awarded the contract for provision of the new ferry to Merseyside shipbuilders, McTay Marine, following a tender competition governed by EU regulations. The vessel was handed over to DRD Roads Service on 23 October 2001 and became operational on 18 December 2001 following a period of trials and crew training.
- The ferry service is operated in accordance with Marine Safety Agency Regulations whereby each vessel, on completion of its annual refit, is issued with a Class V Passenger Certificate that qualifies it for voyages in smooth waters. The vehicle ferries are currently licensed to operate with a crew of four. There are two eight-hour shifts each day.
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