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Irish Ferries Enthusiasts => Discussion Board => Topic started by: giftgrub on February 16, 2014, 09:05:56 PM

Title: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: giftgrub on February 16, 2014, 09:05:56 PM
Two one time Irish Sea ferries the former St. Christoper/Stena Antrim/ Ibn Batouta  and former Stena Nordica/Rene Astrid/Al Mansour a part of the bankrupt Comanav fleet are likely to be auctioned for scrap.

http://www.yabiladi.com/articles/details/22857/port-d-algeciras-veut-debarrasser-bateaux.html

The St Christoper was the "Blue Peter" vessel of the final four Sealink vessels built in H&W and would be the first of this quartet to be scrapped. It was built for Dover-Calais but made its debut on the Irish Sea, at both Dun Laoghaire and Rosslare before taking up its main route. (For Blue Peter a large mural was designed by the TV show and put up in the restaurant - memory a bit hazy)

The Stena Nordica is one of the Rickmers built quartet that included the Stena Normandica / St Brendan and it served for both Sealink and B&I Line from Rosslare, it will also be the first of that series of vessels to be scrapped.

As well as serving on the Irish Sea, both ships also sailed out of Dover for quite a few years.

Details on the fleet:

http://www.ferry-site.dk/ferrycompany.php?Rid=277&lang=en


Stena Nordica Details:

http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/stena_nordica_1975.htm

http://www.doverferryphotosforums.co.uk/mv-reineastrid2/

http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/StenaNordica1975.html

St Christoper Details:

http://www.doverferryphotosforums.co.uk/mv-st-christopher-past-and-present/

Images of the St Christoper and the other three vessels in the "Saint Class" built in H&W for Sealink

http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottmackey/sets/72157623456676798/

More information on the St Christoper

http://www.hhvferry.com/stchris1.html

http://www.hhvferry.com/stchris2.html

http://www.hhvferry.com/doversaints.html
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on February 16, 2014, 10:07:10 PM
Very sad news and it seems way too early for either vessel to be heading for the beach.  Unfortunately though, given they have been sitting idle for two years its probably not economically viable to get them back into service.  I remember fondly watching Reine Astrid entering Ostend when there on a school trip (she was much easier on the eye than the jumboised PME and PMC, in fact I think the Rickmers "shoe boxes" still look quite modern) and of course being from Belfast I will always have a connection with the former saints.  It will be a very, very sad day when the ex St David/Stena Caledonia hits the beach!
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: ernst on February 17, 2014, 08:00:10 AM
they can maybe be saved depending on if any non breaker buy them
if they wil be sold to the very low prices we have seen on most auctions 1 mio usd or lower then even some money is needed they can still be cheap ferries to reuse
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: giftgrub on February 17, 2014, 08:17:29 PM
Quote from: emship on February 17, 2014, 08:00:10 AM
they can maybe be saved depending on if any non breaker buy them
if they wil be sold to the very low prices we have seen on most auctions 1 mio usd or lower then even some money is needed they can still be cheap ferries to reuse

Ernst, your optimism is to be appreciated, but I doubt very much any of the fleet will sail again, after being laid up for two years with probably no maintenance being carried out as the owners were bust, they are definitely not in the best condition.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on February 17, 2014, 11:45:20 PM
At the very least a major overhaul would be required (like with Stena Allegra following her layup), plus there is also the fact that given the state of the operator they where last with they where probably a little neglected even before they where laid up.  The climate they have been sitting idle in probably wont have helped matters either.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: larry on February 20, 2014, 06:00:10 PM
These guys also own the former "Stena Nordica" that served in Rosslare/Pembroke/Fishguard routes, she is currently laid up in a damaged state after a collision, i think its almost 4 years shes laid up now maybe a little less, I would assume this development will send her the way of the breakers too, assuming she hasnt headed there already.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Collision-course on February 21, 2014, 02:08:57 AM
Both the former Stena Nordica and Stena Antrim are in the process of being declared abandoned.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: ernst on February 21, 2014, 01:47:54 PM
The most possible will be scrapping as we have seing with a lot  of ships the last years
there a no greeks back who buy cheap and rebuild , we will I am afraid of a ship masacre next year



Quote from: giftgrub on February 17, 2014, 08:17:29 PM
Quote from: emship on February 17, 2014, 08:00:10 AM
they can maybe be saved depending on if any non breaker buy them
if they wil be sold to the very low prices we have seen on most auctions 1 mio usd or lower then even some money is needed they can still be cheap ferries to reuse

Ernst, your optimism is to be appreciated, but I doubt very much any of the fleet will sail again, after being laid up for two years with probably no maintenance being carried out as the owners were bust, they are definitely not in the best condition.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: larry on February 21, 2014, 05:41:18 PM
I'm not sure the extent of the damage to Nordica but I do know she's damaged, this would make it more or less certain she will be crushed, sad end but she was quite old too, that being said a very handsome ship
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on March 16, 2014, 01:34:14 AM
Both are still at Algericas according to AIS.  Ibn Batouta had quite a bit of work done a few years back, making her compliant to the Stockholm agreement and AFAIK she still has her internal ramps, etc.  However, her future may depend on how well she has fared during the layup.  Still, if Larks manages to make it back into service there may be hope yet!
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on March 24, 2014, 03:05:04 AM
The latest articles I can find was posted on the 21st of March.  They are in Spanish and google translate is being even more confusing in its translations than usual (anyone who has been on a Spanish beach holiday probably knows 'puerto' means port - but not google!).

Anyway, the gist from what I can gather is unless COMARIT/COMANAV cough up Eur 386,038.58 owed to the port within 15 days (of the article I assume), then the ships will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.  I assume this means they have been declared abandoned now (the second article mentions someone being appointed to declare the abandonment), and their fates could be decided in a little more than 12 days depending on how quickly the auction can be held.  If anyone fancies translating this, go ahead!

Quotehttp://www.europasur.es/article/maritimas/1733914/la/apba/reclama/comarit/y/comanav/ferry/euros/tasas.html (http://www.europasur.es/article/maritimas/1733914/la/apba/reclama/comarit/y/comanav/ferry/euros/tasas.html)

http://andaluciainformacion.es/campo-de-gibraltar/390167/comarit-comanav-debe-386000-euros/
(http://andaluciainformacion.es/campo-de-gibraltar/390167/comarit-comanav-debe-386000-euros/)


Ibn Batoutta definitely has internal ramps, maybe this can save her?  Not sure about the others, though Al Mansour (ex Reine Astrid, Stena Nordica) was built 1975 so is getting on in her years.  After some digging last night it appears the former Stena Nordica did return to service after her collision and sailed up until mid 2012 so she appears not to be in as bad a state as earlier feared.  Pics of the crash on Fakta om Fartyg:

http://faktaomfartyg.se/extra_bilder/al_mansour_ciudad_de_malaga_krock_1.htm (http://faktaomfartyg.se/extra_bilder/al_mansour_ciudad_de_malaga_krock_1.htm)
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on March 30, 2014, 06:38:46 PM
A nice wee pic of Al Mansour and Boughaz I came across

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jortegafigueiral/7024664469/in/photostream/

Also, it appears the auctions of COMANAV assets are beginning, in France at least.  Marrakech is to be auctioned on 7th April (she is currently in the port of Sete)

http://www.lereporter.ma/economie/actualite-economie/2430-le-marrakech-aux-enchères-le-7-avril
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on April 08, 2014, 01:35:40 AM
Quote from: Steven on March 30, 2014, 06:38:46 PM
Also, it appears the auctions of COMANAV assets are beginning, in France at least.  Marrakech is to be auctioned on 7th April (she is currently in the port of Sete)

http://www.lereporter.ma/economie/actualite-economie/2430-le-marrakech-aux-enchères-le-7-avril
For those interested, Marrakech sold for Eur 1.24m.  A price low enough to be easily recouped in scrap apparently.

http://languedoc-roussillon.france3.fr/2014/04/07/le-marrakech-vendu-aux-encheres-sete-454361.html (en Francais)
http://maritimenews.ma/index.php/croisiere/3064-une-mysterieuse-societe-domiciliee-a-casablanca-s-adjuge-le-marrakech (in French)

Have also read elsewhere that IMTC (who operate Le Rif - ex Stena Galloway, Galloway Princess ) have been having financial trouble as well, and now operate just Le Rif and Atlas.  Im not sure how serious the problems really are, but it would appear that they have had difficulty "paying the bills" for a few years now and have had to dispose of assets following them being seized.  The papers are questioning if they will go the same way as COMARIT/COMANAV, the following are in French and from the past couple of months.

http://www.lejournaldetanger.com/article.php?a=4691
http://www.lejournaldetanger.com/article.php?a=4460
http://www.leconomiste.com/article/904020-tangermedimtc-un-sc-nario-la-comarit

Still can't find any update on Al Mansour and Ibn Batouta
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: larry on April 11, 2014, 02:30:40 PM
any further news on this?
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on April 11, 2014, 07:01:34 PM
Quote from: larry on April 11, 2014, 02:30:40 PM
any further news on this?
Not that I am aware off, but the longer it drags on the less likely it is we will see them in further service.  Given that it appears the crew have not been paid I doubt they are in very good condition at all, especially mechanically having not moved for a couple of years.

Marrakech appears to have been bought by a morrocan consortium, but what their intentions are I don't know.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on May 06, 2014, 11:18:44 PM
Update on this

The 4 vessels have been declared abandoned and the port authority are now going through the process of notifying the involved parties before public auction.

http://www.europasur.es/article/maritimas/1762808/consejo/la/apba/aprueba/la/transmision/acciones/ttia.html

http://www.diariosur.es/v/20140501/campo-gibraltar/consejo-administracion-apba-aprueba-20140501.html?utm_source=sur.es&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=gibraltar-rss&utm_campaign=traffic-rss
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on May 25, 2014, 01:22:06 AM
http://www.europasur.es/article/maritimas/1776968/las/tasas/buque/suman/euros/mas/las/deudas/comarit.html

The gist is that the specifications are now being drawn up for the auctions, and COMANAV/COMARIT's debt just got a bit bigger as they have to pay the port fees.  The ships have been officially declared abandoned and are the property of the government.  It is expected all will probably go for scrap.  Ibn Battuta has been moved from where she has lain for the past two years in recent days.  The Google translation is a not sketchy but it appears to be due to safety concerns?
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on June 23, 2014, 07:11:34 PM
Still no more on this, but on a related note Le Rif (ex Galloway Princess, Stena Galloway) is still out of service with technical issues and no word on if she will return (don't hold your breath!).  This means only 2 of the 4 Saint's class (or 2 of the last 4 passenger ships built in Belfast) are still operating.

It appears Marrakech has been bought by the Morrocan government.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on August 08, 2014, 08:27:12 PM
The latest news on this ongoing saga is that COMANAV/COMARIT has now been declared insolvent and placed into liquidation.  This means the sale of the assets in Moroccan/Spanish waters can now proceed.  The following is translated from French (unfortunately I cannot for whatever reason copy and paste the text):

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.h24info.ma%2Fmaroc%2Fsociete%2Fla-comarit-cest-fini%2F26014&edit-text= (https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.h24info.ma%2Fmaroc%2Fsociete%2Fla-comarit-cest-fini%2F26014&edit-text=)

The former COMANAV ferry Bni Nsar (ex Marrakech Express) which had been allegedly purchased to become a floating hotel by a Greek concern was beached at Aliaga in the past week or so.  It has been said she is worth twice the price she was sold for in scrap value.  This doesn't bode well for the rest of the fleet really, especially considering Bilaldi also ended up at Aliaga.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on August 08, 2014, 08:39:52 PM
Bni Nsar on the beach

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/10599308_1510400125862966_6203553263965043025_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on September 12, 2014, 06:05:49 AM
So, the latest on this is that there is no latest really!

The 3 former Irish Sea ships Ibn Batouta (Stena Antrim), Al Mansour (Stena Nordica), and Le Rif (Stena Galloway) all have had their ais transponders turned off for some time.  I can't seem to find anything on any of them apart from mention of both COMARIT/COMANAV and IMTC failing and there thus being a lack of capacity.

In all likelihood I would say the first and last of the Sealink "saints" as well as Ostend's "slow boat to China" are beyond saving now.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on September 17, 2014, 03:40:54 AM
Ibn Batouta confirmed as still being at Algericas by a recent photo posted to Facebook taken from Gibraltar.  Le Rif has been said to have had major technical problems before her layup.  Still nothing more concrete though.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on February 19, 2015, 12:38:48 AM
COMARIT fleet mate to these ships, Berkane (1976), hit the beach at Aliaga on 17/2/15. (Tuesday).  Not looking to hopefull guys...,
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Stena Fergus on June 19, 2015, 11:04:49 AM
My parents passed through Algeciras and Tanger Med port in late November, and my dad got a couple of photos showing the Galloway Princess/Le Rif at Tanger Med, along with an older IMTC ferry. He said they were both docked in a separate part of the port away from the live ferry operations. He also saw the St Christopher/Ibn Battouta tucked away in a corner of Algeciras port. Even he recognised them both as former Stranraer ferries! (Although he did say the other IMTC ship looked like Antrim Princess, unlikely seeing as she was scrapped in 2007!)

Haven't seen any recent updates on either of these ships but would expect them to be bound for the beach very soon, leaving only the St Anselm and St David still working (I'm assuming St Anselm is still operating as Bari?)

It's great that all 4 are still currently in existence nearly 35 years on, and have almost outlasted contemporary vessels like the Spirit Class, Chunnel beaters, and even the HSS, but they can't have long left now. Makes me feel old as I remember them being built!
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on June 21, 2015, 11:58:38 PM
So far as I am aware, Bari is still in service, albeit not daily it would seem.  She was rebuilt in 2010, so hopefully has a future ahead of her.  Port Link continues in Malaysian waters, and is seen by many as the pride of the local fleet!  Unfortunately, the future for Le Rif and Ibn Batouta looks extremely bleak, both had their issues before lay-up and both have been sitting idle for a very long time.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: hhvferry on June 22, 2015, 10:30:55 PM
Quote from: Steven on June 21, 2015, 11:58:38 PM
So far as I am aware, Bari is still in service, albeit not daily it would seem.  She was rebuilt in 2010, so hopefully has a future ahead of her.  Port Link continues in Malaysian waters, and is seen by many as the pride of the local fleet!  Unfortunately, the future for Le Rif and Ibn Batouta looks extremely bleak, both had their issues before lay-up and both have been sitting idle for a very long time.
The Bari is indeed in service. Presently on Bari-Durres but from the 10th July the Rigel II (Felicity) takes over and she moves onto a Bari-Corfu-Igoumenitsa run, the classic trade of Ventouris Ferries. So she will be visible to anyone holidaying in Corfu who wants to see her. See http://www.elladeviaggi.it/Grecia%20Bari.htm

She also takes a couple of jaunts down to Kefallonia and Zakynthos.

The two Moroccan sisters there is less hope for but there might just be another twist for at least one of them yet. Remember the Bari was on her way to the scrappers but was saved and her abilities have not gone unnoticed. But they are both in a terrible state.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: PaddyL on June 22, 2015, 10:33:46 PM
Quote from: hhvferry on June 22, 2015, 10:30:55 PM
Quote from: Steven on June 21, 2015, 11:58:38 PM
So far as I am aware, Bari is still in service, albeit not daily it would seem.  She was rebuilt in 2010, so hopefully has a future ahead of her.  Port Link continues in Malaysian waters, and is seen by many as the pride of the local fleet!  Unfortunately, the future for Le Rif and Ibn Batouta looks extremely bleak, both had their issues before lay-up and both have been sitting idle for a very long time.
The Bari is indeed in service. Presently on Bari-Durres but from the 10th July the Rigel II (Felicity) takes over and she moves onto a Bari-Corfu-Igoumenitsa run, the classic trade of Ventouris Ferries. So she will be visible to anyone holidaying in Corfu who wants to see her. See http://www.elladeviaggi.it/Grecia%20Bari.htm

She also takes a couple of jaunts down to Kefallonia and Zakynthos.

The two Moroccan sisters there is less hope for but there might just be another twist for at least one of them yet. Remember the Bari was on her way to the scrappers but was saved and her abilities have not gone unnoticed. But they are both in a terrible state.

I read something on Facebook that the new owner of the ex Stena Antrim is the same as owns a ship currently on an Albanian route so you could well be right.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on June 30, 2015, 10:20:24 PM
Le Rif is going to be auctioned.  Bids starting at approx £300K
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: giftgrub on July 14, 2015, 09:21:31 PM
Feature on these ferries in this months Ships Monthly, out Friday in print, in all good newsagents and available from the App Store now. September edition of the magazine.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: giftgrub on July 14, 2015, 10:06:50 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on July 14, 2015, 09:21:31 PM
Feature on these ferries in this months Ships Monthly, out Friday in print, in all good newsagents and available from the App Store now. September edition of the magazine.

Ironically with the wrong Stena Nordica on the cover which is referring to the Stena Nordica featured in the article, close but not close enough Ships Monthly !

Great article and some images from onboard the former St Christopher which is a long way from its time as the Blue Peter featured ship and its arrival into Rosslare as the Stena Normandica's temporary cover prior to its arrival on Dover Calais. I still remember seeing it arriving in Rosslare in pre t'internet times and wondering where the great white Normandica had gone.

Next stop for all is the scrapyard, the first of the H&W built Sealink ships and the first of the Rickmers built Stena ships to be scrapped. Both a series of four vessels as well !

Ferry on cover is probably better known as Stena Londoner which was scrapped many years ago.
http://www.ferry-site.dk/ferry.php?id=7321661&lang=en

Correct one would have been
http://www.ferry-site.dk/ferry.php?id=7360629&lang=en
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on August 11, 2015, 10:07:55 PM
Ibn Batouta is currently under the tow of the tug Brucoli, with a picture posted to Facebook posted earlier today.  The tugs destination is Durres in Albania.  It has been said that she is going there for scrapping, however, I believe she has been purchased by the owner of Red Star 1, so personally I think there is some hope she could be fixed up and put back in to service.

Le Rif has also recently been pictured under tow, however, her destination is unknown at present.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: giftgrub on August 11, 2015, 10:24:35 PM
Would be amazing if it sailed again, interesting times ahead
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on August 12, 2015, 09:11:38 AM
Quote from: giftgrub on August 11, 2015, 10:24:35 PM
Would be amazing if it sailed again, interesting times ahead
Let's hope so.  The ships monthly article suggests that her main problems are damp, mould, and cosmetic issues.  She was overhauled shortly before her layup and upgraded for Stockholm agreement compliance as well.  It's been a while since those engines were turned over though :s
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on August 12, 2015, 10:52:31 AM
Al Mansour (ex Stena Nordica, Reine Astrid) BEACHED at Alaiga.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: giftgrub on August 12, 2015, 07:36:38 PM
First of the Rickmers built Stena vessels to be scrapped, end of an era.

https://instagram.com/p/6RlwuJrkLM/?taken-by=captainselim


https://instagram.com/p/6SHEezLkGN/?taken-by=captainselim
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: giftgrub on August 13, 2015, 09:02:29 PM
Some images of former St Christoper under tow at the bottom of the page on this link

http://www.doverferryphotosforums.co.uk/mv-st-christopher-past-and-present/
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on August 14, 2015, 10:46:33 AM
NIFerrySite updated with more images and information about both Ibn Batouta and Le Rif.  http://www.niferrysite.co.uk/former-stena-antrim-towed-to-albania-unknown-destination-for-former-galloway-princess/

It appears that the dockyard at Durres has started to dismantle ships, however, the relatively high price and nature of the buyer of the former Stena Antrim suggests she may see further service.

There have been internals from a year or two ago posted on dfe.boards.net, showing that Ibn Batouta is in worse condition that the pictures in ships monthly would suggest.

Le Rif (ex Galloway Princess, Stena Galloway) was towed  over a month ago, but her destination and current whereabouts is unknown.

UPDATE:  Le Rif is still in Morocco.  It appears she was simply being moved within Tangier Med II.  All four saint class ships still afloat!
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Stena Fergus on August 26, 2015, 10:15:10 AM
The tug Brucoli towing the former Stena Antrim arrived in Durres yesterday.....
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: giftgrub on August 27, 2015, 08:22:13 PM
The blowtorches have reached the Al Mansour

https://instagram.com/p/636Ck9LkDd/?taken-by=captainselim


images of better times for the Al Mansour

http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/StenaNordica1975.html
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: giftgrub on August 28, 2015, 08:56:15 PM
more destruction for Al Mansour

https://instagram.com/p/648JbzLkGY/?taken-by=captainselim
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on August 28, 2015, 10:53:57 PM
Shippax have confirmed that Ibn Batouta has arrived in Durres.  Still nothing definite on her future though.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: giftgrub on September 02, 2015, 11:16:42 PM
Al Mansour disappearing


https://instagram.com/p/7IGjbjrkJ1/?taken-by=captainselim
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on September 03, 2015, 05:57:06 PM
According to a comment left on niferrysite by someone in Albania,  Ibn Batouta WILL enter service from Albania, but will take a while to sort out.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: giftgrub on October 15, 2015, 08:12:49 PM
Not much left of the Al Mansor now

https://instagram.com/p/8zzDF4rkAU/?taken-by=captainselim
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Ainos on October 19, 2015, 02:10:30 PM
Hello,

I can confirm that the Bari is still very active! I travelled on her this summer from Bari to Sami (Kefalonia) and I found her to be in excellent condition :)
She is in fact, according to statements from Ventouris Ferries, the most reliable ferry they have.

In the winter months, she will be used again on the route between Bari and Durres (Albania).

Below is a picture taken in August in Sami:

Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on October 22, 2015, 05:24:49 PM
Quote from: Steven on September 03, 2015, 05:57:06 PM
According to a comment left on niferrysite by someone in Albania,  Ibn Batouta WILL enter service from Albania, but will take a while to sort out.
Shippax have suggested Ibn Batouta will be refitted in Macedonia.
Quote from: Ainos on October 19, 2015, 02:10:30 PM
Hello,

I can confirm that the Bari is still very active! I travelled on her this summer from Bari to Sami (Kefalonia) and I found her to be in excellent condition :)
She is in fact, according to statements from Ventouris Ferries, the most reliable ferry they have.

In the winter months, she will be used again on the route between Bari and Durres (Albania).

Below is a picture taken in August in Sami:


Excellent.  Im not surprised she is proving to be reliable.  In some ways they were over-engineered. 
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Ainos on October 22, 2015, 08:23:34 PM
Hi Steven,

there seems to be a small problem. Macedonia (FYROM) has no access to the Mediterranean Sea. They have only rivers and lakes. I think, they mean Montenegro.

One small question regarding the St. Anselm. Had the cabins (including the ex-crew cabins) on deck 5 always private facilities?

Regards

P.S.: I have rarely seen such a robust built ship :)
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on October 22, 2015, 11:02:27 PM
Quote from: Ainos on October 22, 2015, 08:23:34 PM
Hi Steven,

there seems to be a small problem. Macedonia (FYROM) has no access to the Mediterranean Sea. They have only rivers and lakes. I think, they mean Montenegro.

One small question regarding the St. Anselm. Had the cabins (including the ex-crew cabins) on deck 5 always private facilities?

Regards

P.S.: I have rarely seen such a robust built ship :)

You are of course correct Ainos, many thanks for the correction.  The article says that she was to undergo extensive refurbishment in Bijela.  The interior photographs I have seen suggest it will need to be a very intensive and thorough refurbishment indeed to get her into an acceptable condition for any service!

Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Ainos on October 23, 2015, 09:17:39 AM
You are welcome, Steven :)

Yes, indeed, the refurbishment will be expensive, but in my opinion, it's worth it. They will get a excellent ship.

Have a nice day!
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on April 23, 2016, 09:36:03 AM
Suggestions that Le Rif (ex Galloway Princess, Stena Galloway) has been sold at auction for a mere €824,000.  Given the low price (never mind her condition) it would appear she could be about to make her final trip.
Title: Re: Two former Irish Sea Ferries facing the end
Post by: Steven on April 23, 2016, 10:10:08 PM
Quote from: Steven on April 23, 2016, 09:36:03 AM
Suggestions that Le Rif (ex Galloway Princess, Stena Galloway) has been sold at auction for a mere €824,000.  Given the low price (never mind her condition) it would appear she could be about to make her final trip.
I've done some further digging, and Le Rif was indeed sold at auction at the start of April.  However, the purchaser (an outfit by the name World Detroit Shipping) failed to pay the full balance of the sale price in time and so the sale has been cancelled.  It seems that Le Rif has dodged the breakers yet again!

Regarding Ibn Batouta, I have heard that work has not even been started on her despite her sale being over 6 months ago.