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Irish Ferries Enthusiasts => The News Board => Topic started by: Collision-course on January 05, 2010, 02:52:47 PM

Title: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on January 05, 2010, 02:52:47 PM
I noticed there was'nt already a thread like this as we have for the other operators.
Ulysses has left for its anual refit and Dublin - Holyhead service is currently being operated by Isle Of Innismore.
Oscar Wilde is operating the Rosslare - Fishguard service until Isle of Innismore returns from both cover for Ulysses and its own refit , and will then go for its own refit before returning to the Ireland - France service.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on January 10, 2010, 04:50:00 PM
Ulysses is being refitted in Liverpool (at Cammell Laird I think, but she is in Liverpool...)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Higgins on January 14, 2010, 06:50:16 PM
Ulysses is now back from refit and the Isle of Inishmore and johnthan swift are in liverpool. The Oscar Wild should be covering the Pembroke- Rosslair crossing until the Isle of Inishmore is back on th 25th i think.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on March 24, 2010, 05:31:56 PM
Oscar Wilde is now back in service after repairs due to a generator fire last month.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on February 19, 2011, 10:12:18 PM
Below from www.shipspotting.com , the Oscar Wilde passing Liverpool Docks on her way for refit.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 06, 2013, 06:46:44 PM
The Ulysses is currently in dry dock in Cammel Laird.

More images of the vessel arriving at drydock here.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/8346373953/in/photostream/

Image below from shipspotting.com
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on January 30, 2013, 11:30:05 AM
Isle of Inishmore returned to service last night on the Rosslare-Pembroke service. Oscar Wilde due to head for the Lairds later today.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 21, 2013, 09:42:35 PM
All of the Irish Ferries fleet have now overhauled and returned to service.

Some images of the Isle of Inishmore in drydock here:

http://www.irishships.com/photo_album_ferries.html

http://www.irishships.com/images/Photo%20Album/Ferries/Derry%202013/DD11.jpg

http://www.irishships.com/images/Photo%20Album/Ferries/Derry%202013/DD12.jpg

http://www.irishships.com/images/Photo%20Album/Ferries/Derry%202013/DD7.jpg

http://www.irishships.com/images/Photo%20Album/Ferries/Derry%202013/n3.jpg

http://www.irishships.com/images/Photo%20Album/Ferries/Derry%202013/3.jpg
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 12, 2013, 01:30:48 PM
Oscar Wilde has had an interesting crossing to France

http://afloat.ie/port-news/ferry-news/item/21141-ferry-to-france-forced-to-abandoned-approach-to-port

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/500-stranded-as-ferry-fails-to-dock-29125061.html
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on March 12, 2013, 06:06:25 PM
Am I reading this right that there are still passengers aboard Oscar Wilde? That would be very odd as I dont see any reason they can not disembark via the passenger gangway and reclaim their vehicles when engineers get the doors open.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on March 12, 2013, 06:35:48 PM
Latest Irish Ferries sailing update is showing

Status Update for Ireland / France route
Irish ferries regrets to advise that the 21.30 ex Rosslare Oscar Wilde sailing on Wednesday 13th Mar 2013 has been cancelled due to technical reasons. Our next scheduled sailing to Cherbourg is on 15 Mar 2013.
[/b]

Would seem to indicate that the vessel can't sail from Cherbourg tonight?



Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on March 12, 2013, 07:41:39 PM
The problem in the bow door could be minor , but no captain on the Irish Sea will put to sea unless he is 100% certain of the bow door.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on March 13, 2013, 12:31:29 PM
Oscar Wilde not sailing til early next week. The following just posted on Irish Ferries website

ROSSLARE HARBOUR WEDNESDAY 13TH MARCH, 2013 12.15 HRS
]Irish Ferries regret to advise that the following sailings on the Rosslare Cherbourg route have been cancelled because of technical reasons on board the car ferry Oscar Wilde :

Rosslare Cherbourg 2130 hrs Wednesday 13th March, 2013

Cherbourg Rosslare 2130 Hrs Thursday 14th March, 2013

Rosslare Cherbourg 2130 Friday 15th March, 2013

Cherbourg Rosslare 2130 hrs Saturday 16th March, 2013

Rosslare Cherbourg 1800 hrs Sunday 17th March, 2013.

Irish Ferries regret any inconvenience caused to our customers by these cancellations.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on March 13, 2013, 04:37:26 PM
can anyone shed any more light on what caused this and what the damage is?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 13, 2013, 05:24:49 PM
Would guess that the technical fault with the bow doors requires a part that is not immediately available and they have to wait for the part.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on March 13, 2013, 07:38:34 PM
just as a matter of interest, is this the normandy?

(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc63/bncrewceb/norm_zps9459a6a1.jpg)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 13, 2013, 10:19:22 PM
Would say yes, it is the Normandy.

Image from

http://simplonpc.co.uk/

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on March 13, 2013, 10:40:23 PM
id be nearly certain of it too, just wanted to make sure i wasnt going mad there for a sec, even cross referenced it with a similar image of the europe
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 13, 2013, 10:44:33 PM
I assume that was taken in Cherbourg from Google maps, it is the Normandy for definite.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on March 13, 2013, 11:12:05 PM
it certainly was yeah, i came across the st brendan too
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jswift on March 14, 2013, 08:07:51 AM
It has to be the Normandy - Oscar Wilde is currently on passage to Brest ETA 16:00 UTC - presumably for bow door repairs.  ;)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: shamrock_712 on March 22, 2013, 10:05:48 AM
Just back home from an overnight drive from London via Pembroke. First time on the Inishmore since 2001 and first time driving rather than flying home!

Passenger areas still look factory fresh despite now pushing 16 yrs old. Not the biggest fan of rough seas so was fearing the worst. Despite the winds, there was only slight pitching for most of the crossing which was impressive and loads of room to spread out to catch some sleep. All in all job well done by IF. Thumbs up to the crew for navigating a gusty arrival at Rosslare too.

In terms of load,deck 5 was full roughly half and half with cars and hauliers, not sure how full deck 3 was or whether the load included the Fishguard customers.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 24, 2013, 06:39:33 PM
Two great images of the Oscar Wilde posted on Rosslare Maritime facebook site, no indication of when they were taken but dramatic images regardless:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151553230849721&set=p.10151553230849721&type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151553234734721&set=p.10151553234734721&type=1&theater
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 25, 2013, 10:31:19 PM
Another view of the Normandy on google maps, this time from Singapore, nearer the end here at Sembawang shipyard.

In the middle is fleetmate ARV1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_fcaIZmk

[media width=600]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_fcaIZmklE [/media]
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on June 20, 2013, 09:42:08 PM
Anyone know why Ulysses didn't leave her berth tonight 2055 sailing to holyhead ?? stena adventurer was lateat leaving im presuming to get irish ferries traffic onto stena ?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on June 20, 2013, 09:51:24 PM
Shes leaving her berth now at 2150 ! her speed is 0.4kts so i guess shes leaving ! Wonder what the delay was though?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on June 21, 2013, 11:22:28 AM
Medical incident onboard caused the delay.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on June 21, 2013, 07:39:11 PM
Yeahh ! Just heard today as my dad was getting the next sailing from holyhead 0240 and it left holyhead late .. he said that it was delayed in dublin because a passenger broke his leg and the ship needed a doctor and ambulance !
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on June 21, 2013, 09:04:51 PM
Another sat shot of the Normandy hanging out in Cherbourg during happier times.

(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc63/bncrewceb/Normandy_zps54f32ef4.jpg) (http://s213.photobucket.com/user/bncrewceb/media/Normandy_zps54f32ef4.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on June 21, 2013, 10:24:59 PM
were the stena europe and the normandy sisters?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on June 21, 2013, 11:11:12 PM
sure were yeah, served side by side here in rosslare for a few years too
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on June 22, 2013, 05:43:19 AM
Not only did both operate from Rosslare , but they both worked for Stena Line at one time .on this page you will find pictures of Stena Europe and Stena Normandy see if you can spot the difference http://www.irish-ferries-enthusiasts.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1236730733/15#15
Below from www.shipspotting.com , both sisters at Rosslare.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on June 22, 2013, 08:40:39 AM
true, some great pics of it, also cant remember which one but there's footagè of one of them taking part in the rescue of passengers from the fire onboard that norweigan ferry, can't remember the name but the footage is filmed from the deck beside the funnel
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on June 22, 2013, 10:20:06 AM
:D there nice ships although i hate the shape of the funnel ! Bit tall in my opinon .. theres only 1 diffrence ! the normandy has got rust on it and the europe in this picture doesnt ! heha
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on June 22, 2013, 11:00:55 AM
there'll never be a funnel as terrible as the Pontiac l'abbe or whatever that hideous thing is called, its the height of the ship itself, I can only assume the did that to allow extending the vessel upward if future needs dictated
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on June 22, 2013, 03:38:52 PM
Quotethere'll never be a funnel as terrible as the Pontiac l'abbe or whatever that hideous thing is called, its the height of the ship itself, I can only assume the did that to allow extending the vessel upward if future needs dictated

I will have to look her up and see if i agree with you !  8-) ;D ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on June 22, 2013, 04:36:00 PM
sorry that should have read pont not Pontiac , stupid spell check
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on June 22, 2013, 04:47:19 PM
Going way off topic here people "Irish Ferries Fleet Movements" but this is the ship Larry is thinking about.

http://www.ferry-site.dk/ferry.php?id=7615414&lang=en

Very good article comparing the Europe and Normandy here:

http://www.hhvferry.com/rosslare07_1.html

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on June 22, 2013, 06:31:15 PM
thats the very one, i think she was pont l'abbe or something for another company. Excellent article there, now back to the topic, appologies for misdirecting it
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loughro on June 27, 2013, 09:19:34 AM
Anyone know why Ulysses has been delayed for just over an hour this morning leaving Dublin?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on June 29, 2013, 10:26:38 AM
Ulysses was delayed leaving Holyhead on the 02.40hrs crossing due to a power outage with the linkspan. Ulysses had to wait for the tide to drop so she could slip out from under the linkspan. She did not depart Holyhead until 04.09hrs, with the knock on affect she sailed from Dublin late, but was back on time for the 14.10hrs crossing.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on June 30, 2013, 12:07:57 AM
QuoteNot only did both operate from Rosslare , but they both worked for Stena Line at one time .on this page you will find pictures of Stena Europe and Stena Normandy see if you can spot the difference http://www.irish-ferries-enthusiasts.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1236730733/15#15
Below from www.shipspotting.com , both sisters at Rosslare.
Great pic btw  :)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 01, 2013, 10:36:58 PM
I know alot of ferry companys are reducing speed etc on journeys etc but i find this strange ..

Most of the time ive been on Irish ferries Ulysses .. there has been a foreign captain on .. he usually cruises in around 19knots/18knots .. one other time there was an english captain and he did full speed .. 22knots .. there was a new irish captain ( i only presume he was new as it was the first time i heard his voice, i have ever heard of the voice speaking before setting setting sail  .. he also did full speed .. 22knots .. why would this be ?? are the captains suppost to reduce speed or do some just keep her at it at full speed ??

hope it doesnt sound like a stupid question !

Thanks
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 02, 2013, 12:29:24 AM
Could be to do with timekeeping but if having to overcome strong winds or rough seas this would slow the ship down too I guess.  Was crossing time similar?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 02, 2013, 10:33:27 AM
well it is a lorry drivers bonus to get to holyhead ontime at the scheduled time 0020 but shes slowly getting slightly later recently! but other nights when the captain is running her from 21knots to 22knots shes bang on time

and yeahh i do agree it may be slowing down because of the wind but i cant be windy everytime im on her on the 2055 sailing ! lol or the 0240 from holyhead
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on July 02, 2013, 02:47:13 PM
Quote.. why would this be ?? are the captains suppost to reduce speed or do some just keep her at it at full speed ??

hope it doesnt sound like a stupid question !

Thanks

I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you  ;D ;D

Do you not enjoy trying to make up the lost time in your truck getting out of Holyhead or even better we could point VOSA your way  :D :D :D

Green or blue docket????
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on July 02, 2013, 04:20:28 PM
Quote
Quote.. why would this be ?? are the captains suppost to reduce speed or do some just keep her at it at full speed ??

hope it doesnt sound like a stupid question !

Thanks

I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you  ;D ;D

Do you not enjoy trying to make up the lost time in your truck getting out of Holyhead or even better we could point VOSA your way  :D :D :D

Green or blue docket????

Ok tell me, I will take a chance on you killing me ;D ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 02, 2013, 08:38:17 PM
hahaha da vosa is not open in holyhead very often thank god !!  :D .. usually theres an owl pc plod though (mr jones) and yea sometimes to make up lost time we have to bypass the limiter ya know lol still within the legal speed limit though

i do enjoy makin up the lost time but yeahh lol

i will hopefully make a trucking diary along with mv ulysses in the middle of it :D taddy ho !
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on July 02, 2013, 11:14:08 PM
Quotehahaha da vosa is not open in holyhead very often thank god !!  :D .. usually theres an owl pc plod though (mr jones) and yea sometimes to make up lost time we have to bypass the limiter ya know lol still within the legal speed limit though

i do enjoy makin up the lost time but yeahh lol

i will hopefully make a trucking diary along with mv ulysses in the middle of it :D taddy ho !

What do you drive?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 02, 2013, 11:17:54 PM
Im only his co pilot .. lol my dads the driver .. he drives a scania R620 v8
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on July 02, 2013, 11:27:25 PM
QuoteIm only his co pilot .. lol my dads the driver .. he drives a scania R620 v8

Wow, thats a big rig, who does he drive for?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 03, 2013, 11:12:39 AM
Morgan McLernon
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on July 03, 2013, 11:29:59 AM
QuoteMorgan McLernon
Sawyers / Morgan Mclernon & Woolsey the threo of lateness "I'm only 5 mins away....."  at sailing time. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 03, 2013, 03:08:55 PM
yes we sure are always running tight for the boat !

Woolsey/Sawyers are the same company lol
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on July 03, 2013, 04:34:02 PM
Quote

Woolsey/Sawyers are the same company lol

We have different contacts for each, but that transport companies..
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 04, 2013, 12:00:17 AM
Ahh
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 04, 2013, 12:02:00 AM
Do you work for irish ferries ferryman ?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on July 04, 2013, 09:37:11 AM
I do in Dublin Port.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on July 04, 2013, 12:06:21 PM
Where you one of the ones that bent the Ulysses new safety barrier on deck 5?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 04, 2013, 12:14:00 PM
im not sure   .. didnt even know it was bent lol
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on July 04, 2013, 12:39:03 PM
I was asking Ferryman :D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 08, 2013, 08:35:12 PM
oh right ! i thought you were talkin to me as in a lorry bent the barrier lol ..
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on July 09, 2013, 06:49:54 PM
QuoteWhere you one of the ones that bent the Ulysses new safety barrier on deck 5?

No not me this time  ;D ;D they have been damaged twice already, same gang. The engineering crew on Ulysses are not to happy.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on July 09, 2013, 07:32:56 PM
Quote
QuoteWhere you one of the ones that bent the Ulysses new safety barrier on deck 5?

No not me this time  ;D ;D they have been damaged twice already, same gang. The engineering crew on Ulysses are not to happy.

Yeah I know ;D ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on July 10, 2013, 09:41:36 AM
Quote
Quote
QuoteWhere you one of the ones that bent the Ulysses new safety barrier on deck 5?

No not me this time  ;D ;D they have been damaged twice already, same gang. The engineering crew on Ulysses are not to happy.

Yeah I know ;D ;D

MAKman I take it you work on board?

MAK as in MaK cat engines?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on July 10, 2013, 12:08:22 PM
Quote
Quote
Quote
QuoteWhere you one of the ones that bent the Ulysses new safety barrier on deck 5?

No not me this time  ;D ;D they have been damaged twice already, same gang. The engineering crew on Ulysses are not to happy.

Yeah I know ;D ;D

MAKman I take it you work on board?

MAK as in MaK cat engines?

Just like you said previously "I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you" ;D ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 10, 2013, 11:47:24 PM
Hmm something is making me smile and tickling my nose and is saying to me that you work down in the engines room ! As when i asked you why she was cutting speed you said the same story ! I can tell you but i have to kill you ! Lol
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on July 11, 2013, 06:27:23 AM
It was ferryman that told you he would have to kill you, the post is at the top of page 4.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on July 12, 2013, 02:13:12 AM
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
QuoteWhere you one of the ones that bent the Ulysses new safety barrier on deck 5?

No not me this time  ;D ;D they have been damaged twice already, same gang. The engineering crew on Ulysses are not to happy.

Yeah I know ;D ;D

MAKman I take it you work on board?

MAK as in MaK cat engines?

Just like you said previously "I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you" ;D ;D
It all cloak and dagger, as Eamonn could have us both ending up in a Russian transit zone ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on July 12, 2013, 07:56:16 AM
or in the back of a russian ford transit
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 12, 2013, 07:27:39 PM
Quoteor in the back of a russian ford transit
That would be a GAZ GAZelle.  Pretty rare in Ireland I would have thought but you never know!  Perhaps its what damaged the barrier as a result of its eastern bloc underpinnings  failing ;D

So does Anyone actually have any IF news lol
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on July 12, 2013, 09:12:47 PM
No, but I could make something up if you like 8-)

Oh, there is a new Costa Coffee machine on Ulysses (that one is true) :D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 13, 2013, 01:24:00 PM
there sure is ! on boylans cafe

How come they got rid of cafe layfette ?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on July 13, 2013, 01:38:37 PM
Cafe Lafayette is still there, it now sells Costa Coffee.
Boylan's is the restaurant area around the corner from the cafe.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on July 13, 2013, 02:15:38 PM
€osta €offee ;D ;D

Irish Ferries coffee disaster!

http://cabbagesofdoom.blogspot.ie/2013/06/irish-ferries-coffee-disaster.html
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 13, 2013, 04:30:46 PM
I will mostlikely be on ulysses anyway tonight ! Sometimes superfasts out of bfs but more chance of if dublin .. will try and get pics ..hate taking pics onboard as im afraid of being told off lol
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on July 13, 2013, 05:18:13 PM
just tell them "it's for the lads"
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on July 13, 2013, 06:24:16 PM
No problem with taking photos.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 14, 2013, 03:19:37 PM
Didnt take any pics although i got a video when we went onto the boat
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on July 15, 2013, 02:01:41 PM
video/photo's on Dublin port company property without permission  >:( >:( the big yellow jackets will be after you.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 16, 2013, 09:28:58 AM
Hmm strange .. there was plenty about .. must not of saw it in the windscreen .. .. big round suction thing with a camera ! Cant miss it heha lol
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on July 16, 2013, 11:49:02 PM
You would need to have a full TV crew with you before DPC security would notice anything.  ;D ;D ;D Is it on youtube? might see myself on it.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 18, 2013, 03:29:17 PM
no not yet .. i was but then wasnt sure when you said that they would be after you lol .. but i will if ya give me the go ahead lol
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on July 18, 2013, 03:38:41 PM
just converting it and editing it and then its youtube bound :D lol

scaniaV8topline1 is my youtube name
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on October 16, 2013, 12:29:19 PM
I notice Jonathan Swift isn't running this morning. Presumably a bit choppy out there. Wind (according to MarineAIS) is showing 30kts in the middle of the channel.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on October 21, 2013, 05:23:26 PM
Good Afternoon,
Did anyone hear that "Ir.Fer." might be getting another vessel next year to compete with Stena Nordica ?? ......I must stress this information came from an un reliable source  and I cannot confirm this by any means . However it does seem possible considering how well Nordica is doing ....
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on October 21, 2013, 06:21:45 PM
I had not heard any mention of that at all, i wonder would it be profitable for them to get another one, or what other ship would they use? something more freight orientated?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on October 21, 2013, 06:43:04 PM
something like this might be nice
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc63/bncrewceb/ifer_zps20b69b64.jpg)

decided to fire up the old isle of inishturk name for it and all
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on October 22, 2013, 01:35:50 AM
Quotesomething like this might be nice
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc63/bncrewceb/ifer_zps20b69b64.jpg)

decided to fire up the old isle of inishturk name for it and all

I like that a lot , looks well , and yeah something like that would be ideal if Irish Ferries were to add a second ship.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on October 22, 2013, 07:49:51 PM
Very nice, it may happen.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on October 22, 2013, 08:36:56 PM
That looks great larry, any truth in it I wonder??
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on October 22, 2013, 09:12:51 PM
Quotesomething like this might be nice
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc63/bncrewceb/ifer_zps20b69b64.jpg)

decided to fire up the old isle of inishturk name for it and all

Nice, but at this rate all the Visentini's will be operating on the Irish Sea shortly!  Given Forwarders unsuitability would a Visentini be a good idea?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on October 25, 2013, 06:20:46 PM
Hear on the grapevine that ICG have agreed to charter the Cartour Epsilon, wonder where that will be deployed ???

Could it join the Ulysses out of Dublin - Holyhead
Replace Inishmore out of Rosslare allowing Inishmore to go to Holyhead
Replace Oscar Wilde allowing Oscar to replace Inishmore allowing Inishmore to Holyhead
Start new route from Cork-Spain/France

Any thoughts ???
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on October 25, 2013, 06:47:05 PM
i like to believe my photoshop inspired that decision...

i wonder are they interested in a new route? or even belfast liverpool to make a return, or dublin liverpool? or even cork as you said. I dont think theyd take the IOI away from he current route, everyone seems delighted with that, theyd hardly consider replacing the oscar completely now what theyve seen a similar ship tested on the rosslare france route?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on October 25, 2013, 07:05:30 PM
QuoteHear on the grapevine that ICG have agreed to charter the Cartour Epsilon, wonder where that will be deployed ???

Could it join the Ulysses out of Dublin - Holyhead
Replace Inishmore out of Rosslare allowing Inishmore to go to Holyhead
Replace Oscar Wilde allowing Oscar to replace Inishmore allowing Inishmore to Holyhead
Start new route from Cork-Spain/France

Any thoughts ???

It will be either option
1) Along side Ulysses
2) Replace Inishmore out of Rosslare allowing Inishmore to do a Dublin - Holyhead.

Oscar cant cope with the Pembroke & she has no open deck space + to many cabins for short sea sailings.

Not much painting needed to get her into ICG livery & she has just came out of drydock.

Any idea on how long she is chartered for & is she bareboat charter?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on October 25, 2013, 07:12:32 PM
QuoteI dont think theyd take the IOI away from he current route

IOI is extra vessel in Dublin again over Christmas/New Year then covering Ulysses dry docking. She many not head back down south, if Cartour Epsilon arrives before the new year.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on October 25, 2013, 07:46:04 PM
Anybody know the capacities (vehicles, persons, cabins etc) of this ship? that might help to work out where she will be deployed.

From the photo, she doesn't look to have much passenger area, so I guess she will primarily be handling freight.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on October 25, 2013, 08:03:18 PM
I would say Holyhead-Dublin with similar sailing times as Stena Nordica.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on October 25, 2013, 08:13:22 PM
QuoteAnybody know the capacities (vehicles, persons, cabins etc) of this ship? that might help to work out where she will be deployed.

From the photo, she doesn't look to have much passenger area, so I guess she will primarily be handling freight.

http://www.ferry-site.dk/ferry.php?id=9539054 I found this, but I think it is wrong.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on October 25, 2013, 08:24:03 PM
QuoteI would say Holyhead-Dublin with similar sailing times as Stena Nordica.

IOI times over Christmas are:

Dublin - Holyhead Isle of Inishmore Dep: 13:00 Arr:16:30
Holyhead - Dublin  Isle of Inishmore Dep:18:30 Arr: 22:00

So would they add a 2nd round trip at these times

Dublin - Holyhead Isle of Inishmore Dep: 01:00 Arr: 04:30
Holyhead - Dublin  Isle of Inishmore Dep: 06:30 Arr: 10:00
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on October 25, 2013, 08:54:33 PM
Quote
QuoteI would say Holyhead-Dublin with similar sailing times as Stena Nordica.

IOI times over Christmas are:

Dublin - Holyhead Isle of Inishmore Dep: 13:00 Arr:16:30
Holyhead - Dublin  Isle of Inishmore Dep:18:30 Arr: 22:00

So would they add a 2nd round trip at these times

Dublin - Holyhead Isle of Inishmore Dep: 01:00 Arr: 04:30
Holyhead - Dublin  Isle of Inishmore Dep: 06:30 Arr: 10:00

Looks like I will be on the IOI at Christmas then, happy days!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on October 25, 2013, 08:56:25 PM
This is an very interesting development and I do hope what people are saying here is true. I do like the picture of the Viscentini in IF livery and hopefully it'll come into fruition.
It'll be nice to see IF operating with five ships across its route network.
I would've liked to see the Isle of Innisfree make a return and I'm sure she would've been the other vessel at Holyhead, had she made a comeback.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on October 26, 2013, 02:26:44 AM
A very interesting development , to be honest I cant see Isle of Innismore transferring off the Rosslare - Pembroke service given how successful she is there , while I would like to think Cork - Pembroke would be on the cards I dont think so given that it could have an adverse effect on their Roslare route.
Looking at the specs of that ferry I see 2 main possibilities , she willl be used to boost capacity out of Dublin (ie a second ship on Dublin - Holyhead or maybe Dublin - Liverpool) or , given that this class of ship in this configuration is the vessel of choice for Motorway Of The Sea operators she may be for the Cork - Spain service.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on October 26, 2013, 11:22:49 PM
QuoteAnybody know the capacities (vehicles, persons, cabins etc) of this ship? that might help to work out where she will be deployed.

From the photo, she doesn't look to have much passenger area, so I guess she will primarily be handling freight.

She is a sister of the Stena Lagan/Mersey and also Celtic Horizon and so from the first "run" of production of the flexbow Visentini's. For more info this is the page for the current Celtic Horizon (Cartour Beta) http://www.naos-design.com/en/design-en/44-p244-cartour-beta.html.   IIRC Cartour Gamma was the last of the 4 sisters of the original flexbow generation, with later ships having slightly modified designs (Scottish Viking, Norman Asturias, Scintu, etc).

Personally I think Ireland - Spain (or France) makes sense.  These are ships more or less designed for Motorway of the Seas work after all.  Maybe Pembroke - Rosslare with the Inishmore going North would be possible but I just don't see her operating to Dublin as these ships are stern loading freight movers (with a bit of passenger accommodation reliant on the fact that passengers will spend most of their time asleep in a cabin - I couldn't personally see the Stena Lagan coping well with Stena Superfast passenger levels for example) but a refit could rectify the accommodation issues. 

There are probably cheaper options out there for a short sea freight mover (European Seaway for example has only about 200m less capacity and is a bow and stern loader), can anyone think of a Visentini ropax which operates a 3-4hr crossing?  The other possibility is she replaces Oscar (more economical?) which then moves elsewhere either for IF or chartered out to another operator.

On a related note, what where the issues with the Stena Forwarder which made her unsuitable for the Holyhead run?  I would imagine Cartour Gamma might have similar issues?  I wonder what the minimum turnaround time on one of these ships is?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on October 27, 2013, 01:21:49 PM
Quote
QuoteAnybody know the capacities (vehicles, persons, cabins etc) of this ship? that might help to work out where she will be deployed.

From the photo, she doesn't look to have much passenger area, so I guess she will primarily be handling freight.

She is a sister of the Stena Lagan/Mersey and also Celtic Horizon and so from the first "run" of production of the flexbow Visentini's. For more info this is the page for the current Celtic Horizon (Cartour Beta) http://www.naos-design.com/en/design-en/44-p244-cartour-beta.html.   IIRC Cartour Gamma was the last of the 4 sisters of the original flexbow generation, with later ships having slightly modified designs (Scottish Viking, Norman Asturias, Scintu, etc).

Personally I think Ireland - Spain (or France) makes sense.  These are ships more or less designed for Motorway of the Seas work after all.  Maybe Pembroke - Rosslare with the Inishmore going North would be possible but I just don't see her operating to Dublin as these ships are stern loading freight movers (with a bit of passenger accommodation reliant on the fact that passengers will spend most of their time asleep in a cabin - I couldn't personally see the Stena Lagan coping well with Stena Superfast passenger levels for example) but a refit could rectify the accommodation issues. 

There are probably cheaper options out there for a short sea freight mover (European Seaway for example has only about 200m less capacity and is a bow and stern loader), can anyone think of a Visentini ropax which operates a 3-4hr crossing?  The other possibility is she replaces Oscar (more economical?) which then moves elsewhere either for IF or chartered out to another operator.

On a related note, what where the issues with the Stena Forwarder which made her unsuitable for the Holyhead run?  I would imagine Cartour Gamma might have similar issues?  I wonder what the minimum turnaround time on one of these ships is?

Sorry, just realised it is Cartour Epsilon we are talking about not Cartour Gamma.  Epsilon was built in 2011 and is a sister to Cartour Delta and AFAIK Visemar One.  She has less passenger accommodation than the Lagan/Mersey but can handle even more freight and has a slightly deeper draught.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on October 28, 2013, 03:03:25 AM
OK, so doing some reading up it would appear Carotur Epsilon is possibly too big for Pembroke given the port says the berth is only suitable for vessels of 150m length and 6m draught (though I am aware Oscar Wilde has berthed at Pembroke before Despite a 6.5m draught and innishmore is some 182m long, however Epsilon pushes both of these figures higher) http://www.mhpa.co.uk/ferry-terminal/

Regarding Holyhead it appears to me that there is still excess freight capacity on the Irish sea crossings - anyone know what Ullysees and Stena Adventurer/Nordica freight loadings are like these days?  If it is the case that there is excess capacity then adding more capacity is only going to drive freight rates lower for everyone - as I understand it they are already well below the rates charged during the boom years of the Celtic Tiger.  However it would maybe make sense to use the new ship to boost capacity in the Christmas period and leaving Inishmore at Pembroke which still leaves the problem of what to do with her for the rest of the year. 

While Oscar Wilde is aging and approaching 30 I'm not aware of any issues with her, and Epsilon would not offer the same standard of accommodation for passengers.  Unless there are going to be problems complying with upcoming legislation I don't see Oscar Wilde being replaced either, unless she is simply to expensive to operate
.  Which leads me to conclude that the new ship (if confirmed)  is either for a new service to Spain or possibly expansion of the operation to France (if there is the demand).  Unless there is any other MoS work out there that ICG might be interested in?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on October 28, 2013, 03:20:27 AM
during the killian/paddy days for the most part i think one was dedicated to cherbourg and the other lehavre, is it possible they would want to bring this service back? or maybe a dublin-france sailing although i dont think that would be wise and assume theres a reason its never been done before
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on October 28, 2013, 03:47:40 AM
Motorway Of The Sea funding is also available for a route from Cork - Nantes (France).
It is too early to see what routes will get Connect Europe status from January but it is said to be very likely that one of the Cork - UK route options will be in there.
Looking at Irish Ferries first half of year report it shows an increase in passenger numbers but a fall in cars carried which it says is mainly due to the value of Sterling , however freight volumes are showing heavy growth.
If this new addition is not for a MOTS service then its likely that freight expansion on either Dublin - UK services or possibly a freight boost for its Ireland - France service may be on the way.
As a matter of interest the report makes several references to one of their ships being troublesome and having higher than expected maintenance costs , if its the Oscar Wilde they are referring to (and I suspect it is) then having a second freight vessel on that run would enable the company to cut back the number of sailings Oscar Wilde does in the off-peak season.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on October 28, 2013, 11:20:13 AM
QuoteOK,... it would appear Carotur Epsilon is possibly too big for Pembroke given the port says the berth is only suitable for vessels of 150m length and 6m draught (though I am aware Oscar Wilde has berthed at Pembroke before Despite a 6.5m draught and innishmore is some 182m long, however Epsilon pushes both of these figures higher) http://www.mhpa.co.uk/ferry-terminal/ 

MHPA site contradicts itself

on one page "accommodate vessels of up to 150 metres in length, with a draft of up to 6 metres" - See more at: http://www.mhpa.co.uk/ferry-terminal/#sthash.BaGwewD1.dpuf

Then on another page.

Ferry Terminal facilities:

Established as the main UK-Ireland connection, the ro-ro ferry terminal is currently used by Irish Ferries for their twice daily sailing to Rosslare.

Facilities include:

Specialist freight handling equipment
Expertise for unaccompanied trailer traffic
Two-tier loading capability
Passenger Terminal - incorporating a ticket office, refreshment facility and Tourist Information centre

GATES 2 & 3 Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal
Quay Length 190m
Max. Length of Vessel 185m
Design Depth 6.8m
Control Depth (as at 3rd Dec 2012) 6.7m

- See more at: http://www.mhpa.co.uk/pembroke-port/#sthash.B35ZkJV6.dpuf

Cartour Epsilon is 1 meter longer than Max. Length of Vessel & her draft range from 6.55 - 6.85 on a number of sites.
http://goo.gl/5yBHir & http://www.ttmweb.it/ in the fleet 2013 section. She may never sail at her max draft of 6.85m if this is the correct number. They could limit the weight to be loaded onto the vessel & adjust the ballast not to reach 6.85m (mariners correct me if I'm wrong).

So maybe she could operate Rosslare - Pembroke. I'm sure Irish Ferries will be doing berthing trails at its current ports. They could do them on there delivery voyage from Messina to her launch in Dublin, like Oscar Wilde if it is an expansion of an existing route or she could be launch at a new port if it is a new route for the company.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on October 28, 2013, 06:42:26 PM
QuoteMotorway Of The Sea funding is also available for a route from Cork - Nantes (France).
It is too early to see what routes will get Connect Europe status from January but it is said to be very likely that one of the Cork - UK route options will be in there.
Looking at Irish Ferries first half of year report it shows an increase in passenger numbers but a fall in cars carried which it says is mainly due to the value of Sterling , however freight volumes are showing heavy growth.
If this new addition is not for a MOTS service then its likely that freight expansion on either Dublin - UK services or possibly a freight boost for its Ireland - France service may be on the way.
As a matter of interest the report makes several references to one of their ships being troublesome and having higher than expected maintenance costs , if its the Oscar Wilde they are referring to (and I suspect it is) then having a second freight vessel on that run would enable the company to cut back the number of sailings Oscar Wilde does in the off-peak season.

Just had a wee look over the results presentation for the half year on the ICG group.  While YTD there has been a 9% growth in roro traffic handled by IF, this is against 6% drop in 2012, 9% growth in 2011, -9% in 2010, and a huge -19% drop in 2009!  Unfortunately there is no indication of where the growth has come from as the figures are totals over the ferry ops but they hardly point to under capacity.  However I notice that only 33% of revenue at the ferry operation is coming from freight which I found surprising so perhaps increasing sailing frequency would attract more business.

Regarding Oscar I wonder how much it would cost to fit scrubbers to comply with the 2015 legislation.  Fuel costs are already 29% of IF's expenditure and the low sulphur fuel otherwise required is already more expensive at present and set to rise in price given higher demand and limited additional supply from 2015.  Is it worth upgrading a vessel which will be almost 30 years old in 2015?  Additionally it make sense that higher than expected drydock costs would be associated with the oldest vessel in the fleet, and she has by far the lowest freight capacity in the fleet (have any of the other vessels had any damage done though?).  Do her services really need 1300+ beds?

Didn't know about potential Nantes funding under MoS.  Does anyone have any idea what frequency is required for the funding to be awarded?  Would it be possible to operate Nantes and Santander with a single ship given that Nantes is sort of on the way?

Hopefully we will find out soon officially where she is headed!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on October 28, 2013, 07:13:14 PM
Well LD Lines' St Nazaire-Gijon service operates 3 round trips a week with one ship. If that helps answer your question.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on October 29, 2013, 10:01:10 AM
To be honest when i ever be on ulysses there not stuck for space for freight .. its possibly the same story on stena adventurer aswell .. not sure about the nordica though
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on October 29, 2013, 07:42:21 PM
QuoteTo be honest when i ever be on ulysses there not stuck for space for freight .. its possibly the same story on stena adventurer aswell .. not sure about the nordica though
That would tally with what I have been reading.  AFAIK the majority of freight is on fixed length contracts (so less likely that a customer will switch from SL to IF overnight) as well so hard to see where enough traffic to fill an additional ship would come from.  However stranger things have happened I suppose. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on October 29, 2013, 07:48:07 PM
If thats the case I'm surprised how SL can justify running a 2 ship conventional service out of Holyhead.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on October 29, 2013, 09:41:01 PM
Stena seem to have no issues filling the Nordica on a nightly basis and the Adventurer nearly always has a large number of trucks (over 100) on every night crossing.

On Dublin - Holyhead, Irish Ferries with the Ulysses have 4,000 lanemeters on every crossing, Stena have 3,500 with the Adventurer and 2,000 with the Nordica.

However P&O carry nearly as much freight as Stena every month on the Dublin - Liverpool service as well with much less passenger traffic but with approx 90 less sailings and these crossings are nearly always full.

Just to put a cat among the pigeons based on Septembers figures, the Adventurer and Nordica carried more passengers and freight than Stena's Flagship Harwich - Hoek route ! though using twice the number of sailings to do that.

Whatever ICG's intentions for the chartered vessel it will be interesting to see what happens.

Also only part of the Oscar Wilde's journey will require low sulphur, the 2015 SECA regulation changes for ferries do not include the Irish Sea, only areas east of 5W (longitude) on the English channel, practically a straight line from Falmouth down to the tip of France

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/transport/pdf/Report_Sulphur_Requirement.pdf

Also the Stena Alegra will be available for redeployment within the Stena Network and that could heading towards the Irish Sea soon to provide refit cover on the main routes, assuming it has shaken of its curse !!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on October 30, 2013, 01:35:10 AM
QuoteStena seem to have no issues filling the Nordica on a nightly basis and the Adventurer nearly always has a large number of trucks (over 100) on every night crossing.

On Dublin - Holyhead, Irish Ferries with the Ulysses have 4,000 lanemeters on every crossing, Stena have 3,500 with the Adventurer and 2,000 with the Nordica.

However P&O carry nearly as much freight as Stena every month on the Dublin - Liverpool service as well with much less passenger traffic but with approx 90 less sailings and these crossings are nearly always full.
I'm also hearing Stena are having no problems filling their space at night, to the extent that Nordica is considered not big enough anymore as she is always full on the night sailings.  I was surprised when looking at the free to view shippax issue just how much freight P&O are carrying through Liverpool - obviously they are doing something right!  With Birkenhead - Belfast getting a capacity boost Stena are obviously winning a lot of business but where is it coming from?  Have freight volumes increased THAT much?  Perhaps there is merit in IF adding frequency to Holyhead, but I'm still not convinced Epsilon is the right ship for the job.

Quote
Just to put a cat among the pigeons based on Septembers figures, the Adventurer and Nordica carried more passengers and freight than Stena's Flagship Harwich - Hoek route ! though using twice the number of sailings to do that.
I knew Dublin - Holyhead was nearing Hoek levels but didn't realise they where actually exceeding them now.  The January figures that are available on the free shippax issue show 25% growth year on year for Holyhead.  Not surprised its taking more sailings on the central corridor route to take the same carryings - the Hoek twins have 5500lm each after all!

Quote
Also only part of the Oscar Wilde's journey will require low sulphur, the 2015 SECA regulation changes for ferries do not include the Irish Sea, only areas east of 5W (longitude) on the English channel, practically a straight line from Falmouth down to the tip of France

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/air/transport/pdf/Report_Sulphur_Requirement.pdf

Also the Stena Alegra will be available for redeployment within the Stena Network and that could heading towards the Irish Sea soon to provide refit cover on the main routes, assuming it has shaken of its curse !!
Ah, that changes things a bit though is it possible to run Oscar on 2 types of fuel without modification?  Would be great to see Dawn Merchant back, so long as she has shaken the jinx.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on October 30, 2013, 04:43:09 AM
Despite Ireland's domestic economy being stagnant , the export sector is booming , export levels are at record shattering highs and this in turn has led to an increase in demand for raw materials from the UK , overall freight volumes out if Ireland are up approx 30% in the last 12 months with Lo/Lo being the big winner so far as Ro/Ro capacity appears to have cut back too much in recent years and I'd say Both Irish Ferries and Stena Line have noticed this also hence the sudden increases in capacity , especially as freight volumes are expected to continue growing at their current pace for some time yet .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on October 30, 2013, 09:58:10 AM
Looking at it from the trucking companies point of view, is it cheaper to drive to Liverpool and catch the longer crossing, or pay the extra road costs to Holyhead and take the shorter service? in short, how do ferry prices compare?

Taking a guess at 8mpg and diesel at £1.40/ltr it will cost an operator an extra £71.50 to travel the extra 90 miles to Holyhead.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on October 30, 2013, 03:14:06 PM
QuoteLooking at it from the trucking companies point of view, is it cheaper to drive to Liverpool and catch the longer crossing, or pay the extra road costs to Holyhead and take the shorter service? in short, how do ferry prices compare?

Taking a guess at 8mpg and diesel at £1.40/ltr it will cost an operator an extra £71.50 to travel the extra 90 miles to Holyhead.
Another factor (and one Norse Merchant used to try to use to their advantage on Belfast - Liverpool) could be driving hours.  The longer crossing means the driver is taking their rest break while the cargo is still moving, as opposed to having to pull up somewhere as they didn't get their break allocation on the ferry.  The 11hr daily rest period has an allowance for driving on and off the ferry so the driver can get their daily rest with the crossing making up the bulk of the allocation.  Additionally he daily rest can be split into a no less than 9 and no less than 3 hr period which taking the above (and waiting to board, etc) into account should be doable - any comments from the drivers on this? So my understanding is you have a driver coming off the ferry able to do a full days driving (and perhaps tip and reload and get back to the ferry) as opposed to a part day.  Whereas with a shorter crossing the driver would only have had the 3hr portion of the split rest and still have to spend 9hrs of that 24hr period off the road..  Perhaps this is why P&O are carrying such high volumes?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 01, 2013, 10:25:31 PM
Going to be rough tomorrow:

ROSSLARE HARBOUR 1545 HRS FRIDAY 1ST NOVEMBER, 2011

Please note that due to an adverse weather forecast for the South Irish Sea, the following sailings on the Rosslare Pembroke service are cancelled:

02.11.2013 0845 hrs Rosslare Pembroke - Sailing Cancelled

02.11.2013 1445 hrs Pembroke Rosslare - Sailing Cancelled

The following sailings remain to be confirmed:

02.11.2013 2045 hrs - Rosslare Pembroke - Sailing to be confirmed

03.11.2013 0245 hrs - Pembroke Rosslare - Sailing to be confirmed

Irish Ferries apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused by these disruptions.

This site will be updated accordingly.



For further information on all sailings please ring :

UK 08717 300 400

Ireland 0818 300 400

Rosslare 053 9133158


RE : SATURDAY 02/11/2013

Irish Ferries regret to advise that due to adverse weather forecasts on the Irish Sea for Saturday 2nd November, ALL fast craft sailings operated by the HSC Jonathan Swift have been CANCELLED. All passengers with valid tickets for these sailings will be accommodated on our Mv Ulysses cruise ferry sailings as follows:

Dublin - Holyhead 0805hrs / 2055hrs

Holyhead - Dublin 0240hrs / 1410hrs


For further information please call



Ireland 0818 300 400

UK 08717 300 400

Dublin port 01 6075519
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on November 04, 2013, 07:01:13 PM
Anyone know why Irish Ferries have cancelled their Cherbourg - Rosslare and Rosslare - Cherbourg routes, due to technical reasons, whats wrong?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on November 04, 2013, 07:31:31 PM
hadnt heard about this but would love to know more
Title: 1.30 pm today ICG Interim Management Statement.
Post by: FerryMan on November 07, 2013, 09:55:10 AM
Will we get an announcement today on a new vessel/route?

http://otp.investis.com/clients/uk/icg/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=500&newsid=376484

"Irish Continental Group plc : Notice of Interim Management Statement

Released : 06 Nov 2013

Irish Continental Group plc ("ICG" or the "Company")

Notice of Interim Management Statement

ICG will issue its second Interim Management Statement for 2013 at 1:30pm on Thursday 7 November 2013. A copy of the statement will be posted on the Company's website www.icg.ie.

END

Dublin
6 November 2013"
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loughro on November 07, 2013, 01:47:11 PM
Well it is now official:

Irish Ferries announces investment in its Dublin - Holyhead route

Today, Irish Ferries announces a significant strategic investment in its key Dublin - Holyhead route. Dublin - Holyhead is the key artery between Ireland and the UK for freight transport and car tourism. The resumption in growth in the freight market between Ireland and the UK has provided the opportunity to introduce additional shipping capacity to accommodate the consequent increase in RoRo traffic between both ports.

Irish Ferries will increase both capacity and frequency on the route when it adds a third ship, scheduled to commence before the end of the year. (Currently, Irish Ferries operates eight sailings per day on the key Irish Sea route with its flagship, Ulysses and the high speed craft, Jonathan Swift.)

In a significant commitment to and investment in the route, Irish Ferries has bareboat chartered the M.V. Epsilon, built in 2011 in Italy, to supplement its existing services. The advanced 24 knot vessel will provide two additional departures per day in each direction which will result in an increase in the company's schedule to a maximum of twelve sailings between Dublin and Holyhead each day. The vessel will also provide opportunities for improved annual dry-dock cover within the Irish Ferries fleet along with scope for increased capacity on other Irish Ferries routes. The recently built vessel will provide significant vehicle capacity along with modern on-board facilities including cabins, a bar / cafeteria and a self-service restaurant. The vessel has capacity of 2,860 lane metres (approximately 170 trucks) and for 500 passengers.

Interesting times ahead!!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on November 07, 2013, 01:57:35 PM
i think amongst many other theories most folk suspected this
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on November 07, 2013, 02:01:31 PM
http://www.irishferries.com/ie-en/news/news131107/

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on November 07, 2013, 02:48:34 PM
no offence to whoever did it but that photoshop is shit compared to the one i did
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on November 07, 2013, 03:38:13 PM
Fully agree Larry , I hope thats not what it will actually look like in service.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on November 07, 2013, 03:49:49 PM
I also agree Larry, yours is WAY better. Well Collision, remember they haven't exactly repainted the Oscar Wilde into proper livery, so I wouldn't get your hopes up.
Nice to know the rumours are true and it's been confirmed.
I still think that the new ship would've been the Kaitaki/Innisfree, had her charter expired and she returned to ICG.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on November 07, 2013, 03:50:01 PM
Quoteno offence to whoever did it but that photoshop is shit compared to the one i did

Larry you might be getting a call from Messina, hope you have your paint brush in hand. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on November 07, 2013, 04:19:34 PM
Hey larry send your photo to Irish Ferries and get their opinion and if they like it, get them to pay you good money, if they decide to put it on their website!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on November 07, 2013, 05:06:47 PM
id be more than happy to provide photoshops for them however the one i did is based on someone elses original photo so i couldnt claim it, i just threw it together more for our own amusement here
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on November 07, 2013, 05:16:39 PM
QuoteI also agree Larry, yours is WAY better. Well Collision, remember they haven't exactly repainted the Oscar Wilde into proper livery, so I wouldn't get your hopes up.
Nice to know the rumours are true and it's been confirmed.
I still think that the new ship would've been the Kaitaki/Innisfree, had her charter expired and she returned to ICG.

Very true , however I think it was a deliberate decision to leave Oscar Wilde with the blue base livery as it holds better than all-over white does on the French routes , poor old Normandy used to look very bad towards the end of season.
I suspect though that being a charter boat they will spend as little as possible on paintwork , pity really as Larrys picture shows how good it could look.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on November 07, 2013, 05:27:28 PM
How long is the charter for?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 07, 2013, 07:43:20 PM
Personally (as I'm sure those who have been reading my ramblings on this will expect) I'm a bit surprised.  Will be interesting to see how the ship works on this shorter type of crossing and how quickly they turn her around.  I wonder if we will see an eventual reduction in the use Jonathan Swift as a result of this extra capacity?

Re the colour scheme, Oscar Wilde often wears the normal Irish ferries livery on publicity material despite still having her blue hull.  They must have really rushed the Photoshop job.  I'm sure Larry would have let them "borrow" his image if they asked nicely! ;)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on November 07, 2013, 08:05:21 PM
itd be my pleasure
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on November 07, 2013, 08:14:33 PM
QuoteI'm sure Larry would have let them "borrow" his image if they asked nicely! ;)

The problem I can see with Larry one is that its not Epsilon its Celtic Horizon. I don't think Celtic Link would be to happy with Irish Ferries using her in there press release.  ;)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on November 07, 2013, 08:25:40 PM
yeah thats what i used alright, similar ships but not identical, that being said it would be easy to do another one using the correct vessel
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on November 07, 2013, 08:54:39 PM
Fair enough Larry, it's quite right that you don't want to get into trouble over copyright, but it would've been great if you said "Here, this is how you should've done it."

Given what you were saying Collision about the Oscar Wilde, I am inclined to agree with you about her hull and they kept the blue paint to avoid her looking a rusty mess.
Surely though a green hull and the green funnel would be a more appropriate livery for her.
But then again, when she came to Irish Ferries in 2007, they weren't exactly making a profit- especially not a couple of years later, so they didn't want to waste money.

Hopefully though the Epsilon will get a green funnel and the Irish Ferries logo on her hull, even if the blue bit at the bottom isn't changed to green.
Larry, are you going to suggest to Irish Ferries they name her your suggestion? What was it again?

If not I wonder if they'll call her Seamus Heaney or William Yates or St Killian, Cartour Eire, Isle of Innisfree or even... Bono and The Edge lol!!!

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on November 07, 2013, 09:42:14 PM
i threw isle of inishturk on the hull but something tells me theyll call her after a writer or poet rather than an island, i may still fire together a more accurate photoshop. i would love to see oscar wilde drop the blue maybe in favour of green although killian and patrick were white and never looked extremely bad i dont think
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on November 07, 2013, 09:53:33 PM
Great news today from IF. It will be great to have an additional ship on the Holyhead-Dublin route. Maybe IF are planing to make the Jonathan Swift a seasonal service in the future, similar to the Stena Explorer?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 07, 2013, 10:12:16 PM
Reading their press release, they might not rename the ship as they have renamed it already to Epsilon from Cartour Epsilon.

http://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/news/news131107/

Irish Ferries announces increase in capacity on its Dublin to Holyhead route

Irish Ferries is to increase its capacity and frequency on the Dublin to Holyhead route
through the introduction of a third ship in December 2013.

Currently, the ferry company operates eight sailings per day on the key Irish Sea route
using its flagship Ulysses and the High Speed Craft Jonathan Swift.

Irish Ferries has chartered the Epsilon ( 2011 built ) to supplement its existing Ireland to
Britain services. The ship will provide two additional departures per day in each direction
which will result in an increase in the company's schedule to a maximum of twelve
sailings between Dublin and Holyhead each day. The recently built vessel will provide
significant vehicle capacity along with modern facilities on board including cabins,
bar/cafeteria and self-service restaurant.

Targeting the growing Freight and Tourism markets, the Epsilon will further improve Irish
Ferries' range of offers to its customers on the Irish Sea. In addition to the improved
frequency on its Dublin to Holyhead route, the chartered vessel will also provide
opportunities for improved annual dry-dock cover within the company's fleet along with
scope for increased capacity on other Irish Ferries' Irish Sea and Ireland to France
services.

Commenting on the announcement, Irish Ferries' Marketing Director, Tony Kelly, said,
" Irish Ferries decision to invest in additional capacity at this time is a major vote of
confidence by the Republic of Ireland's leading ferry operator in the recovery of the
country's economy. We believe that Ireland has turned the corner and we are prepared
to invest in the provision of improved services for our valued Freight and Tourism
customers who have shown fantastic loyalty throughout the last five difficult years. "
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on November 07, 2013, 10:57:57 PM
I have repainted the new ship using micr0s0ft paint
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on November 07, 2013, 10:58:51 PM
see
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on November 08, 2013, 12:14:31 AM
She looks better already, it's amazing what a lick of Microsoft Paint can do!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on November 08, 2013, 08:07:03 AM
Upon reading the press release from ICG. Ireland France does get a mention, Don't be surprised if we see a weekend round trip between Dublin and Roscoff or Cherbourg in the summer season. Freight volumes are quiet at the weekends and the Swift and Ulysses have ample capacity for this . Kind of ironic that her competitor Stena Nordica - while operating for
P & O (European Ambassador) operated this route at the weekends and was a huge success  lets wait and see....
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 08, 2013, 05:14:52 PM
Personally I can also see Swift going seasonal as her freight capacity is non-existent.  Hard to see how IF could justify crewing and bunkering a vessel year round to carry passengers, cars, and buses only when levels are at their lowest.  Although her consumption appears to be good for the type of vessel she is, I would imagine a Visentini is more economical per unit, especially with a decent complement of freight "subsidising" the passengers and cars.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 08, 2013, 05:31:49 PM
Hi all

Something VERY interesting from the IF booking engine.  The new sailings start on 24th November but are not with Epsilon but OSCAR WILDE!  From 7th December Epsilon (looks like thats what she is gonna be named then) comes on to the link instead.  Whilst Oscar is up at Dublin there appears to be no Ireland to France service on (unless anyone else can see different) so Epsilon does not seem to be making her debut until 7th December despite the extra sailings being offered 2 weeks previous.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on November 08, 2013, 07:08:23 PM
Quote
QuoteVery true , however I think it was a deliberate decision to leave Oscar Wilde with the blue base livery as it holds better than all-over white does on the French routes , poor old Normandy used to look very bad towards the end of season.

Irish ferries could have painted Oscar Wilde as the 3rd photo.

Pictures taken from "Irish ferries an ambitious voyage" by Miles Cowsill , Justin Merrigan.

(http://i40.tinypic.com/mbh2fl.jpg)

(http://i40.tinypic.com/10n99w5.jpg)

(http://i40.tinypic.com/2r6p5ah.jpg)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on November 08, 2013, 07:12:39 PM
Ferryman, when we seen those pictures planned for Ulysses we all agreed she looks much better as she is.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on November 08, 2013, 07:23:09 PM
QuoteFerryman, when we seen those pictures planned for Ulysses we all agreed she looks much better as she is.

No, I think they should of went the way of Tallink Superstar that a paint job  :D :D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on November 08, 2013, 07:44:34 PM
Quote
Quote
QuoteVery true , however I think it was a deliberate decision to leave Oscar Wilde with the blue base livery as it holds better than all-over white does on the French routes , poor old Normandy used to look very bad towards the end of season.

Irish ferries could have painted Oscar Wilde as the 3rd photo.

Pictures taken from "Irish ferries an ambitious voyage" by Miles Cowsill , Justin Merrigan.

(http://i40.tinypic.com/mbh2fl.jpg)

(http://i40.tinypic.com/10n99w5.jpg)

(http://i40.tinypic.com/2r6p5ah.jpg)

I think they could've painted the Oscar Wilde in the second livery (green hull). Interesting that she may be going to Dublin, it'll be a first for her operationally I think. I do agree that the Ulysses, Jonathan Swift and Isle of Innishmore look as good as they are.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on November 08, 2013, 09:11:23 PM
Well it's all happening on Dublin-Holyhead route at the moment. So if I time this right, I can sail out on the Stena Europe from Holyhead and sail back on the Oscar Wilde from Dublin?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on November 08, 2013, 09:20:37 PM
Quote
Quote
Quote
QuoteVery true , however I think it was a deliberate decision to leave Oscar Wilde with the blue base livery as it holds better than all-over white does on the French routes , poor old Normandy used to look very bad towards the end of season.

Irish ferries could have painted Oscar Wilde as the 3rd photo.

Pictures taken from "Irish ferries an ambitious voyage" by Miles Cowsill , Justin Merrigan.

(http://i40.tinypic.com/mbh2fl.jpg)

(http://i40.tinypic.com/10n99w5.jpg)

(http://i40.tinypic.com/2r6p5ah.jpg)

I think they could've painted the Oscar Wilde in the second livery (green hull). Interesting that she may be going to Dublin, it'll be a first for her operationally I think. I do agree that the Ulysses, Jonathan Swift and Isle of Innishmore look as good as they are.

Oscar did a Dublin-Roscoff sailing on the 26th May 2008, was meant to be Cherbourg but due to a dispute she sailed to Roscoff. Her & Inishmore were diverted to Dublin due to high winds in Rosslare & they were unable to dock.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on November 08, 2013, 09:22:42 PM
QuoteWell it's all happening on Dublin-Holyhead route at the moment. So if I time this right, I can sail out on the Stena Europe from Holyhead and sail back on the Oscar Wilde from Dublin?

I think Oscar Wilde is only taken car & freight bookings on the Dublin-Holyhead route.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on November 08, 2013, 09:25:50 PM
Thats fine, I will be in my car & go home for the weekend!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 08, 2013, 09:49:35 PM
Quote
QuoteWell it's all happening on Dublin-Holyhead route at the moment. So if I time this right, I can sail out on the Stena Europe from Holyhead and sail back on the Oscar Wilde from Dublin?

I think Oscar Wilde is only taken car & freight bookings on the Dublin-Holyhead route.
Yep, booking engine says no space when you put in foot passenger.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on November 08, 2013, 09:52:29 PM
Same as Nordica then.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on November 08, 2013, 09:59:06 PM
The booking engine is probarbly set up for Epsilon which most likely wont be taking foot passengers due to lack of space.
I really like the last 2 of those 3 liveries , I am torn between the classic look of No.2 and the fresh modern look of No.3 , the third one would look very well on Oscar Wilde .
I agree the current allover white livery looks well , but as those ships age rust lines will need to be considered , looking at the options 2 or 3 would go down well , I dont like that first one at all.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on November 08, 2013, 10:03:33 PM
First one is terrible.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on November 08, 2013, 10:12:16 PM
Also interesting that the French routes are being curtailed for the winter , I know that there has been an ongoing discussion with Brittany Ferries about the Cork - Roscoff service going year-round and a frequency increase , that route had a 15% increase in passenger numbers this year beating the projected 12% increase that had been forecast at the start of the year.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on November 08, 2013, 10:36:00 PM
No need to worry about France, we still have Celtic Link Ferries for that ;)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on November 08, 2013, 10:40:40 PM
Hehehe I am watching Irish Ferries closely at the moment as I am considering becoming an ICG shareholder , while the capacity increase at Dublin gets a thumbs up , its a thumbs down for curtailment of the French routes , and as for lack of a presence in Cork , well I think we all know how I feel about that  :)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 08, 2013, 10:46:08 PM
QuoteAlso interesting that the French routes are being curtailed for the winter , I know that there has been an ongoing discussion with Brittany Ferries about the Cork - Roscoff service going year-round and a frequency increase , that route had a 15% increase in passenger numbers this year beating the projected 12% increase that had been forecast at the start of the year.

I dont know that the sailings are being curtailed as such, just  skipping a few sailings in what must be a quiet period.  The following is on the IF website:

"ROSSLARE HARBOUR 1900 HRS FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER, 2013

Irish Ferries regret to advise that all sailings from Rosslare to Cherbourg and Cherbourg to Rosslare between the inclusive dates of Friday 22nd November and Saturday 7th December are cancelled for operational reasons.

Irish Ferries apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused.

For further information ;

France ; 0033 233 234 444 "

Operational reasons being "we can make more money with the ship elsewhere!".  I wonder if there was a delay with Epsilon and they had already taken forward freight bookings or something though?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on November 08, 2013, 10:51:06 PM
It'll be interesting to see the Oscar Wilde at Holyhead.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Fast Ferry Fan on November 08, 2013, 10:59:24 PM
Nordica has taken foot passengers since April 2012.

IFs new sailings look like they're intended to fully disrupt the Nordica's sailings, by being no more than 55 minutes beforehand.  You get the impression it's Ferry Wars!

I always thought there was some unwritten co-operation that Ulyses would always leave before Adventurer from Dublin and vice versa from Holyhead, but doesn't look like this is applying to the new schedule.

I doubt we've seen the last of the changes yet and the next one will be Stena's response.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on November 08, 2013, 11:02:30 PM
So with the Epsilon in service from December, are they still intending on bringing the Isle of Inishmore up for the Christmas week as well?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 08, 2013, 11:27:55 PM
QuoteNordica has taken foot passengers since April 2012.

IFs new sailings look like they're intended to fully disrupt the Nordica's sailings, by being no more than 55 minutes beforehand.  You get the impression it's Ferry Wars!

I always thought there was some unwritten co-operation that Ulyses would always leave before Adventurer from Dublin and vice versa from Holyhead, but doesn't look like this is applying to the new schedule.

I doubt we've seen the last of the changes yet and the next one will be Stena's response.
I have heard that Stena have been looking for a larger ship to replace Nordica for a while - despite being a good fit for the route she just hasn't got enough space.  With this in mind I don't see Nordica being replaced outright.  I would imagine with Stena owning Holyhead  they would have known IF where increasing frequency.  Personally I can see one of four options:
a. bring in a 3rd conventional ship such as the Allegra or pinch Hibernia Seaways to offer hauliers even more choice than IF and soak up any excess traffic.
b. Activate explorer to go head to head with Johnathan Swift (given the costs I see this as very unlikely).
c. Price war!  It wouldn't be the first time Stena have started a price war to gain or maintain market share.
d. Offer a Dublin to Liverpool freight only route using Birkenhead to complement the Holyhead operation and target non-accompanied traffic.  It seems I was wrong about the possible viability of such an operation and if there are any competition concerns they could just point to Irish Ferries 3 ship Holyhead operation!  Stena Allegra would fit the bill having a track record on a similar service and we still don't know where Hoa Sen is intended for (also ideal imho).  Perhaps even run it as a no frills passenger service like P&O do.

It will be interesting to see what happens given the cost cutting going on at Stena these days.  However given their carryings on the link (and from what I can gather it is also a very profitable route) I think it would be unwise and unlikely for them to concede defeat!

Regarding the Oscar Wilde livery I think she would be best in the 3rd livery.  With Epsilon not being properly renamed is their an option to return her if not successful?  I doubt they will repaint if they haven't even bothered to paint a new name on her!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on November 09, 2013, 08:18:03 PM
sadly the epsilon will never operate the rosslare to pembroke route because pembroke dock's ferry berth is only for vessels up to 150 metres long and the epsilon is over 180 metres long but what about the swift to operate the rosslare pembroke route???
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on November 10, 2013, 12:39:25 AM
Isle of Innismore is actually 2 meters longer than Epsilon , the berth spec given for Pembroke Dock on their website is incorrect.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 10, 2013, 03:00:52 AM
Quotesadly the epsilon will never operate the rosslare to pembroke route because pembroke dock's ferry berth is only for vessels up to 150 metres long and the epsilon is over 180 metres long but what about the swift to operate the rosslare pembroke route???
I thought this too, but earlier in the thread this is debunked.  I would have thought the IoI was a better ship anyway???
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on November 10, 2013, 08:24:31 AM
isle of Inishmore coming to Dublin for christmas like last year to increase Passenger capicity.  This is in case the Swift is un able to sail due to bad weather ,,,cannot leave anyone stranded in Holyhead or Dublin for Christmas
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on November 10, 2013, 11:56:44 AM
So there will be 4 IF ships running on the central corridor Christmas week then?

Plus Stena's 3, and probably not much freight to be moved that week either. Sounds like a bit of overkill to me, and possibly chaos at Rosslaire if Stena Europe has any glitches.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on November 10, 2013, 06:24:08 PM
QuoteSo there will be 4 IF ships running on the central corridor Christmas week then?

Plus Stena's 3, and probably not much freight to be moved that week either. Sounds like a bit of overkill to me, and possibly chaos at Rosslaire if Stena Europe has any glitches.

The one thing that has been made clear in recent times is that neither Irish Ferries nor Stena Line are interested in Rosslare beyond how not to let volumes fall any further , the only company who is interested in Rosslare is Celtic Link , who are generally treated very badly by CIE who own Rosslare (CIE also dont appear to be overly interested in Rosslare either).
The one to watch in terms of damage to Rosslare traffic is Brittany Ferries , who are currently undergoing a reorginisation of services and corporate structure , there has been suggestion that Cork - Roscoff will go to 3 round trips weekly in the peak season and 1 round trip weekly in the off peak year round , if that happens it will seriously effect Rosslare traffic as the fastest route from Paris to Dublin is Currently via Roscoff and Cork due to there being a shorter journey time not only at sea but also on the M8 Cork - Dublin motorway is is much faster than Rosslare - Dublin via the N11. It is thought that Brittany Ferries expansion will not go ahead until the double deck linkspan is installed at Ringaskiddy (which hints at possible visits from Armorique and Barflur)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 10, 2013, 07:33:54 PM
TBH guys either Irish Ferries have either lost the plot or they are planning to dump fares for Christmas or something.  In lane meters terms you they are going to have 8000lm available across 3 conventional vessels plus swift.  Theres also talk inside Stena about the need to react according to my sources, so it will be interesting to see what they can pull out of their (rather substantial) hat.

Regarding Rosslare, from my understanding there is only the traffic down there to sustain one operator long term.  Neither operator wants to pull out probably due to the negative publicity (or to concede defeat on a historic link).  Looking back to the reports into the DFDS takeover there was mention that there was another Stena route which hadn't made a profit in years (in fact Stena came in for much criticism for not giving Fleetwood as long a reprieve).  From what I know the 2 routes with the lowest traffic are Grenaa - Varberg and Fishguard to Rosslare.  I know for a fact Irish Ferries carry more freight through Rosslare than Stena (you only have to look at where the Welsh ports are for a potential reason why).  It seems neither operator are bothered about disrupting services from Rosslare (remember Europe is going up to cover Nordica and then to her own refit without replacement) and Oscar Wilde could easily have been sent up to Dublin rather than IOI for Christmas.

UPDATE:  Looking at the booking engine currently Oscar Wilde is in Dublin and Rosslare at the same time!  Obviously things are still changing.  Epsilon has disappeared without trace!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 10, 2013, 08:05:37 PM
QuoteTBH guys either Irish Ferries have either lost the plot or they are planning to dump fares for Christmas or something.  In lane meters terms you they are going to have 8000lm available across 3 conventional vessels plus swift.  Theres also talk inside Stena about the need to react according to my sources, so it will be interesting to see what they can pull out of their (rather substantial) hat.

Regarding Rosslare, from my understanding there is only the traffic down there to sustain one operator long term.  Neither operator wants to pull out probably due to the negative publicity (or to concede defeat on a historic link).  Looking back to the reports into the DFDS takeover there was mention that there was another Stena route which hadn't made a profit in years (in fact Stena came in for much criticism for not giving Fleetwood as long a reprieve).  From what I know the 2 routes with the lowest traffic are Grenaa - Varberg and Fishguard to Rosslare.  I know for a fact Irish Ferries carry more freight through Rosslare than Stena (you only have to look at where the Welsh ports are for a potential reason why).  It seems neither operator are bothered about disrupting services from Rosslare (remember Europe is going up to cover Nordica and then to her own refit without replacement) and Oscar Wilde could easily have been sent up to Dublin rather than IOI for Christmas.

UPDATE:  Looking at the booking engine currently Oscar Wilde is in Dublin and Rosslare at the same time!  Obviously things are still changing.  Epsilon has disappeared without trace!

Epsilon in hiding and Oscar sailing from Cherbourg at 21:30 on the 20th December, but also departs Rosslare for Pembroke that evening too.

EDIT:  No sailings to Pembroke from the 19th now.  Wonder what they'll change next!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on November 11, 2013, 01:08:13 AM
heres the irish ferries new ship that i painted with micrsft paint, there n0t very g00d c0mpare t0 1arry's, i have 2 type ike this f0r a few days as s0me 0f my keyb0ard keys are n0t w0rking
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on November 11, 2013, 01:08:55 AM
and this
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on November 11, 2013, 06:18:11 PM
QuoteTBH guys either Irish Ferries have either lost the plot or they are planning to dump fares for Christmas or something.  In lane meters terms you they are going to have 8000lm available across 3 conventional vessels plus swift.  Theres also talk inside Stena about the need to react according to my sources, so it will be interesting to see what they can pull out of their (rather substantial) hat.

I don't think Irish Ferries have lost the plot with bringing in the Epsilon. The Nordica is sailing full most of the time and even rumoured to be leaving stuff behind. Stena's answer to this was to look at bringing in a bigger ship to replace the Nordica and carry more cargo. Irish Ferries I presume looked at this and thought if a bigger ship comes they would loose part of their market share of the Dublin / Holyhead crossing. So bringing in the Epsilon was vital to retain their market share and even possibly even take a bit of business from Stena. Now that there is extra capacity on this route Stena may rethink replacing the Nordica for a while until they see how things settle out.

I doubt Irish Ferries will have all four ships running in the run up to Christmas, the IOI will only be used if the  Swift cancels.


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on November 11, 2013, 06:47:08 PM
Really interesting developments on the Central corridor.  Let's see how it all pans out.  Christmas is an odd couple of weeks and it really will be January/February before it all settles down. Taking a look at the timetables now we have departures from Dublin/DL at:

0805
0820
0845
1330 - From Dun Laoghaire
1415
1430
1510
2055
2115
0155
0215

That's quite the service!  There is still room for gap filling though (amazingly enough!) given that so many departures are so tightly packed together at various times.

There are no departures after 0845 until 1415 (1330 in Summertime) and after 1510 there is nothing until 2055. If we accept that the main services will stay at those times (for freight reasons) then we are looking at the times of the Swift and HSS (let's call them the tourist ferries).

Either operator could move around its tourist times.  One suggestion would be to retime HSS to leave Holyhead a bit earlier at 1015 (or later at 11) getting to Dun Laoghaire at 1230/1315 (filling the gap in mid morning).  Question is then when to bring her back.  1330/1400 is very close to the two Irish Ferries departures at 1415 and 1430 so she either has to go earlier (perhaps 1300) or be held over in Dun Laoghaire to a later departure slot perhaps leaving about 5pm to get to Holyhead for about 7.15 (filling the later gap).

Swift could also move to later slots perhaps leaving Dublin at 0945 rather than 0845 giving a 1250 departure from Holyhead and her next lap being 1530 Dublin and 1830 from Holyhead.

Ok, now my head hurts.

Pete
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on November 11, 2013, 07:56:35 PM
Article in Saturdays Irish Times:

http://www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/transport-and-tourism/back-to-the-future-for-transport-links-1.1589042
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on November 11, 2013, 08:05:24 PM
Quote

Swift could also move to later slots perhaps leaving Dublin at 0945 rather than 0845 giving a 1250 departure from Holyhead and her next lap being 1530 Dublin and 1830 from Holyhead.

Ok, now my head hurts.

Pete
Pete the Swift cant really push its times out any later due to the crew sleeping on Ulysses & if they pushed out Ulysses sailing time any later a lot of freight would move to Stena as Ulysses arrives first into Holyhead for the trucks heading down south.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 11, 2013, 08:27:17 PM
Quote
QuoteTBH guys either Irish Ferries have either lost the plot or they are planning to dump fares for Christmas or something.  In lane meters terms you they are going to have 8000lm available across 3 conventional vessels plus swift.  Theres also talk inside Stena about the need to react according to my sources, so it will be interesting to see what they can pull out of their (rather substantial) hat.

I don't think Irish Ferries have lost the plot with bringing in the Epsilon. The Nordica is sailing full most of the time and even rumoured to be leaving stuff behind. Stena's answer to this was to look at bringing in a bigger ship to replace the Nordica and carry more cargo. Irish Ferries I presume looked at this and thought if a bigger ship comes they would loose part of their market share of the Dublin / Holyhead crossing. So bringing in the Epsilon was vital to retain their market share and even possibly even take a bit of business from Stena. Now that there is extra capacity on this route Stena may rethink replacing the Nordica for a while until they see how things settle out.

I doubt Irish Ferries will have all four ships running in the run up to Christmas, the IOI will only be used if the  Swift cancels.


I meant they had lost the plot if they had all 4 ships timetabled!  However Epsilon isn't timetabled so maybe she is playing relief ship for Swift as the others would have more passenger accommodation.

As I was saying to someone before, Stena have only got themselves to blame if they loose out in the longer term, though I would have thought Nordica would have better pax accommodation to Epsilon hauliers aren't likely to care too much.  Its not like Stena are a company that doesn't have a few ships at there disposal! 

Article about the new ship on afloat: http://afloat.ie/port-news/ferry-news/item/23783-irish-ferries-new-%E2%80%98epsilon%E2%80%99-set-for-november-debut-in-run-up-to-seasonal-competition

With both companies offering 2 ships and a fast craft it will be interesting to see who does best over the xmas period
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on November 11, 2013, 08:32:28 PM
Fair point Ferryman - never thought of the Swift Crew and their sleeping arrangements! So the flexibility for Swift is really only in that 8am-7.30pm window. Can still tweak within that a bit!

That puts the tourist flexibility on to Stena so. If they go for a 4/5pm return from Dun Laoghaire then they can also provide overflow cover for trucks from Nordica. Even the neighbours in Dun Laoghaire could live with a dozen trucks each day.

Pete
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 11, 2013, 08:53:45 PM
QuoteFair point Ferryman - never thought of the Swift Crew and their sleeping arrangements! So the flexibility for Swift is really only in that 8am-7.30pm window. Can still tweak within that a bit!

That puts the tourist flexibility on to Stena so. If they go for a 4/5pm return from Dun Laoghaire then they can also provide overflow cover for trucks from Nordica. Even the neighbours in Dun Laoghaire could live with a dozen trucks each day.

Pete
Explorer only currently doing the 1 round trip - 10:30 from Holyhead and 13:30 from Dun Laoghaire which puts her on the wrong side of the Irish Sea.  I see Stena have also cancelled the last sailing from Holyhead on Xmas eve meaning the last crossing leaves at 13:50 but the 21:50 ex Dublin on Adventurer is still running so both Stena ships laying over in Holyhead.  IF finish off at 14:10/15 in both directions.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on November 11, 2013, 09:01:00 PM
Quote
QuoteFair point Ferryman - never thought of the Swift Crew and their sleeping arrangements! So the flexibility for Swift is really only in that 8am-7.30pm window. Can still tweak within that a bit!

That puts the tourist flexibility on to Stena so. If they go for a 4/5pm return from Dun Laoghaire then they can also provide overflow cover for trucks from Nordica. Even the neighbours in Dun Laoghaire could live with a dozen trucks each day.

Pete
Explorer only currently doing the 1 round trip - 10:30 from Holyhead and 13:30 from Dun Laoghaire which puts her on the wrong side of the Irish Sea.  I see Stena have also cancelled the last sailing from Holyhead on Xmas eve meaning the last crossing leaves at 13:50 but the 21:50 ex Dublin on Adventurer is still running so both Stena ships laying over in Holyhead.  IF finish off at 14:10/15 in both directions.


The idea I suggested was that Explorer would leave Holyhead about 11 and then spend the afternoon in Dun Laoghaire before leaving at 4/5pm getting to Holyhead about 6 or 7 filling the mid morning/late afternoon gap. It's an idea for the spring though, I reckon things will stay as they are (for Stena) over Christmas. Stena will need to react though, it's a growing trade but IF could rob it from under their noses and even using their port!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 11, 2013, 09:06:01 PM
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201738314012379&set=p.10201738314012379&type=1&theater

could not resist sharing this image.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 11, 2013, 09:12:09 PM
Quote
Quote
QuoteFair point Ferryman - never thought of the Swift Crew and their sleeping arrangements! So the flexibility for Swift is really only in that 8am-7.30pm window. Can still tweak within that a bit!

That puts the tourist flexibility on to Stena so. If they go for a 4/5pm return from Dun Laoghaire then they can also provide overflow cover for trucks from Nordica. Even the neighbours in Dun Laoghaire could live with a dozen trucks each day.

Pete
Explorer only currently doing the 1 round trip - 10:30 from Holyhead and 13:30 from Dun Laoghaire which puts her on the wrong side of the Irish Sea.  I see Stena have also cancelled the last sailing from Holyhead on Xmas eve meaning the last crossing leaves at 13:50 but the 21:50 ex Dublin on Adventurer is still running so both Stena ships laying over in Holyhead.  IF finish off at 14:10/15 in both directions.


The idea I suggested was that Explorer would leave Holyhead about 11 and then spend the afternoon in Dun Laoghaire before leaving at 4/5pm getting to Holyhead about 6 or 7 filling the mid morning/late afternoon gap. It's an idea for the spring though, I reckon things will stay as they are (for Stena) over Christmas. Stena will need to react though, it's a growing trade but IF could rob it from under their noses and even using their port!
Thats the irony!  They will even get to watch from Stena House in Holyhead!  You would have thought they might have done the 2 round trips on explorer, but had probably taken advanced bookings making it hard to change the timetable.  Perhaps they are concentrating too hard on keeping costs down?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on November 12, 2013, 10:22:03 AM
Quote
QuoteI see Stena have also cancelled the last sailing from Holyhead on Xmas eve meaning the last crossing leaves at 13:50 but the 21:50 ex Dublin on Adventurer is still running so both Stena ships laying over in Holyhead.  IF finish off at 14:10/15 in both directions.

Steven note a.) on Stena timetable Adverturer departs at 18.30hrs on 24 December 2013 as she has for number of years.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on November 12, 2013, 10:24:18 AM
Quotehttps://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10201738314012379&set=p.10201738314012379&type=1&theater

could not resist sharing this image.

"This content is currently unavailable"  >:( >:(
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on November 12, 2013, 01:05:01 PM
Purely my own opinion and not substantiated by costing figures but if Stena were to double or even triple trip the Explorer -at speed - the last couple of days before Christmas (when it's busy with passengers) under a "Get home for Christmas" heading, that's got to be a good marketing ploy.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Fast Ferry Fan on November 12, 2013, 10:35:34 PM
IFs second ship will provide a good back up for the Swift on windy days, though it seems as though the Swift's capacity is greater than the Epsilon's.

There's a certain irony that in days gone by, the Explorer provided a service with plenty of capacity leaving Holyhead at 8.55am (the slot now taken by the Nordica) and another that arrived back in Holyhead around 5.45pm.  Because the Nordica only provides a fraction of the capacity of the Explorer, they left themselves exposed to IF mopping up the excess, which they've done.

A possible solution for Stena therefore is to stop the daytime Nordica and replace it with an Explorer trip departing and arriving in Holyhead at similar times.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on November 12, 2013, 11:38:18 PM
how come the epsilon has not left Italy yet? Is she getting painted in the Irish Ferries livery before she comes to Ireland?

And while I was talking to the Irish Ferries Freight team today, they asked me if I had heard about their new ship, and I said yes, and I asked them will it ever operate on the Rosslare to Pembroke route and they said that not this year but maybe next year the Inishmore and Oscar Wilde will operate in Dublin and the epsilon will operate Rosslare to Pembroke and they also said that it might operate the Rosslare to Cherbourg / Roscoff routes some day aswell, but they are not sure of all this, it is just what they think!!!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 13, 2013, 05:48:05 AM
QuoteIFs second ship will provide a good back up for the Swift on windy days, though it seems as though the Swift's capacity is greater than the Epsilon's.

There's a certain irony that in days gone by, the Explorer provided a service with plenty of capacity leaving Holyhead at 8.55am (the slot now taken by the Nordica) and another that arrived back in Holyhead around 5.45pm.  Because the Nordica only provides a fraction of the capacity of the Explorer, they left themselves exposed to IF mopping up the excess, which they've done.

A possible solution for Stena therefore is to stop the daytime Nordica and replace it with an Explorer trip departing and arriving in Holyhead at similar times.
In terms of cars and freight though Nordica beats the HSS, which beats the Swift.  If Stena where that bothered about pax capacity they could have brought Europe up for the festive period and sent Nordica south.  My understanding is that even rammed full the HSS is going to loose money running at full speed plus there's the added complexity/confusion for passengers of running to Dun Laoghaire.  Even running Explorer at half speed is probably much less economical than switching Europe and Nordica and the HSS also has a low freight and coach capacity compared to the conventional ship.

Its important to remeber Explorer uses 4 very thirsty jet engines whereas Swift uses 4 diesels.  I think I mentioned it somewhere before but Stena where able to fuel their entire north sea fleet (including the freight only vessels - IIRC 7 ships) for less than HSS discovery on its own!  Going by that even if HSS used a quarter of the fuel it would probably be cheaper to run a ropax or cruiseferry which would also generate more revenue.  Aditionally the price of jet fuel is higher than it was at the start of the year.  The money these days is in freight anyway so it could be a very costly way of winning custom that is going to make minimal amounts of money while at the same time reducing capacity for the core freight custom.  It is however a shame there is such a gap in capacity between adventurer and nordica (as there also is between Ulysses and Epsilon), the difference is IF have brought up IoI in place of Epsilon.  2 Stena Adventurers would be nice!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on November 13, 2013, 10:23:10 AM
Surely though, will the Christmas week sailings not be more about moving passengers between ports as opposed to freight, which will most probably be a fraction of the usual load?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on November 13, 2013, 12:42:13 PM
What is the realistic likely hood of a new Rosslare to France route or a Cork to western France/Spain as a result of the new regs in 2015 and also the addition of Epsilon with IF!?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on November 13, 2013, 02:53:09 PM
QuoteSurely though, will the Christmas week sailings not be more about moving passengers between ports as opposed to freight, which will most probably be a fraction of the usual load?

This is true Davy. The extra Christmas sailings really are aimed at the leisure/tourist market. Anything Stena could (and probably should) do with Explorer sailings over the Christmas/New Year period would be purely as a marketing tool to buy them some time to plan a response for 2014.

Pete
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 13, 2013, 03:15:01 PM
QuoteSurely though, will the Christmas week sailings not be more about moving passengers between ports as opposed to freight, which will most probably be a fraction of the usual load?
Yes, but explorer is the most expensive possible option.  If bookings warrant it Europe could always come up or as suggested Explorer deployed but whoever decides these things obviously doesn't think that will be needed at this stage.  There will probably be a decent amount of freight still as well - the stock to fill the shops for example has to come from somewhere!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on November 13, 2013, 03:16:58 PM
QuoteWhat is the realistic likely hood of a new Rosslare to France route or a Cork to western France/Spain as a result of the new regs in 2015 and also the addition of Epsilon with IF!?

Very very high , as Cork and several ports along the southern French coast and Northern Spain are exempted from the regulations as they are outside the designated area , its very likely as there will be a lot of ferries available which will not comply with the new regulations which can be used unaltered from Cork , Brittany Ferries is concerned that a Baltic Cruise ferry operating from Cork to the West Coast of France could potentially have a 60% lower fuel bill than Pont Aven or Oscar Wilde  post 2015.
Cork is the likely Port to be used for new routes as not only is Rosslare located in a place where all of its services will be effected by the new regulations , but Rosslare does not qualify for Motorways of the Seas funding as the population base of the region is too small.
If Irish Ferries does not establish a base in Cork someone else will post 2015 (there are now 2 names floating around) , however , I am planning to become an ICG shareholder soon , having had a chat with one or two others who hold shares in ICG if we can form a block fo shareholders with 3% of the shareholding (which we intend to do) then the board of ICG will have a near permanent headache about the lack of Irish Ferries services from Cork.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on November 15, 2013, 04:34:26 PM
Cartour Epsilon still laid up in Messina with no signs of going anywhere in the immediate future.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on November 16, 2013, 02:40:59 AM
Are they doing up the epsilon for Irish Ferries in italy? and what I mean by that is, are they installing café lafeyete, boylan's brassari, painting, etc;?????
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on November 16, 2013, 02:48:59 PM
cartour epsilon has left her berth in messina
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on November 16, 2013, 03:13:42 PM
She is anchored north of Messina.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on November 16, 2013, 06:16:53 PM
does the isle of inishmore always have the same captains every day or do they change?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on November 16, 2013, 08:57:18 PM
QuoteAre they doing up the epsilon for Irish Ferries in italy? and what I mean by that is, are they installing café lafeyete, boylan's brassari, painting, etc;?????

Highly unlikely , as its a bareback charter it'll be lucky to get an Irish Ferries paint job , I'd say its getting a once over inspection before being handed over to ICG.
Long term I'd say Irish Ferries are testing the waters with this extra capacity , if it works out they may build something for the route within a few years , alternatively there is some very good secondhand tonnage on the market at the moment , what the secondhand market will look like if ICG commits to buying another ship for Irish Ferries is another matter.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on November 17, 2013, 09:44:32 AM
Quotedoes the isle of inishmore always have the same captains every day or do they change?

There are four Captains assigned to the IOI working a two weeks on / off rotation with two Captains always being onboard. There is a day Master and Night Master working 12 hours on / off.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on November 17, 2013, 03:54:59 PM
Cartour Epsilon is back at her berth in Messina. Surely she must leave for Dublin within next 24 hours as IFs extra sailings commence next Sunday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 17, 2013, 04:05:03 PM
QuoteCartour Epsilon is back at her berth in Messina. Surely she must leave for Dublin within next 24 hours as IFs extra sailings commence next Sunday.
The extra sailings are being provided by Oscar Wilde for the first 2 weeks, not Epsilon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on November 17, 2013, 04:18:53 PM
Ah yes Oscar finishes her 2013 season next Friday and sails to Dublin for Sat. Gives Cartour Epsilon a little bit more time to sail to Dublin.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on November 17, 2013, 07:56:06 PM
QuoteAh yes Oscar finishes her 2013 season next Friday and sails to Dublin for Sat. Gives Cartour Epsilon a little bit more time to sail to Dublin.

Doesn't she finish her French season on the 19th December??
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on November 17, 2013, 08:19:17 PM
Ur correct she will operate 5 round trips from the 8th to the 19th
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on November 19, 2013, 06:38:58 PM
epsilon is to operate the Rosslare to Cherbourg and Cherbourg to Rosslare routes for a few weeks this December and early January
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 19, 2013, 09:57:58 PM
Quoteepsilon is to operate the Rosslare to Cherbourg and Cherbourg to Rosslare routes for a few weeks this December and early January
Thanks.  Not surprising, and a route I would think she is a lot more suited to.  I take it Oscar is operating from Dublin during this time?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 19, 2013, 10:05:32 PM
No:

Oscar Wilde - Rosslare - Pembroke from Dec 20th at 20.45 as Inishmore goes to Dublin for Christmas and to cover Ulysses refit in Jan, then Inishmore refit which returns Feb 1st Pembroke 14.45 to allow Oscar to go for refit.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 19, 2013, 10:59:24 PM
QuoteNo:

Oscar Wilde - Rosslare - Pembroke from Dec 20th at 20.45 as Inishmore goes to Dublin for Christmas and to cover Ulysses refit in Jan, then Inishmore refit which returns Feb 1st Pembroke 14.45 to allow Oscar to go for refit.

Thanks GG
Have looked that much at the IF website lately I see green when i close my eyes!  So sense has prevailed and IoI comes North as usual.  I see Oscar is still coming up to start the new additional sailings though rather than Inishmore (or Epsilon for that matter).

Regarding Epsilon, she is still sunbathing (or something) in Messina.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on November 19, 2013, 11:36:57 PM
So will the Oscar Wilde be in Dublin at the end of November?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on November 20, 2013, 09:39:27 AM
QuoteSo will the Oscar Wilde be in Dublin at the end of November?

HSS: Oscar Wilde is in the online booking system till the 7th December & Epsilon it taken over on the 8th December, if she arrive onto the Irish sea on time.
(http://i40.tinypic.com/2qjcflx.jpg)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on November 20, 2013, 11:42:55 AM
This is a really bizarre situation we're in at the moment. It would be funny if Irish Ferries went, do you know what lets really screw Stena Line and send ALL of our fleet to Dublin and operate a five ship service!!!!  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on November 21, 2013, 08:31:18 PM
Quote
QuoteSo will the Oscar Wilde be in Dublin at the end of November?

HSS: Oscar Wilde is in the online booking system till the 7th December & Epsilon it taken over on the 8th December, if she arrive onto the Irish sea on time.
(http://i40.tinypic.com/2qjcflx.jpg)

Cheers FerryMan!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Liverpool25 on November 22, 2013, 11:11:10 PM
Oscar Wilde Making Her Way Up To Holyead
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on November 23, 2013, 06:27:44 AM
QuoteOscar Wilde Making Her Way Up To Holyead

She has berthing trials in Holyhead this morning and then trials in Dublin this afternoon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Fast Ferry Fan on November 23, 2013, 08:25:45 PM
First sailing of the additional IF cruise sailings from Dublin at 1.55am tomorrow.  I imagine there'll be more crew than passengers on that first sailing in the middle of the night until it becomes established.

They'll have a much better back up in place now for Swift passenger bumped off due to bad weather and IF seem to be collecting quite a few bumped off Stena passengers these days too!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on November 24, 2013, 02:26:20 PM
Christmas/New Year/Refit schedule for Dublin Holyhead Irish Ferries is up now.  Tried to paste in the table but it looked awful so here's the link:

http://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/christmas-schedule/

Pete
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on November 24, 2013, 07:36:16 PM
from the pictures on both irish ferries website and irish ferries freight website, i take it that they are only painting the funnel green with the irish ferries logo and that they are not painting the words irish ferries on the side of the ship or they are not putting the wave lpgovon the side of the ship either. does anyone know more on this??
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on November 24, 2013, 08:37:44 PM
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=581256801942337&set=a.581257145275636.1073741831.517082148359803&type=1&theater
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on November 24, 2013, 08:45:35 PM
The finished article.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on November 24, 2013, 09:17:23 PM
Nice.........cherry picker  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 24, 2013, 11:26:48 PM
Images of the Oscar Wilde in Holyhead:

http://www.sealink-holyhead.net/#!oscar-wilde/c14kt
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on November 25, 2013, 12:49:27 AM
so they are not writing irish ferries on the side of the ship???

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on November 25, 2013, 06:26:18 PM
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151719237172811&set=a.485423217810.265708.139400627810&type=1&theater
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on November 25, 2013, 06:46:50 PM
Looks like she is getting a full repaint....looking very tidy...maybe some inspiration for Oscar to have the same dress up
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on November 25, 2013, 08:19:13 PM
great, she looks cracking, i hope they get rid of all the blue on her, and as you said itd be awesome to see the oscar wilde get the same treatment
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 25, 2013, 09:49:36 PM
Don't want to be the party pooper but where is the image showing the hull being painted ? I have only seen the funnel images, a much easier area to paint than the hull. Would like to see the Oscar in full livery also, but unlikely to happen after all these years.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on November 26, 2013, 01:17:59 AM
Possibly true, but in the latest IF facebook pics it does show that the upper car deck has been painted green also as the funnel....maybe im jumping to conclusions but would be logical to paint the rest of her too!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 26, 2013, 05:51:57 PM
QuotePossibly true, but in the latest IF facebook pics it does show that the upper car deck has been painted green also as the funnel....maybe im jumping to conclusions but would be logical to paint the rest of her too!
Surely this would be a dry dock job though, AIS is still showing her in port.  As someone said above, the funnel is probably the easiest bit to paint.  Hope she does get the full repaint but not holding my breath for it either.  Sorry to deflate you, but this image (and others) would seem to show that C&T Visentini vehicle decks are green anyway

(http://u.jimdo.com/www48/o/s82977a76b9981574/img/ia4427a1d53d361ed/1304352609/std/caronte-tourist-visentini-class.jpg)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on November 27, 2013, 01:53:55 AM
Well if it was a full repaint down to the keil then yes that would require the use of a drydock , however a top and sides repaint could almost (but not recommended anymore) be done on the run , I am inclined to think Epsilon will get the Irish Ferries side logo's as they have put a lot of time and effort into the presentation of their fleet , I always suspected that that hang up is a left over from B&I days as the company worked very hard to get away from the image B&I had as an operator of "battered old tubs".
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on November 27, 2013, 12:35:19 PM
http://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/news/news131127/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on November 27, 2013, 01:33:21 PM
Quotehttp://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/news/news131127/

Good news. Fares from €99 Car & Driver. Interesting to see how this works out.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Fast Ferry Fan on November 27, 2013, 08:55:12 PM
If the Epsilon is tied up on a Dublin to Cherbourg run between Saturdays and Mondays, isn't his going to leave the newly launched daily additional sailings between Dublin and Holyhead somewhat uncovered? 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on November 27, 2013, 10:40:15 PM
QuoteIf the Epsilon is tied up on a Dublin to Cherbourg run between Saturdays and Mondays, isn't his going to leave the newly launched daily additional sailings between Dublin and Holyhead somewhat uncovered? 

Hey FastFerryFan,

The plan is that she will do her run to France, be back on Monday and operate Tuesday to Saturday AM on the Holyhead run.  I'm guessing she will leave Holyhead at 8 on Saturday morning, then do her French trip Saturday to Sunday and resume Dub-Holyhead later on Monday night/Tuesday Morning.

Busy ship!

Pete
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on November 27, 2013, 11:22:37 PM
I'll say, but hey they're certainly making the most of her and good on Irish Ferries. I also respect them by saying openly and honestly "this new route is an economy service, so don't expect it to be like the Oscar Wilde's premier cruise ferry service." Other companies would've just bluffed that this was a "state of the art cruise ship ferry!" The exception has been Stena Line, who have made an effort to spruce up their Viscentinis and other Ro-Pax ships.

This is a very interesting development and will be the first time in 10 years that Dublin has had a ferry link with Cherbourg.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on November 27, 2013, 11:41:50 PM
I don't know, that's a lot of sailings, with bad weather & delays I can see Nordica winning the Holyhead-Dublin route  ;)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on November 28, 2013, 08:32:38 AM
Yes sending the Dublin - Holyhead ship to France on a saturday could be a monumental blunder as saturday and sunday are the busiest days of the week for Ireland - UK traffic , that and 20+ hours on a ship of that class will be unbearable for most passengers so I can see drop trailers being the big user of this service.
I do find it odd that Irish Ferries has effectively contradicted itself with this service , they have always used the mantra of "shortest possible crossing time" as reasons for abandoning Cork along with other services and now here they are launching the longest way to France from Ireland , a route which interestingly that P&O also hold a licence to operate , when they looked at Dublin - Cherbourg they concluded that the route was too long to be of interest to enough of an audience to make the crossing viable.
It is a brave move , but even someone like me who enjoys spending time on ships would find up to 24 hours on a Viscentini too much to bear , so in that respect I will be sticking with Brittany Ferries in 2014 (14 hours on Pont Aven Vs 24 hours on Epsilon , doesn't require much thought LOL).
But I do think they made a serious tactical blunder with this as they have left the door open to Stena to drive a wedge into the Irish Ferries Dublin - Holyhead service by not operating on the 2 busiest days of the week , and we have yet to see the Brittany Ferries response , which I am told will be coming soon , looks like Ferry wars in Ireland next year  :D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on November 28, 2013, 11:45:00 AM
Weekends including Mondays are quiet days for freight. For example P & O ships tie up Mondays as there's no work for them . The Holyhead ships run nearly empty on Mondays .

For someone living in Dublin or northern Ireland  it might be very convenient to drive to Dublin Port rather than the 2 hour + drive to Rosslare or Cork. However I would agree its a long passage from Dublin to Cherbourg on a ship with little facilities. Lastly European Ambassador (Stena Nordica) was always full when she did the run to France many years ago. we will wait and see.... :)   
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on November 28, 2013, 01:01:37 PM
Maybe ICG have their eye on another Viscentini, so they have the Epsilon to operate alongside the Ulysses and then another ship to operate between Dublin and Cherbourg and maybe Spain.

In an ideal world, the Innisfree would be back at Holyhead, providing extra sailings, while the Epsilon would serve the new Irish-French services and maybe sailings to Spain.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on November 28, 2013, 04:10:37 PM
Kaitaki remains with Interislander until 2017 I think.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on November 28, 2013, 06:05:43 PM
Oh yes of course, which is why I said in an ideal world :). It's great to see that the Innisfree/Kaitaki serving the two main islands of New Zealand well.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on November 28, 2013, 07:46:10 PM
Indeed time will tell with this , it is good to see Irish Ferries expanding , but having the ship on that particular timetable does not sit easy with me , I have seen many operational problems arise from split routes like this before.
Still though , 24 hours on a Viscentini is my idea of hell LOL.
Well Irish Ferries could take up the Motorways of The Seas funding for new services to Gijon (Spain) and Nantes (France) but the condition is the service must depart from Cork as neither Dublin nor Rosslare qualifies for MOTS , for Cork - Spain a cruise ferry with big vehicle space is ideal , however (even though she is not available) the former Isle of Innisfree would only need some minor alterations to be acceptable for such a long crossing.
On that note I notice that an unidentified vessel from an unidentified operator (commercial secrecy appears to be alive and well) will be undergoing berthing trials at Ringaskiddy sometime in the next 3 weeks , if current rumours are true its probarbly a DFDS or LD Lines ship , or , it just might be Armorique .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on November 28, 2013, 09:18:16 PM
Obviously weekends are quiet for freight but busy for passengers. I use the Sunday afternoon Nordica sailing to Holyhead and it it is always very busy. The Explorer is always busy too on a Sunday when its running. I suppose IF have the Swift as backup (weather permitting). Also, customers are not happy that the new service does not take foot passengers...so Nordica wins again  ;)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 30, 2013, 03:09:12 AM
QuoteWeekends including Mondays are quiet days for freight. For example P & O ships tie up Mondays as there's no work for them . The Holyhead ships run nearly empty on Mondays .

For someone living in Dublin or northern Ireland  it might be very convenient to drive to Dublin Port rather than the 2 hour + drive to Rosslare or Cork. However I would agree its a long passage from Dublin to Cherbourg on a ship with little facilities. Lastly European Ambassador (Stena Nordica) was always full when she did the run to France many years ago. we will wait and see.... :)   
Additionally Stena skip a round trip each way on Belfast - Birkenhead on Mondays and Hibernia doesn't operate either over weekends or on Mondays both of which would also indicate lower volumes of freight on these days.

As you all know I suspected Epsilon would sail to France or Spain but from Cork not Dublin!  Surely they have done their market research on this or perhaps they have something else up their sleeve and this is just testing the water as it where.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 02, 2013, 08:10:21 PM
Cartour Epsilon still in Messina, seems to be no rush to get the ship to Dublin.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on December 03, 2013, 12:42:38 PM
QuoteCartour Epsilon still in Messina, seems to be no rush to get the ship to Dublin.

From Irishferries.com
"ROSSLARE HARBOUR 2100 HRS MONDAY 2ND DECEMBER, 2013

Irish Ferries regret to advise that all sailings from Rosslare to Cherbourg and Cherbourg to Rosslare between the inclusive dates of Friday 22nd November and Thursaday 12th December are cancelled for operational reasons.

Irish Ferries apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused."
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 03, 2013, 01:43:34 PM
Has anyone got any pictures of the Inishmore in Rosslare on her own?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 03, 2013, 02:09:32 PM
id bet i have many, ill have a look
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 03, 2013, 02:10:33 PM
if youre on facebook i can tag you in loads of them otherwise ill link you to a few
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 03, 2013, 02:13:05 PM
here are some
https://www.facebook.com/bncrewceb/media_set?set=a.10151658529745674.1073741840.553960673&type=3

and more in this album
https://www.facebook.com/bncrewceb/media_set?set=a.10151517733920674.1073741831.553960673&type=3
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 03, 2013, 07:08:41 PM
Some excellent images of the Oscar Wilde bringing some cruise ferry glamour to the Dublin - Holyhead route before the economy class Epsilon arrives taken by Scott Mackey available to view here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottmackey/sets/72157632007039766/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on December 03, 2013, 09:47:37 PM
Epsilon is on the move guys.....not long now till we get to see her!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on December 03, 2013, 11:07:22 PM
Do we know if she's had logos fitted?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on December 03, 2013, 11:23:20 PM
Well the funnel and decks have been painted, and I am presuming that Irish Ferries logo has been painted on the side....
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 03, 2013, 11:29:06 PM
way off topic, but does anyone know the name of this ship?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 03, 2013, 11:31:22 PM
this ship, the ye11ow one
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 03, 2013, 11:45:32 PM
Way off topic

Delivering wind turbines for Arklow bank, possibly if its helps to narrow it down.

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2003/10/arklow-bank-wind-farm-nears-completion-9863

possibly Happy Rover, Happy Ranger or  Happy River.

http://www.shipsofthemersey.me.uk/picture?/2531/category/106-happy_rover

http://www.bigliftshipping.com/assets/data/vesselspecs/biglift_specs_happy_r_types.pdf

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 04, 2013, 12:15:59 AM
thanks a mil giftgrub
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on December 04, 2013, 06:05:09 AM
At long last Epsilon has departed Italy for Dublin.  I would think it will be the weekend before she arrives.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on December 04, 2013, 06:28:06 AM
I don't think the logos have been painted on the sides.
It looks like she is stopping off at Gibraltar for bunkers, she should be there tomorrow night.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on December 04, 2013, 12:54:45 PM
QuoteI don't think the logos have been painted on the sides.
It looks like she is stopping off at Gibraltar for bunkers, she should be there tomorrow night.

From Matrix Ship Management face book page

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=586193854781965&set=a.517591141642237.1073741828.517082148359803&type=1&theater
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 04, 2013, 01:38:30 PM
is she not due to serve here in rosslare for a wee bit before dublin?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on December 04, 2013, 05:03:26 PM
Larry,
Its due in Rosslare before it arrives in Dublin for Berthing trials . so keep an eye out
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 04, 2013, 07:13:40 PM
Still called the Cartour Epsilon
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on December 04, 2013, 08:58:35 PM
Quote
QuoteI don't think the logos have been painted on the sides.
It looks like she is stopping off at Gibraltar for bunkers, she should be there tomorrow night.

From Matrix Ship Management face book page

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=586193854781965&set=a.517591141642237.1073741828.517082148359803&type=1&theater

Well, it is going to be an 'economy service' so side logos not included.... benvenuti a bordo (think thats right)!!  ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on December 06, 2013, 03:29:57 AM
Looks to me like its been the cheapest repaint possible - funnel and nothing else apart from covering Caronte Tourist on  the hull.  AIS still showing her as Cartour Epsilon and a destination of Gibraltar.  She looks like she isn't going very directly mind, having already doubled back on herself at least once and only sailing at a couple of knots for the past few hours.  I wonder if she is to remain Cartour Epsilon with Epsilon just being used as her name for marketing purposes, etc.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on December 06, 2013, 12:27:51 PM
Shes really getting a painting similar (ish) to what Celtic Horozon got. It does the job  :)

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on December 06, 2013, 01:29:32 PM
Don't forget this is a chartered vessel. What is the point in spending a lot of money on painting logos on her side when the Ship may or may not be suitable for the run
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on December 06, 2013, 02:15:47 PM
Irish Ferries are thinking long term here. They will want to see how traffic figures will fair with the extra sailings. If the service proves successful then Irish Ferries will likely order a newbuild Stena Baltica type ferry.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 06, 2013, 02:48:28 PM
epsi0n 0n webcam
http://www.gibraltarport.com/port-webcam
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on December 06, 2013, 09:34:18 PM
She has left Gibraltar and has just passed Tarifa. She is due in Cherbourg tomorrownight at 9pm.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on December 06, 2013, 10:18:54 PM
QuoteShe has left Gibraltar and has just passed Tarifa. She is due in Cherbourg tomorrownight at 9pm.

Berthing trials? I guess?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on December 06, 2013, 11:22:47 PM
Crew realised it will take 3 days instead of 1 to get to Cherbourg. Latest ETA is Monday morning at 1050.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on December 09, 2013, 11:24:57 AM
Epsilon just left Cherbourg. ETA Rosslare is Tuesday morning at 02.00hrs. Larry are you going to stay up for her 1st arrival into an Irish port. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 09, 2013, 03:46:35 PM
i dont have to, i can see the harbour from my bed :) that being said, hell yes im staying up, i only have a crappy camera but will get pics regardless
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on December 09, 2013, 04:12:27 PM
Good man Larry. I can't wait to see the photos.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on December 09, 2013, 04:14:59 PM
A contact sent me some photos of her leaving Gibraltar look very plain. You will be sick of looking at Visentini vessels very soon.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 09, 2013, 05:51:22 PM
i am already but im easily excited and this is a new boat in rosslare, mind you the horizon is in right now which is basically the identical ship and i believe ahell be staying here tonight so at about 2:00 the sisters will be hanging out together
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on December 09, 2013, 07:51:01 PM
id go to bed if i was you larry..that ship wont be in until 6? at the rate its going
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 09, 2013, 10:19:45 PM
yeah i was keeping an eye on it theres no way in hell itll be here any time near 2 or 3 thats a fact, even 6 at this rate may be optimistic
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 09, 2013, 11:25:40 PM
has any0ne g0t any pictures 0f the N0rmandy and Is1e 0f Inishm0re t0geather at r0ssare?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 09, 2013, 11:49:46 PM
i have some somewhere, some taken by me some taken from books i have, i think there are some pics on here too
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 09, 2013, 11:50:57 PM
heres one i found online but there are better ones
(http://www.hhvferry.com/normandy_europe1a.jpg)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 10, 2013, 12:04:02 AM
Great shot of Normandy and Stena Europe. Thanks Larry.

Larry would you tell me this now.

If the stena Europe is heading for rosslare and the celtic horizon is curently in rosslare and the epsilon is heading for rosslare, where will the Inishmore dock on her 06:45 arrival from Pembroke???
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 10, 2013, 01:11:11 AM
This is the normal layout for this situation
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc63/bncrewceb/eur_zpsa7ca930e.jpg)

at a guess id say when the isle of inishmore leaves the epsilon will berth in her place
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jonno on December 10, 2013, 02:20:47 AM
Would it be realistic for them to invest in another linkspan and bed armouring in the southwest corner of the quay...

Or could IF be thinking of Cork after Mos funding?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 10, 2013, 05:07:52 AM
there is berthing available in front of the europes berth although im not sure what if any link span remains there, many years ago some ships used go there, cambridge ferry did, in the latter years of its use the sea lynx berthed there so it could definitely be brought back to use if the need was there
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 10, 2013, 12:07:26 PM
Here she is in Rosslare Harbour 10/12/13
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1471133_10151898363020674_2139700747_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on December 10, 2013, 01:13:00 PM
The lynx berth and linkspan is still there along with foot passenger walkway. As to whether conventional ferries can use that linkspan I don't know.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on December 10, 2013, 01:30:29 PM
Celtic horizon and Epsilon are alike but they don't appear to be identical .funnels are different .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 10, 2013, 01:36:25 PM
yeah theres a good few differences in them, to the right of the funnel (from behind) is very very different too
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ScottMackey on December 10, 2013, 03:29:26 PM
There are a number of different versions of the Visentini. Carour Epsilon has a much smaller passenger accommodation block (pc 500ish) than the likes of Celtic Horizon which is identical to Stena Lagan and Stena Mersey (pc up to 980). Norman Voyager, Norman Asturias and Scintu are somewhere in between as far as I'm aware.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 10, 2013, 04:50:32 PM
Does anyone know why the epsilon has docked with her now on berth according to marinetraffic.com because she has no bow doors
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 10, 2013, 05:12:50 PM
There was a crane dock side i think they were examining the safety equipment, this crane wont reach around to the other side so they turned her around to continue examinations etc from what i can gather
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1459890_10151898751390674_1900904379_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 10, 2013, 05:15:27 PM
That explains it, thanks Larry and is she leaving soon to allow inishmore come in.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 10, 2013, 05:16:45 PM
Will she be leaving soon to allow the inishmore come in?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 10, 2013, 06:15:49 PM
i think so, im not sure if she'll head straight on to dublin or if she'll just drop anchor for a few hours
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on December 10, 2013, 06:37:50 PM
Quotei think so, im not sure if she'll head straight on to dublin or if she'll just drop anchor for a few hours

Dublin port have just updated her arrival to
11/12/2013 @00:30hrs CARTOUR EPSILON berth Ocean Pier 37

http://www.dublinport.ie/information-centre/next-100-arrivals/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jonno on December 10, 2013, 06:38:05 PM
Good pics Larry, nice one!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 10, 2013, 07:22:23 PM
islo of inishmore is almost here now so i suspect the epsilon will be heading off very shortly
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on December 10, 2013, 07:42:30 PM
Epsilon still at berth 1
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 10, 2013, 07:56:59 PM
inishmore is waiting patiently for her berth back, i really wish theyd render the extra berth to a usable state asap if even just to have it for situations such as this
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 10, 2013, 08:07:28 PM
Larry, I know it's dark now but would you be able to take a pic now of epsilon, cL and stena Europe?
PLEASE AND THANK YOU!!!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 10, 2013, 09:57:24 PM
there you go, all four in that pic but its terrible quality
(https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1483071_10151899022505674_150878041_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Caoimhin_McGuinnes on December 10, 2013, 09:59:08 PM
She is thee boat I say !! Nice pic of the epsilon at night I notice irish ferries are advertising a new route from Dublin to Cherbourg !
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 10, 2013, 10:02:32 PM
thats going to be the epsilons route every weekend during the week she'll be dublin to holyhead
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on December 10, 2013, 10:17:16 PM
Thanks for the pics Larry. Will try get down over the hols to have a look myself.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 10, 2013, 11:55:03 PM
Epsilon has now reached Dublin Port, she will return to Rosslare to operate Rosslare to Cherbourg route on the 28th of Dec!!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 11, 2013, 12:01:32 AM
Anyone on here have any pics of inisfree in rosslare?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 11, 2013, 12:27:19 AM
this one
(http://cdn2.shipspotting.com/photos/middle/0/4/1/870140.jpg)

or this one?
(http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/GHislipJPEGs/17.jpg)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 11, 2013, 12:34:48 AM
Thanks Larry great pics, I really like first one withe herself and stena baltica ex Kb.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 11, 2013, 12:38:57 AM
ive not been able to find one of the other innisfree in the harbour online but there is a stunning overhead pic in the terminal of the harbour above the escalators featuring my two favourite ships in port isle of innisfree (ex stena nautica) and st killian
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 11, 2013, 12:41:51 AM
And Larry I was in the terminal there myself over the summer because I went on the inishmore over to Pembroke and I noticed that there are only 3 check in desks
1 irish ferries
2 stena line
3 celtic link ferries

So in jan when ld lines come to rosslare where will there check in desk go would you know???
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 11, 2013, 12:43:44 AM
thats a good point, they may couple with celtic link or most likely take one of the lots down toward the small shop there, i hadnbt thought about that
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 11, 2013, 12:47:57 AM
And back in the rosslare port thread there was a link posted from YouTube which was an interview with john lynch, rosslare ports, general manager, and he wants the port to aim at container ships over the next few years. Do you think that rosslare would ever be a container port???????
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 11, 2013, 12:55:37 AM
i saw a proposal for this, it was excellent but costly and i really cant see ireland being sensible enough to ever invest that kind of money into something that could really work, the proposal i saw involved modification of the rail lines, addition of cranes, dredging of the harbour, all sorts of excellent ideas i just dont see anyone investing that kind of money in the place but it would be a dream come true
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 11, 2013, 01:00:20 AM
I personally myself would like to see container ships in rosslare.
Eg maetsk line, eucon, msc, etc, etc

And Larry would you be able to help me out here.

I have drawings done out for a boat that I need made out of plastic, so where would I go to get it made?
Like for it to be made from wood I would go to a saw mill or carpenter,
So for plastic where would I go?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 11, 2013, 01:13:10 PM
that i really wouldnt have a clue im afraid, me personally in the past ive used a combo of wood, thin strips of plastic (frum butter containers) and modelling clayy combined to make a few models

id love to see container ships in rosslare harbour but i just cant see it happening sadly
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on December 11, 2013, 01:42:02 PM
Quotei saw a proposal for this, it was excellent but costly and i really cant see ireland being sensible enough to ever invest that kind of money into something that could really work, the proposal i saw involved modification of the rail lines, addition of cranes, dredging of the harbour, all sorts of excellent ideas i just dont see anyone investing that kind of money in the place but it would be a dream come true


I personally don't think the general public would like a container terminal in Rosslare, it would create so much additional freight traffic going through the town it would be bound to upset everyone.
Larry would you really like artics driving past your house 24/7?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on December 11, 2013, 04:23:20 PM
So, it's a bit complicated for the next few days on the Central/Southern Corridors.

Oscar Wilde is cancelled this afternoon and tonight so is still in Dublin (having skipped her 1415 sailing).  She is cancelled again tonight and sailings are in doubt tomorrow afternoon.  She is then cancelled on Friday.

Swift is cancelled for the day tomorrow too.  Oscar Wilde is then due back in Rosslare on Friday and Epsilon is due to take over with the late sailing on Friday night although that too has yet to be confirmed. 

Confused yet?  The current plan seems to be this: It looks like Oscar Wilde is heading back to Rosslare temporarily but will then be on the Pembroke run from the end of next week while Epsilon then switches back to Rosslare - Cherbourg.  Isle of Inishmore will then cover the extra sailings from Dublin.

There is more involving the refit cover for everybody (including Epsilon!) in January but I had to go and have a lie down!

Pete
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on December 11, 2013, 04:38:43 PM
Inishmore will also provide cover for Ulysses after christmas while latter is in the Lairds for annual refit.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 11, 2013, 04:47:24 PM
im seriously confused, ill just keep my eye on my window i think
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 11, 2013, 06:17:02 PM
Straying off topic above here guys "Irish Ferries Fleet Movements"

But

the Oscar is returning to Rosslare to swap with Inishmore which is going to Dublin as per last Christmas to give extra capacity over Christmas and then cover the refit of the Ulysses. Inishmore will then go for refit itself when Ulysses returns. Epsilon does not have the passenger capacity for this at Christmas.

Cartour Epsilion returns to Rosslare late Dec to open Rosslare-France until mid January.(coincidentally while Celtic Horizon is away on its refit) then back to Dublin.

Oscar on Pembroke route until late Jan, when Inishmore returns, Oscar then goes for refit.

After that - All returns to normal with the additional salings of the Epsilon on Dublin - Holyhead/Cherbourg.

Simples....
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on December 11, 2013, 06:24:21 PM
Giftgrub has it right.
Also there are no plans for the Epsilon to go to drydock.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 11, 2013, 08:29:55 PM
So the inishmore will leave rosslare tommorow to go to dublin and oscar will take over?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 11, 2013, 08:45:56 PM
No,

Oscar Wilde and Inishmore swap schedules on Friday 20th December.

Until then Oscar returns to Rosslare - Cherbourg route when it will be replaced by the Cartour Epsilon.

Image of the Cartour Epsilon bunkering in Gibraltar

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1934695

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 11, 2013, 08:52:03 PM
Thanks gift grub, in get it now.

Is there any chances of irish ferries removing cartour, and just have epsilon?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 11, 2013, 09:02:32 PM
QuoteThanks gift grub, in get it now.

Is there any chances of irish ferries removing cartour, and just have epsilon?

Unlikely as they would have probably done this while it was in Messina, from a marketing point of view the vessel is Epsilon, but the AIS and name on the Hull has the Cartour prefix. For anyone booking on the ferry for the "Economy" class service it will make no difference to them so the cost of renaming the ship has no benefit for Irish Ferries.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 11, 2013, 10:05:12 PM
My toy Irish Ferries fleet

1) Isle Of Inishmore
2) My Epsilon (which I only received back from my local artist there this evening)
3) Oscar Wilde
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on December 11, 2013, 11:20:47 PM
Well, it's all happening with Irish Ferries right now. I suppose Stena will just carry on regardless  ;)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on December 12, 2013, 10:16:18 AM
Hey OW, I notice your IF toy fleet doesn't currently contain the Isle of Innisfree, yet all the others appear to also be sailing in the Southern Hemisphere  :D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on December 12, 2013, 04:56:03 PM
Few extra alterations today - Oscar Wilde has left Dublin and is now back in Rosslare ready to head to Cherbourg tomorrow. 

Fair few cancellations also on Dublin - Holyhead.  Epsilon isn't due to sail now until Saturday at 1415 - her sailings tomorrow have been cancelled.  Swift is cancelled all day today and her early sailing tomorrow will most likely be blown off.

Weather permitting, backlog shouldn't be a problem!

Pete 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on December 12, 2013, 05:24:06 PM
all weather related cancellations yeah?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 13, 2013, 03:37:02 PM
This morning the inishmore came into rosslare on the celtic horizons berth because the oscar wilde was on berth 1, how do they unload the vehicles on the upper car deck because celtic horizons berth doesn't have a double deck links pan?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Matt73 on December 13, 2013, 04:17:44 PM
She will have see-saw interconnecting ramps from the upper to the lower decks. Most ferries have these, especially where there are no double-deck ramps.

Matt
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on December 14, 2013, 09:19:34 PM
Changes again! Epsilon's sailings are now cancelled until next Thursday morning. 

She is now due to do Dublin - Holyhead on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (19th to 21st) before being replaced by Isle of Inishmore on Sunday 22nd (which in turn is replaced by Oscar Wilde).  Isle of Inishmore then does the 2 crossings a day until January 2nd when she moves to a 1300 Dublin/1800 Ex Holyhead schedule until she then takes over from Ulysses on January 6th while Ulysses goes for refit.

Epsilon takes up her role on Rosslare-France on December 28th and returns to Dublin on January 14th and this sees the return of the extra sailings while Swift goes off for refit until February 8th.

Pete
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on December 15, 2013, 03:22:59 AM
Is Jonathan Swift on a 3 week refit then? Sounds rather major!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 15, 2013, 12:12:30 PM
epsilon cancelled until next thursday due to operational reasons, anybody kow whats wrong?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 15, 2013, 05:33:28 PM
Would anyone like to see the Jonathan swift operating on the rosslare toe broke route?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on December 15, 2013, 09:13:39 PM
How full are the Swift sailings these days?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 16, 2013, 07:14:14 AM
Larry could you take a pic of inishmore with stern on berth this morning, thanks.


Something strange, all irish ferries vessels are docked with their stern on berth this morning except oscar wilde as she is sailing at the miniute.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on December 16, 2013, 06:24:01 PM
Ulysses was docked stern in this morning for refitting of her MES.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on December 16, 2013, 10:03:08 PM
Some great Cartour Epsilon info & photos from Justin Merrigan at

http://www.sealink-holyhead.net/#!cartour-epsilon/cdfw
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on December 16, 2013, 11:42:32 PM
QuoteHow full are the Swift sailings these days?

Davy, Swift does pretty well most of the time.  I was on her on a late October Friday sailing and she was pretty busy.  Very much at the mercy of the weather though which is where Epsilon will be most welcome on the route.

I think freight remains king (unsurprisingly!) and that's why the focus will remain on trucks but the leisure routes (Swift, HSS, P&O Express) will be most interesting in 2014 given the ongoing changes on the Irish sea routes.

To answer another question - there is no crazy hurry on getting Swift back after her refit.  Jan/Feb are very quiet on the leisure/tourist front and the Irish sea can be at it's crankiest then so there is rarely a panic to get back.

Pete
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 20, 2013, 08:04:54 PM
As the Inishmore will be in Dublin, the Oscar Wildes Rosslare - Pembroke sailings are cancelled tomorrow, the Stena Europe may well be full tomorrow.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jonno on December 21, 2013, 04:14:36 AM
I see the ETA for Oscar Wilde at Rosslare is 0745. It's 0410 and she's still tied to the quay here in Pembs.. Good pic of her starboard side on the harbour webcam. I thought it strange she hadn't passed us.

Europe is due at Fishguard at 0430. She's due back out at 0530.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on January 14, 2014, 09:37:00 AM
Any ideas when the Big U is back from dry docking guys?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on January 14, 2014, 01:49:35 PM
It was supposed to be tomorrow but I hear rumours of Thursday now
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 16, 2014, 09:32:20 PM
The Ulysses left drydock yesterday with a large part of the hull having been untouched by a paint brush ! as seen in the first link, the rest of the ship seems to have received attention.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/11964506104/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/11964363053/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/11964904996/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/11964504834/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/11964361973/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/11964903706/in/photostream/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 19, 2014, 08:41:12 PM
Inishmore and Swift are in Birkenhead for drydocking

http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/12007996593/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/12008069064/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/12008069214/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/12008069504/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/12007997733/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/12001074646/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/12000563023/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/12000565233/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/12000623884/

http://www.irishseashipping.com/photofeatures/shipco/irishferries/swift170114/swift17014.htm

http://www.irishseashipping.com/photofeatures/shipco/irishferries/inishmore180114/inishmore180114.htm

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1435476396685555&set=a.1383128158587046.1073741826.100006696244911&type=1&theater



and the Cartour Epsilon is back in Dublin after finishing service from Rosslare.

http://www.irishseashipping.com/photofeatures/shipco/irishferries/epsilon160114/epsilon160114.htm





Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on January 19, 2014, 10:03:22 PM
well spotted giftgrub, some excellent pics there. Cartour Epsilon ETA into Rosslare at 10:00 hrs in the morning.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on January 20, 2014, 07:46:00 PM
the ship surely isnt going to stop off in rosslare everytime it sails back from cherbourg?

that would be a proper pain
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on January 20, 2014, 09:36:12 PM
Not noticed it before, but there appears to be a large door in Epsilon's port side. Can she do side loading as well?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 20, 2014, 09:46:00 PM
QuoteNot noticed it before, but there appears to be a large door in Epsilon's port side. Can she do side loading as well?


No door on the side, what you are seeing is a part of the Marine Evacuation System, it looks weird but thats it. You will similar on the P&O Dover fleet and any ferry with few lifeboats.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on January 20, 2014, 11:13:05 PM
was the pride of bibalo ever painted in the irish ferries livery?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on January 20, 2014, 11:33:22 PM
cartour epsilon has been renamed epsilon.

https://www.facebook.com/IrishFerriesOfficial/photos_stream
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 21, 2014, 08:55:16 AM
Quotewas the pride of bibalo ever painted in the irish ferries livery?

No, never sailed for Irish Ferries.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on January 21, 2014, 05:09:58 PM
Quote
Quotewas the pride of bibalo ever painted in the irish ferries livery?

No, never sailed for Irish Ferries.

I see giftgrub, thanks
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on January 21, 2014, 09:54:01 PM
it is now 21:55 and the Oscar Wilde hasen't left rosslare, anyone know whats wrong?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 23, 2014, 10:32:44 PM
Quotecartour epsilon has been renamed epsilon.

https://www.facebook.com/IrishFerriesOfficial/photos_stream

Think that image could be photoshopped and the ais is still Cartour Epsilon, if you look closely the mooring rope seems to be quite different and there is a blur where Cartour would be.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: larry on January 24, 2014, 07:00:00 PM
i was looking at her just the other day and completely glanced over what name she was sporting but i think she may have been renamed
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on January 24, 2014, 08:44:05 PM
Has anyone on here got any pics of Oscar Wilde with her bow on berth at rosslare?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: russellw on January 26, 2014, 09:42:20 AM
Hi

I hope this is in the correct section.

Does anyone know the operating limits for the fast craft? It was cancelled a fair bit in the run up to Christmas, but also the HSS was retimed on one day to avoid the worse of the weather, and cancelled on at least one other day.

Also, what about the Cartour Epsilon? What can she operate in as that too took a few cancellations just before Christmas?

I guess the Mighty Ulysses is pretty much unstoppable.

Thanks in advance

Russell
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on January 26, 2014, 11:56:51 AM
Jonathan Swift is permitted to operate up to 3.5m I think - although it is IF's policy not to push her to the limits as there are easy alternatives for passengers. Stena Explorer's permit is restricted to 4m significant - whatever that means.

Not sure about the conventionals, although most of the trouble experienced in rough weather is more to do with berthing than the actual journey.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ScottMackey on January 26, 2014, 12:25:08 PM
Most conventional ships don't usually have operating restrictions mid-channel, unlike the fast craft which have a significant maximum wave height imposed. Rather, there are berthing parameters for all ships which often determine cancellations or not in heavy weather.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: russellw on January 26, 2014, 01:43:31 PM
Thanks for the info.

I'm surprised the HSS can't go in tougher conditions though.

I love the pair of them, the Swift and the HSS

Russell
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on January 26, 2014, 05:58:46 PM
According to the Sealink-Holyhead website, she can.

http://www.sealink-holyhead.net/#!stena-explorer/c1n8
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on January 28, 2014, 09:28:15 PM
Has anybody else noticed how the Epsilon is now stopping off again at Rosslare on her return journey from Cherbourg?

I don't think IF intended to do this. I assume this is to flush out LD lines a bit especially with regard to freight? :o
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on January 28, 2014, 11:10:07 PM
QuoteHas anybody else noticed how the Epsilon is now stopping off again at Rosslare on her return journey from Cherbourg?

I don't think IF intended to do this. I assume this is to flush out LD lines a bit especially with regard to freight? :o


No, I have a friendd that works in Irish Ferries Freight and he said that there is a freight company in France that need cargo shipped to Rosslare, so the epsilon needs to stop at rosslare with this cargo and if you have a look at the irish ferries sailing updates link for the Ireland France route on www.irishferries.com/sailingupdates, you will see that the epsilon will last dock in rosslare from cherbourg on Sunday 16th February, 2014 because after this the oscr wilde will be back from drydock and she will then carry this companies cargo to Rosslare.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on January 30, 2014, 09:13:26 PM
Inishmore sailing at 08:45 hrs, Sat Feb 1st and 14:45 ex: Pembroke Sat Feb 1st.

These sailings are both cancelled.

Thursday 30th January, 2014 11.50 hrs

Owing to adverse weather conditions, the following sailings remain to be confirmed:

Friday 31st January, 2014 - Rosslare Pembroke 2045 hrs
Saturday 1st February, 2014 - Pembroke Rosslare 0245 hrs
and the following sailings have been cancelled
Saturday 1st February, 2014 - Rosslare Pembroke 0845 hrs
Saturday 1st Febraury, 2014 - Pembroke Rosslare 1445 hrs

This site will be updated accordingly.

For further information please call

UK Central Reservations Office 08717 300 400

Irish Central Reservations Office 0818 300 400


Rosslare Port Office 053 9133158
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on January 30, 2014, 11:10:08 PM
These are Oscar Wilde sailings on Rosslare - Pembroke route as the Isle of Inishmore is still in drydock  in Liverpool for servicing.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on January 31, 2014, 08:28:33 AM
Quote from: FerryMan on January 30, 2014, 11:10:08 PM
These are Oscar Wilde sailings on Rosslare - Pembroke route as the Isle of Inishmore is still in drydock  in Liverpool for servicing.


I  know that the Inishmore is still in drydock but according to the Irish Ferries website, booking engine, the Inishmore is due to sail on Sat morning.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on January 31, 2014, 03:53:10 PM
Irish Ferries booking engine is now showing Inishmore taking up Sunday 2nd @20.45hrs sailing.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on January 31, 2014, 06:02:54 PM
The Inishmore must be heading straight to Pembroke from Birkenhead because Oscar Wilde leaving Rosslare 20:45 hrs Sun 2nd Feb and return sailing from Pembroke Dock is operated by the Inishmore.

See image below of IF's booking engine...
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on January 31, 2014, 06:18:22 PM
some nice images of the Inishmore in Dublin, Christmas 2013 / 2014

http://irishships.com/robbie_ferries.html
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on January 31, 2014, 07:49:36 PM
Yeah, great to see the Irish Ships website back up and running.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on February 02, 2014, 12:41:59 PM
Isle of inishmore left Birkenheadis is destin for pPembroke her arrival time is one am on mMon morning.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 02, 2014, 07:56:33 PM
Images of the nearly fully repainted ??? Inishmore leaving Birkenhead here:

http://www.irishseashipping.com/photofeatures/shipco/irishferries/inishmore020214/inishmore020214.htm

http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/12222471333/


http://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/12222878466/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 02, 2014, 08:23:50 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on January 23, 2014, 10:32:44 PM
Quotecartour epsilon has been renamed epsilon.

https://www.facebook.com/IrishFerriesOfficial/photos_stream

Think that image could be photoshopped and the ais is still Cartour Epsilon, if you look closely the mooring rope seems to be quite different and there is a blur where Cartour would be.

A recent image of the Cartour Epsilon confirms that it has not been renamed

http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottmackey/12237996894/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on February 03, 2014, 06:21:13 PM
Oscar is on her way for refit in Falmouth, ETA 0700 am.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 05, 2014, 08:37:59 PM
The Oscar Wilde should be visible on this webcam link during the day as it is in drydock.

http://www.nmmc.co.uk/index.php?/justvisiting/webcams/falmouth_harbour_from_the_tower_out_to_sea
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on February 07, 2014, 03:01:13 PM
check out this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7JZoKgoy7g&feature=c4-overview&list=UUbR5GnUopIlKKIcFhfdGB1A
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on February 08, 2014, 03:07:24 PM
I'm sorry if someone has discussed this previously, but how is the Epsilon performing on her new routes?

Also I know it's not strictly Irish Ferries, but has anyone got any pictures of the Norman Atlantic (aka Scintu) in Rosslare?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on February 08, 2014, 03:42:02 PM
If you go to the new tonnage thread you will find lots of lovely pics of Norman Atlantic ex scintu in rosslare port.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on February 09, 2014, 11:44:04 AM
Thanks Oscar, like your name sake you are a genius.
Do you or anyone else know how the Epsilon is doing?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on February 09, 2014, 01:37:50 PM
Epsilon is doing just fine, her 15:30 hrs sailing ex Dublin on Saturday was delayed by up to 20 hours, she departed at 12:00 hrs today ex Dublin to cherbourg. Also there is a new video of epsilon on irishferries.com
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 09, 2014, 07:44:06 PM
Images of the Oscar Wilde in drydock in Falmouth:

Not available in the harbour webcam view unfortunately.

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1972705

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1972704

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1972701

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1973135

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1973085

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1973073
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 09, 2014, 09:39:37 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on February 09, 2014, 07:44:06 PM
Images of the Oscar Wilde in drydock in Falmouth:

Not available in the harbour webcam view unfortunately.

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1972705

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1972704

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1972701

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1973135

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1973085

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1973073

Thanks giftgrub.  Must admit i'm getting a bit of a soft sport for the old girl!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 09, 2014, 11:11:58 PM
an interesting image of the Oscar on arrival in Falmouth.

https://twitter.com/FalmouthRNLI/status/431068698284392448/photo/1
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on February 12, 2014, 12:35:26 AM
take a look at this picture, how come there is smoke coming out of the Ulysses funnel on Christmas Day 2013, sure there would be no one onboard.????????????
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on February 12, 2014, 12:49:18 AM
Err, can't see no picture, so I'm guessing it will be from the generators, which will be kept running to power everything from the AIS transponder to the meat freezer.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on February 12, 2014, 06:01:54 AM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on February 12, 2014, 12:35:26 AM
take a look at this picture, how come there is smoke coming out of the Ulysses funnel on Christmas Day 2013, sure there would be no one onboard.????????????

Can't see a picture. But there was a full crew on Ulysses on Christmas Day. Are you so naive that you think everyone would have upped and gone home for the day??
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on February 12, 2014, 06:44:38 AM
Majority of crew on board are foreign and it would be impossible for them to return home for two days over the Christmas period. The ships only tie up for two days . Instead the tie up Christmas eve close up all the doors and have there own "Party" on board
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on February 12, 2014, 09:55:40 AM
Quote from: Davy Jones on February 12, 2014, 12:49:18 AM
Err, can't see no picture, so I'm guessing it will be from the generators, which will be kept running to power everything from the AIS transponder to the meat freezer.

Pretty much, power is required for all onboard systems, and there would be crew to monitor these.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on February 12, 2014, 10:20:11 AM
As the ship was only stooped for two days there were only a few systems shut down with the majority of the plant kept running as normal.
The smoke from the funnel would probably have been the boiler kicking in as the auxiliary engines don't tend too smoke too much.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on February 12, 2014, 12:33:22 PM
Or someone in engineering may have been cycling the engines either as part of maintenance or or just to keep the engines ticking over as they dont often spend that long at idle.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on February 12, 2014, 12:45:31 PM
Nope the main engines weren't started over Christmas. The auxiliary engines may have been changed over. The main engines will have been turned every hour with the turning gear.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on February 12, 2014, 03:23:52 PM
Quote from: Collision-course on February 12, 2014, 12:33:22 PM
Or someone in engineering may have been cycling the engines either as part of maintenance....
Is it not bad enough to be on board & away from your family over Christmas, but to be doing maintenance on Christmas day, I hope not.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on February 12, 2014, 08:41:59 PM
Many ferry crew members would be from cultures that dont celebrate Christmas , for them december 25th is just another working day.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on February 12, 2014, 09:45:07 PM
Quote from: Collision-course on February 12, 2014, 08:41:59 PM
Many ferry crew members would be from cultures that dont celebrate Christmas , for them december 25th is just another working day.

What sort of crew do you think the Ulysses has??
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on February 12, 2014, 11:13:08 PM
Just about every vessel operating in this part of the world will Asian have crew members , more often than not found in the engine room.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on February 13, 2014, 08:32:55 AM
Well there are no Asians on the Ulysses - all European.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on February 13, 2014, 10:36:34 PM
Anybody know about damage to trucks on the Epsilon last weekend?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on February 17, 2014, 12:17:54 PM
 :aaccording  to marine traffic.com, the car tour epsilon is heading fro Pembroke, her arrival time is 16:00, anyone know why
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on February 17, 2014, 03:52:53 PM
Berthing trials.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on February 17, 2014, 04:12:34 PM
Pembroke Dock webcam shows Cartour Epsilon currently on berth.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 17, 2014, 08:10:04 PM
The Oscar Wilde looking a bit better after a few days in Falmouth.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/82289286@N06/12568117374/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/82289286@N06/12568069954/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on February 17, 2014, 11:38:19 PM
Epsilon back in Dublin now. 23.5-24kts most of the way back. Is that her top speed?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 17, 2014, 11:46:21 PM
AFAIK (from the top of my head) 24 knots is the top speed of that Visentini generation
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 22, 2014, 10:02:34 PM
Oscar Wilde is on the way back to Rosslare from Falmouth all repainted and fully serviced.

Images of the Oscar leaving drydock in Falmouth here:

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1981194

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1981154

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1981152

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1981150

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1981149

Just passing the France bound Celtic Horizon in the image from Marine Traffic below.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 23, 2014, 01:08:45 AM
Quote from: giftgrub on February 22, 2014, 10:02:34 PM
Oscar Wilde is on the way back to Rosslare from Falmouth all repainted and fully serviced.

Images of the Oscar leaving drydock in Falmouth here:

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1981194

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1981154

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1981152

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1981150

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1981149

Just passing the France bound Celtic Horizon in the image from Marine Traffic below.

No change in hull colour then ! (Personally I like the blue, it suits her lines)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on February 24, 2014, 07:46:06 PM
I see in Dublin tonight that the Cartour is being painted out of Cartour Epsilon so finally looks as if the name changed has happened.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on February 25, 2014, 03:18:38 AM
Quote from: MAKman on February 24, 2014, 07:46:06 PM
I see in Dublin tonight that the Cartour is being painted out of Cartour Epsilon so finally looks as if the name changed has happened.

She sailed from Dublin at 01.55hrs on the 25/01/14 as Epsilon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on February 25, 2014, 04:50:37 PM
Quote from: Steven on February 23, 2014, 01:08:45 AM
No change in hull colour then ! (Personally I like the blue, it suits her lines)

Same here. Think she always looks very well.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cullyburn on February 25, 2014, 07:56:06 PM
Maybe I've missed something, but the 'Ferry Site' shows that ('Cartour') Epsilon is owned and operated by IF. ???
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 25, 2014, 09:55:37 PM
Quote from: cullyburn on February 25, 2014, 07:56:06 PM
Maybe I've missed something, but the 'Ferry Site' shows that ('Cartour') Epsilon is owned and operated by IF. ???

There has been no announcement that they have purchased the Epsilon from Cartour, would have thought as a PLC this would be essential, possibly a mistake. AIS is now Epsilon as well.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on February 25, 2014, 10:39:47 PM
Indeed as a PLC they would have to formally announce a purchase that big , no mention of it in ICG's corporate announcements .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 26, 2014, 12:32:37 AM
Quote from: cullyburn on February 25, 2014, 07:56:06 PM
Maybe I've missed something, but the 'Ferry Site' shows that ('Cartour') Epsilon is owned and operated by IF. ???
Wouldn't be the first time ferry site got something slightly wrong though.  For example they still list Stena Mersey as being owned by Epic shipping, they have the passenger capacity at the pre refit levels and the vehicle deck lm is wrong as well.  Its one of the reasons research for my website is taking so long as I want to make sure I get the correct information which relies on waiting for replies or searching through publications rather than taking other websites at face value. 

I agree that ICG would have to announce it, as they did here with Oscar Wilde http://otp.investis.com/clients/uk/icg/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=500&newsid=317259 (http://otp.investis.com/clients/uk/icg/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=500&newsid=317259)

Didnt realise she cost THAT much!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on February 26, 2014, 06:17:51 AM
When Irish Ferries bought Oscar Wilde the ferry market was very different , there were waiting lists at yards for new tonnage and in the secondhand market you all but had to take whatever was available , and as very few ships were available prices even on older tonnage was quite high , secondhand ships are selling at a fraction of 2007 prices at the moment.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 26, 2014, 01:25:44 PM
Quote from: Collision-course on February 26, 2014, 06:17:51 AM
When Irish Ferries bought Oscar Wilde the ferry market was very different , there were waiting lists at yards for new tonnage and in the secondhand market you all but had to take whatever was available , and as very few ships were available prices even on older tonnage was quite high , secondhand ships are selling at a fraction of 2007 prices at the moment.

It was 7 years ago as well I suppose.  Just seems such a large figure these days! Konigin Beatrix/Stena Baltica went for a fraction of that figure for example.   Mind you, its still significantly less than Pegasus, or spirit of Britain, etc!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 05, 2014, 11:27:08 PM
Some nice images of the Epsilon have been posted on Marinetraffic.com

http://www.marinetraffic.com/en/photos/of/ships/photo_keywords:9539054/ship_name:EPSILON

Some paintwork damage in the area where the MES system comes down.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on March 07, 2014, 05:40:16 PM
does anyone on here know where I could see how the MES works on the Vinsentini ships.



P.S. I posted on this before that I am fed up of the visintini ships, well actually to be honest, I'm not anymore, I actually like them now.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 07, 2014, 05:45:12 PM
Scroll through the pictures on attached link, click right to see MES in action

http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottmackey/12768492183/

Thanks to Scott Mackey for posting these images on his Flickr site.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on March 07, 2014, 05:55:13 PM
thanks giftgrub, well spotted.


Can i just ask you what is the thing on the side of these ships thats like a huge door on the hull, as seen in the pic you posted above of  Epsilon and what does it do?

Thanks
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on March 07, 2014, 07:01:18 PM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on March 07, 2014, 05:55:13 PM
Can i just ask you what is the thing on the side of these ships thats like a huge door on the hull, as seen in the pic you posted above of  Epsilon and what does it do?
They are retaining lines for the MES rafts, you can see them on the picture of the Stena Lagan.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 07, 2014, 11:03:05 PM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on March 07, 2014, 05:40:16 PM
does anyone on here know where I could see how the MES works on the Vinsentini ships.



P.S. I posted on this before that I am fed up of the visintini ships, well actually to be honest, I'm not anymore, I actually like them now.

They had that affect on me as well, though in a way it was the only way i travelled by ferry for long enough so I didn't have much choice!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 09, 2014, 11:06:01 PM
ICG PLC - Irish Ferries results are good.

http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/rothwell-mulls-icg-sail-away-from-irish-stock-exchange-30075080.html

near the end

Rothwell described ICG's recent investment in an extra ship, Epsilon, as a "major vote of confidence in the Irish economy". "We haven't bought a ship since 2011," he said.

http://www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/transport-and-tourism/irish-ferries-owner-irish-continental-group-steers-route-to-higher-profits-1.1715658




http://otp.investis.com/clients/uk/icg/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=500&newsid=396941

OPERATING REVIEW

FERRIES DIVISION
The Ferries division employs five owned multipurpose ferries, four of which are operating on routes to and from the Republic of Ireland and one chartered out and operating in New Zealand. In addition to the owned fleet the Division also charters in one further vessel as part of its operations. In 2013, 4,381 sailings were operated by Irish Ferries, carrying passengers, passenger vehicles and RoRo freight.

Revenue in the division was 1.1% higher than the previous year at €161.7 million while operating profit (before non-trading items) was €24.9 million compared with €22.4 million in 2012. The increase in profit was due principally to increased freight revenue and lower bunker (fuel) costs partially offset by reduced passenger revenue. Fuel cost in the division was down €3.5 million (8.9%) to €35.8 million. Revenue in the first half of the year was flat at €69.4 million (2012: €69.5 million), while the second half saw an increase of 2.0%, to €92.3 million (2012: €90.5 million).

Passenger
Given the weak economic backdrop in our main markets, which affects consumers' propensity to travel, Irish Ferries' car carryings remained resilient during the year, at 350,900 cars, (2012: 353,800), down slightly (0.8%) on the previous year. This is broadly in line with the overall market performance into and out of the Republic of Ireland, which we estimate to have been flat year on year. Irish Ferries' passenger numbers carried were up 1.6% at 1.568 million (2012: 1.544 million). In the first half of the year, our passenger volumes were up by 0.3% and car volumes were down by 4.2%. In the second half of the year, which is seasonally more significant, the growth in passenger numbers was 2.6% while cars carried were up by 1.6% compared with the same period last year. During 2013 sterling was weaker than in the previous year which provided a headwind in our passenger segment.

Our business benefited from the start of a recovery in demand in the British market for Ireland's Tourism product where overall visitor numbers grew slightly following four years of serious decline. Britain continues to provide the largest proportion of passenger traffic for Irish Ferries amongst all of the countries where we source income and the continuation of Ireland's attractiveness in that market is critical to our future growth.

Freight
The Republic of Ireland's RoRo market returned to growth with a 3% increase in overall market carryings during the first half of the year followed by a 6% increase in the second half, to provide full year growth of 4%. This is a welcome sign of Ireland's return to improved economic health.

Irish Ferries' carryings, at 205,300 freight units (2012: 183,700), were up 11.8% in the year reflecting a strong performance by Irish Ferries relative to the market (volumes were up 7.9% in the first half and 15.7% in the second half).

The improvement in the RoRo markets informed our decision in the final quarter of 2013 to augment our capacity on the Dublin / Holyhead route whilst also commencing a new service between Dublin and Cherbourg. The chartered vessel Epsilon will provide a major improvement in our frequency on Dublin / Holyhead which we believe will restore some lost competitive advantage. With the vessel's superior freight deck and the number of cabins on board (70), we will also provide a once weekly service to France which will provide additional capacity to our customers throughout the year - much of which we are unable to provide because of the freight deck limitations of the cruise ferry Oscar Wilde (which is a more passenger-oriented vessel). It will also broaden our tourist offering by providing an economy style service to France complementing the Oscar Wilde.

This investment in both the Dublin / Holyhead and Dublin / Cherbourg routes will increase the Ferries' Division cost base but the initiative is targeted to become profitable within a short number of years

Charter
The MV Kaitaki remained on charter during the year, trading in New Zealand. The charter to P&O terminated on 30 June 2013 following which a new charter commenced, on 1 July 2013, to KiwiRail. The new charter is for a period of 4 years with an option for the charterer to extend the agreement by a further 3 years, out to 2020. The Princess Anastasia (formerly 'Bilbao') remained on bareboat hire purchase charter to St. Peter Line. Under the terms of the charter party, (forming part of the hire purchase sale agreement), title to the vessel will transfer to the charterers, on payment of the remaining instalments due under the agreement.

CURRENT TRADING & OUTLOOK
In the year to date the unprecedented adverse weather has resulted in a significant number of cancelled sailings (16% of budgeted sailings) which has resulted in some loss of discretionary passenger business and a disruption to freight business. However the additional capacity provided by the Epsilon has helped to counter the effect of the lost sailings. Car carryings, year to date, are flat, while RoRo freight volumes are up approximately 18%. Total passengers carried are down 4%. On the Ireland / France route a new competitor has entered the market with effect from January 2014, with a once weekly sailing. Container freight volumes are flat year to date, while container throughput at our terminals is up 2.5%.

The improved economic backdrop which we have experienced over the last 12 months looks likely to continue through 2014. However the impact on our business during 2013 has been mixed with the sea passenger market remaining flat while there has been a return to growth in the freight market. We would expect the continued improving outlook to have a positive impact on both strands of our business, passenger and freight, and, with our additional vessel capacity in place, we are well positioned to capitalise on this improved economic environment.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 10, 2014, 04:04:58 AM
So she IS still on charter, despite Mr Rothwell's best efforts to make us think otherwise:

From the Irish Times article

QuoteThe charter of the 70-cabin Epsilon , which mostly services the Dublin-Holyhead route, was prompted by the improved economic outlook, according to ICG.

And from the review (from the comments in the link above the bit posted)

QuoteThe improving economic outlook in Ireland has encouraged us in our recently announced investment in the charter of an additional vessel, the Epsilon, which has been trading since mid December.

Almost 12% gain in roro freight and 10% in lolo has to be a good sign!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LiverpoolIrishLiam on March 14, 2014, 01:07:49 AM
It's great to see that Irish Ferries is growing year on year.

With regards to Epsilon, why did IF buy such a small vessel? I understand they needed to 'test out' the service and see if any additional freight units would use the service, but now that they know they will in big numbers, isn't it time to get rid of Epsilon and invest in a bigger and more suitable ship, one that could carry freight and passengers?

IF are alienating their foot passenger market by not allowing them to use Epsilon. As a foot passenger who regularly travels to Ireland using IF, the early morning departure times of Epsilon at 01:55 from Dublin and at 8am from Holyhead do better suit me when travelling and I think it's a bit unfair that we cannot choose to sail on her.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 14, 2014, 09:21:13 AM
Quote from: LiverpoolIrishLiam on March 14, 2014, 01:07:49 AM
It's great to see that Irish Ferries is growing year on year.

With regards to Epsilon, why did IF buy such a small vessel? I understand they needed to 'test out' the service and see if any additional freight units would use the service, but now that they know they will in big numbers, isn't it time to get rid of Epsilon and invest in a bigger and more suitable ship, one that could carry freight and passengers?

IF are alienating their foot passenger market by not allowing them to use Epsilon. As a foot passenger who regularly travels to Ireland using IF, the early morning departure times of Epsilon at 01:55 from Dublin and at 8am from Holyhead do better suit me when travelling and I think it's a bit unfair that we cannot choose to sail on her.

Epsilon is only on charter.  By many measures she is quite a large ship.  In many ways IF where probably limited by what was available on the market, but given they where testing the water with the extra ship, the Visentini type is known to have low operating costs whilst having the all important good freight capacity.  As mentioned in the speculation thread, I doubt she will be on the link long term, particularly if Stena do as we expect and replace Nordica.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LiverpoolIrishLiam on March 18, 2014, 03:15:49 PM
With regards to my previous post about IF not allowing foot-passengers on Epsilon, I contacted IF and this is the response they gave me:

''The Mv Epsilon is the newest cruise ferry addition to our fleet. The design of this ship is very different from all of our other vessels. The passenger areas on the Mv Epsilon (restaurants & accommodation) are situated on upper decks 5 & 6 which are at the forward of the ship. The ship was not designed to carry foot-passengers as there is no foot-passenger gangway from the shore side to the passenger areas.

The ship is stern loading and foot-passengers (if allowed) would have to load with the cars and walk along the car decks (a very long walk). As some of the car decks are exposed to the elements it is deemed unsafe under health and safety concerns. For this reason our reservations booking system has been set up to only accept motorist bookings on the MV Epsilon. There are no plans to change this.

I trust this explanation will give you some insight into the reasons why we do not accept foot-passenger bookings on the Mv Epsilon.

Yours sincerely,
Sheila Gleeson
Customer Support Manager''
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on March 18, 2014, 03:30:33 PM
Hehehehe I think someone needs to explain the difference between a cruise ferry and a ropax to Irish Ferries PR department LOL
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 18, 2014, 06:23:04 PM
To be fair, the general public would not know the difference, any members on this forum are obviously "into" ferries and know things are slightly different.

How the could be expected to carry foot passengers on a ferry with capacity for 500 people is beyond me, its a secondary service and if they had a lot of foot passengers booked they would have to turn away car traffic which is far more lucrative, freight is normally unaccompanied.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 18, 2014, 08:24:13 PM
Via Ferries of Northern Europe Yahoo Group.  Don't think I have seen this bit (about passing on bunkering costs) posted here yet:

QuoteFerry Operator Says Bunker Costs Will "Substantially Increase" in 2015

Monday March 10, 2014
Ferry Operator Says Bunker Costs Will "Substantially Increase" in 2015
The improving Irish economy has helped the company grow
Ferry company Irish Continental Group says it is preparing for new limits on sulfur emissions in 2015 that will "substantially increase" bunker fuel costs and require bunker surcharges, and it needs to educate its customers about the issue.

"This increased cost will have to be borne by the end customers," the company said.

"This action will be necessary in order to maintain a viable freight network for the benefit of Ireland's exporters and importers."

The ferry operator's revenues grew 3.4 percent in 2013 to €264.7 million ($367.0 million), and profit from continuing operations was up 14 percent to €23.3 million ($32.3 million).

The company's overall profit was down due to the sale of subsidiary Feederlink, which boosted its 2012 results.

"
This increased cost will have to be borne by the end customers
Irish Continental Group
''2013 was a successful year for the Group with a solid financial and operational performance in a competitive passenger and freight market place," said Chairman John B McGuckian.

"The improving economic outlook in Ireland has encouraged us in our recently announced investment in the charter of an additional vessel, the Epsilon, which has been trading since mid December.

"RoRo freight volumes are up 18% year on year, to date, despite adverse weather conditions which have led to cancelled sailings."

German carrier Hapag-Lloyd said in January that it was warning shippers of increased costs that the new rules in 2015 will necessitate but that few other carriers seemed to be doing the same.

http://shipandbunker.com/news/world/483163-ferry-operator-says-bunker-costs-will-substantially-increase-in-2015
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on March 19, 2014, 01:27:21 AM
From that statement it seems that ICG are not going to modify any of their ships and are simply going to buy the more expensive low sulfur fuel and simply pass on the cost to the consumer.
That to me seems like a bit of a daft strategy as the majority of operators are going to modify their ships , either with sulfur emission reduction technology or by changing the fuel source for their engines , this will leave Irish Ferries in a very bad place if an operator who has modified their ships decide they want a share of Irish Sea traffic as the modified ships will have a significant advantage with a lower cost per unit transported price over Irish Ferries.
While the article is correct in that the Irish economy is improving , the next economic upswing is going to look VERY different to the last one , the age of austerity has re-educated the consumer who is now very price sensitive and will react badly to what could be seen as un-warranted price increases , and its not just household consumers who have learned the recession lessons well , commercial and industrial consumers of goods and services have also been through the learning curve , and ICG should be aware of this as they are the recognised masters of internal cost controls and should be all too aware of the effect that a price increase through what looks like careless fuel policy will have on its customer base , in particular its commercial customers , most of whom are in the transport business themselves and would be thinking about fuel and its costs on a daily basis.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on March 19, 2014, 01:48:35 PM
Ok so Irish Ferries may not be going to modify their ships and will buy the more expensive fuel and may pass the cost onto their customers.
Other companies are going to modify their ships and pay tens or hundred's of thousand of pounds to carry out the modifications. Who in the long run do you think is going to pay for these modifications........the customer of course.
Two different ways of tackling a problem with one result.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on March 19, 2014, 02:37:08 PM
Not quite , vessel modifications can be written off against commercial tax , and fuel cost savings kick in from day 1.
By not modifying their ships Irish Ferries is also reducing their resale value's on the secondhand market.
A good case in point is the Ireland - France services , at this point in time the Oscar Wilde has the highest operating costs of all 5 vessels operating between Ireland and France , the 3 Visentini's I imagine will all have near enough the same costs and Pont Aven would be sitting in the middle in terms of operating cost , now in 2015 Pont Aven is going to be rebuilt for LNG fuel and the cost of that rebuild will be written off against tax liabilities , when Pont Aven returns to the Cork - Roscoff service her operating costs will be 35% lower than current , if after that point a price war breaks out between the 4 operators on those routes , Oscar Wilde will be the first casualty given that it will be the most expensive ship to operate and have a cost base nearly twice that of the competing ships , in that scenario Irish Ferries Rosslare - France service wont last long and will run up huge losses for the company.
At the moment there is a waiting list for yard space to do fuel and emission modifications , this is because just about every operator in the EU is scrambling to complete the modifications before the due date as they fear the competitive fall out from not reducing their fuel bills , ICG should look at this again I think.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 19, 2014, 04:21:03 PM
Looking at the age of the IF fleet though (excluding Ulysses), is it going to be worth ICG's while to carry out modifications if they are going to be replacing soon anyway?  Oscar is nearing the end of her useful life, IoI will be 20 in a few years time (with her best years behind her), and Epsilon is chartered (so its out of ICG's hands really).  Given the waiting list for modifications, which I understand is partially due to operators expecting an extension to be granted which never materialised, it perhaps makes more sense for ICG to wait before commiting investment - particularly with all the development going on with hybrids and LNG for example.  Perhaps they feel there is a risk in investing in technology that could quickly be superseded?  Does anyone know if there is a penalty in fuel consumption associated with the various emissions reducing measures (like there was with diesels in trucks and buses)? 

The likes of Brittany Ferries are only going in with two feet due to the grants they are getting to offset the costs.  Its hardly a coincidence that all the work is to be carried out in France either!  DFDS have already said they may close up to 7 routes as a result of the increased costs (though I think much of their fleet has either been or is scheduled to be converted)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on March 20, 2014, 02:01:21 PM
Irish Ferries only OWN one ship that is going to be affected by the new rules coming in in 2015, the Oscar Wilde. The Epsilon although also affected is only on charter so that's another issue.
The 2015 regulations only affect ships trading in Emission Control Areas (ECA's), at this present time the Irish Sea is not an ECA so Ulysses & IOI are not affected by the new legislation.

I know Irish Ferries looked at fitting scrubbing towers to the OW but they must have concluded that it would be cheaper to buy the more expensive fuel than to fit the towers to a ship that now has a possibly limited life left in the fleet.

As far as the Irish Sea goes, the new regulations as I understand them, is that new limits should come into force in 2020 however this will be reviewed in 2018 to investigate the availability of the new required fuel and if there appears to be issues with the supply of the fuel, implementation dates could be pushed back to 2025.

Therefore with a possible implementation date of 2025, over ten years away, and the age the fleet will be in ten years, I suspect Irish Ferries would be looking at fleet renewals rather than upgrades.

Brittany Ferries will be pushing ahead with their plans for new builds and conversions as their fleet predominately operate in the channel which is an ECA.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on April 03, 2014, 07:46:09 PM
Lifted from the Ferries of Northern Europe Yahoo group (courtesy of Fw7oaks)

QuoteIrish Continental Group plc ("the Company") is pleased to announce that it has today received €17.0 million in full settlement of all amounts due under the terms of the Bareboat Hire Purchase Agreement ("the Agreement") relating to the sale of the vessel SPL Princess Anastasia (formerly Pride of Bilbao) concluded in 2010. Under the Agreement, this amount was receivable in instalments from the Russian company, St. Peter Line, over the period to September 2016


http://otp.investis.com/clients/uk/icg/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=500&newsid=402319
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 18, 2014, 06:41:44 PM
The Berth at Pembroke may
need to be modified to safely accomadate Epscilon
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 18, 2014, 06:44:21 PM
Possible senario winter 2014/2015

OW Rosslare - Pembroke
IOI Dublin - Holyhead
Eps Rosslare - Cherbourg
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on April 20, 2014, 12:00:44 PM
Quote from: IFPete on April 18, 2014, 06:44:21 PM
Possible senario winter 2014/2015

OW Rosslare - Pembroke
IOI Dublin - Holyhead
Eps Rosslare - Cherbourg

I don't think Oscar Wilde is suitable for the Rosslare - Pembroke route. She was way to much cabins for the run, with only deck 3 & deck 2 (via a lift) for high traffic & no open deck space for outside deck hazardous cargo or running fridges. I would think would not make suitable for the run.

Epsilon only has a passenger cert of 500 & with the limited number of cabins 68 x 4 berth + 2 x 2 berth ( disabled ). Would not make her suitable for a busy summer season to France. I can't Irish Ferries doing any changes to her as she is only chartered.

My possible scenario for 2015

Epsilon: Rosslare - Pembroke
Ulysses: Dublin - Holyhead
Jonathan Swift: Dublin - Holyhead
Isle of Inishmore: Dublin - Holyhead (main dry dock cover vessel) & Dublin - Cherbourg ( if there is a demand for it from freight customers)
Oscar Wilde: Rosslare - France (all year round service with Epsilon covering dry docking when passenger numbers are low)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on April 20, 2014, 12:01:43 PM
Quote from: FerryMan on April 20, 2014, 12:00:44 PM
Quote from: IFPete on April 18, 2014, 06:44:21 PM
Possible senario winter 2014/2015

OW Rosslare - Pembroke
IOI Dublin - Holyhead
Eps Rosslare - Cherbourg

I don't think Oscar Wilde is suitable for the Rosslare - Pembroke route. She has way to much cabins for the run, with only deck 3 & deck 2 (via a lift) for high traffic & no open deck space for outside deck hazardous cargo or running fridges. I'm thinking would not make her suitable for the run.

Epsilon only has a passenger cert of 500 & with the limited number of cabins 68 x 4 berth + 2 x 2 berth ( disabled ). Would not make her suitable for a busy summer season to France. I can't see Irish Ferries doing any changes to her as she is only a chartered vessel.

My possible scenario for 2015

Epsilon: Rosslare - Pembroke
Ulysses: Dublin - Holyhead
Jonathan Swift: Dublin - Holyhead
Isle of Inishmore: Dublin - Holyhead (main dry dock cover vessel) & Dublin - Cherbourg ( if there is a demand for it from freight customers)
Oscar Wilde: Rosslare - France (all year round service with Epsilon covering dry docking when passenger numbers are low)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 21, 2014, 10:07:42 AM
Irish Ferries Timetable

5th January to 31 January 2015

Rosslare Pembroke Dock - MV EPsilon

5th January to 15th January 2015

Dublin - Holyhead

Isle of Inismore & Oscar Wilde & Swift.

16th January to 31st January 2015

Ulysses & Oscar Wilde.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 21, 2014, 10:09:45 AM
Similarly Stena Nordica has only a passenger certificate for 400 passengers.

Perhaps Stena Europe could end up next year on Rosslare Cherbourg route at weekends.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on April 21, 2014, 02:08:53 PM
Quote from: IFPete on April 21, 2014, 10:07:42 AM
Irish Ferries Timetable

5th January to 31 January 2015

Rosslare Pembroke Dock - MV EPsilon

5th January to 15th January 2015

Dublin - Holyhead

Isle of Inismore & Oscar Wilde & Swift.

16th January to 31st January 2015

Ulysses & Oscar Wilde.

Swift is back on the booking engine from the 31st.  Let's see how Epsilon copes on the Pembroke run over the 2 weeks now.

Epsilon is doing the 08:45 ex Rosslare whilst Oscar is doing the 20:45 on the 31st also according to the booking site.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Paul Arbuckle on April 23, 2014, 10:12:18 AM
http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0423/610398-irish-ferries/ (http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0423/610398-irish-ferries/)

Around 1,000 passengers had to spend the night on board an Irish Ferries vessel in the French port of Cherbourg after the crossing to Rosslare was cancelled.

Tonight's sailing from Rosslare to Cherbourg has also been cancelled.

The Oscar Wilde ferry was due to leave the French port at 8pm yesterday evening, but a fault with its radar system meant the journey could not go ahead.

An Irish Ferries spokesperson said that a ship may be able to get permission to sail in these circumstances provided there are good weather conditions, but the port of Cherbourg was enveloped in fog at the time.

All passengers on-board the ferry in Cherbourg have now disembarked and alternative travel is being arranged for them.

An Irish Ferries spokesperson said that the nature of the technical problem necessitated the use of an expert technician and it would not be possible to have the ferry sail today.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: morris23 on April 23, 2014, 10:57:04 AM
I was booked on tonights sailing  :(
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on April 24, 2014, 03:48:45 PM
Not over yet , it seems not everyone disembarked either

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/passengers-spend-second-night-on-brokendown-ferry-30213910.html?k

Passengers spend second night on broken-down ferry

The problem surfaced on Tuesday afternoon – at which point passengers went on social network sites to vent their frustration
SAM GRIFFIN – PUBLISHED 24 APRIL 2014 02:30 AM

ABOUT 50 passengers spent their second night on a broken- down Irish Ferries cruise liner after a technical fault cancelled a Cherbourg to Rosslare sailing.

A spokesperson for the company said the nature of the problem, which relates to an integral part of the ship's radar system, is very technical and a specialist engineer and parts are this morning en route to the stricken liner.

However, he said it is likely to be this evening "at the very earliest" before the problem is resolved and passengers may have to spend a third night on the vessel.

The problem surfaced on Tuesday afternoon – at which point passengers went on social network sites to vent their frustration after they were told they would have to spend the night on the Oscar Wilde craft.

One said a protest had begun on board, after ferry staff had failed to inform passengers of alternate arrangements.

The majority of the stranded passengers made new travel arrangements on alternative sailing routes arranged by Irish Ferries and arrived home yesterday afternoon.

But last night a spokesperson said a group of approximately 50 people had decided to wait for the vessel to be repaired and remain in Cherbourg.

"We have sourced the part and an engineer will now have to travel to Cherbourg to do the work . . . I'd say we'd be lucky to get the work done by tomorrow evening," the spokesperson said.

PLEADING

A number of passengers tweeted their frustration with the situation on Wednesday night.

One said: "To clarify, not all passengers (myself included) have left the Cherbourg-Rosslare ferry. Protest onboard due to lack of info & help."

Another tweeted: "1 hour 40 minutes queueing and still no information," before pleading with Irish Ferries to provide more information on the subject.

Irish Independent
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on April 24, 2014, 07:09:45 PM
Oscar back on tonight from 9:30 apparently
http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/gbcwidgbqlmh/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on May 01, 2014, 12:47:04 AM
Was aboard Isle of Innishmore last night , ship and crew were up to their usual high standard , just wondering if anyone knows if the ship still has the former O'Flahertys pub and Turlok Tea Bar still in place in the disused section of deck 7 ? , based on current passenger numbers I concur there is no need to use them , however these would be very useful when the ship is operating from Dublin.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 01, 2014, 09:23:09 PM
Quote from: Collision-course on May 01, 2014, 12:47:04 AM
Was aboard Isle of Innishmore last night , ship and crew were up to their usual high standard , just wondering if anyone knows if the ship still has the former O'Flahertys pub and Turlok Tea Bar still in place in the disused section of deck 7 ? , based on current passenger numbers I concur there is no need to use them , however these would be very useful when the ship is operating from Dublin.

These are open when the ship carries full load,

When i travelled on IOI in Jan 2013 these facilities were open on the day sailing to Holyhead.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on May 02, 2014, 03:16:57 AM
Good to hear , believe it or not they are no longer shown on the deckplans , area is shown as empty space , I am beginning to agree with those who say Isle of Innishmore is too big for that route , I know its still off peak season but passenger numbers were VERY small the other night , good freight load but lots of empty vehicle space , based on current loadings Isle of Innisfree would be a far better fit for the route.
While I do like Isle of Innishmore , unless loadings improve she could end up doing damage to the viability of the route through her operating costs.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DanJ85 on May 02, 2014, 07:21:26 AM
Inishmore is a very nice ship with many lounge areas. Oflateties pub is a nice large pub area and opens up onto the veranda. It is open on Pembroke to Rosslare during busy sailings like most of summer holiday period, events like rugby that increase travel and bank holidays at times plus Holyhead day sailings during cover. The area is put into operation when is needed according to loadings. I recently used the area and the bar on a Pembroke sailing that was busy and the area is well maintained. This has been the set up for years. The area is advertised on signage around the ship but states in brackets as seasonal only. But I agree it is not on deck plans in the Irish Ferries ship guide.  I beleive Turlock tea bar is not used at all but Druid delight tea snack bar is often open adjacent to the veranda.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on May 11, 2014, 01:12:55 AM
Isle of Inishmore left Rosslare almost an hour late tonight due to adverse weather.  Stena cancelled Europe's departure for the same reason.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on May 16, 2014, 04:09:47 PM
Epsilon is showing as cancelled from Dub tomorrow due to technical reasons? anybody know what is happening?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on May 17, 2014, 06:11:38 PM
Quote from: mightymax23 on May 16, 2014, 04:09:47 PM
Epsilon is showing as cancelled from Dub tomorrow due to technical reasons? anybody know what is happening?
Yes.....
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on May 17, 2014, 11:08:08 PM
Quote from: Steven on May 17, 2014, 06:11:38 PM
Quote from: mightymax23 on May 16, 2014, 04:09:47 PM
Epsilon is showing as cancelled from Dub tomorrow due to technical reasons? anybody know what is happening?
Yes.....
Since nobody is gonna bite

I have heard she made contact with the berth on Thursday night/Friday morning and may have been holed, but can't confirm that last bit (its a bit hard to see from Belfast ;) ).  She has been tied up opposite the berths and off service ever since to my knowledge.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on May 19, 2014, 02:57:58 PM
Quote from: Steven on May 17, 2014, 11:08:08 PM
Quote from: Steven on May 17, 2014, 06:11:38 PM
Quote from: mightymax23 on May 16, 2014, 04:09:47 PM
Epsilon is showing as cancelled from Dub tomorrow due to technical reasons? anybody know what is happening?
Yes.....
Since nobody is gonna bite

I have heard she made contact with the berth on Thursday night/Friday morning and may have been holed, but can't confirm that last bit (its a bit hard to see from Belfast ;) ).  She has been tied up opposite the berths and off service ever since to my knowledge.
Epsilon appears to have moved in the past few days, but only across the river.  The following is posted on the IF service update page:

QuoteRe Tuesday 20th May

Irish Ferries regret to advise that due to technical reasons our MV Epsilon departure from Dublin to Holyhead 20th May @ 0155hrs has been cancelled.

All passengers with valid tickets will be moved to our Cruise sailings departing as follows

Dublin / Holyhead 2055hrs
Dublin / Holyhead 0805hrs
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on May 20, 2014, 06:57:29 AM
Thanks for the info Steve! Any idea if she will need dry docking or will be back in service soon?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on May 20, 2014, 09:33:49 AM
Quote from: mightymax23 on May 20, 2014, 06:57:29 AM
Thanks for the info Steve! Any idea if she will need dry docking or will be back in service soon?

From what I hear she will not need dry docking. She is due to enter service Tuesday at 14.15 ex Dublin, if all goes to plan.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on May 20, 2014, 05:27:23 PM
Quote from: FerryMan on May 20, 2014, 09:33:49 AM
Quote from: mightymax23 on May 20, 2014, 06:57:29 AM
Thanks for the info Steve! Any idea if she will need dry docking or will be back in service soon?

From what I hear she will not need dry docking. She is due to enter service Tuesday at 14.15 ex Dublin, if all goes to plan.
Good to hear!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: gerrym on May 27, 2014, 10:17:44 AM
 Noticed Ulysses docked in Berth 52 (Ro-Ro 7), alongside Seatruck Precision (?) yesterday 26th May. Thought this was unusual, have never seen Ulysses on this berth?  Anyone any idea why this was?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on May 27, 2014, 12:53:27 PM
Dublin port want to do some work on the link span on her normal berth which will take about a day. So Ulysses will possibly use the other berth while the work is carried out. Last night was a test to see how she fitted on the berth.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on May 28, 2014, 08:17:17 PM
Just missed that, I was on the 15.10 Nordica out of Dublin, any photos?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on June 09, 2014, 08:40:30 PM
Quote from: gezdub on May 27, 2014, 10:17:44 AM
Noticed Ulysses docked in Berth 52 (Ro-Ro 7), alongside Seatruck Precision (?) yesterday 26th May. Thought this was unusual, have never seen Ulysses on this berth?  Anyone any idea why this was?

Photo at
http://www.irishships.com/images/Photo%20Album/Robbie%20Cox/Ferries/2014/Ulysses%20&%20Seatruck%20Progress%2026-5-14.JPG
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on June 23, 2014, 05:34:18 PM
Epsilon stopped off in Rosslare today? Anybody got an idea why she did not complete the run to Dublin?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on June 23, 2014, 06:00:13 PM
She's dropping off Trade Cars from France Mightmax.  Has done it a few times now - good to see her kept busy!

Pete
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on June 23, 2014, 07:14:38 PM
Cheers for that Pete, just it said on the IF website that she was due into Dub on schedule.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on June 23, 2014, 09:15:27 PM
She actually went to Dublin first, then back down to Rosslare - as shown on AIS.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on June 24, 2014, 12:06:10 PM
Quote from: Davy Jones on June 23, 2014, 09:15:27 PM
She actually went to Dublin first, then back down to Rosslare - as shown on AIS.
Makes sense.  Less likely hood of the passengers going WTF!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on June 24, 2014, 12:48:49 PM
....or disembarking in Rosslare, thinking they were in Dublin.  :D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on June 24, 2014, 05:11:21 PM
Quote from: Davy Jones on June 24, 2014, 12:48:49 PM
....or disembarking in Rosslare, thinking they were in Dublin.  :D
And then going WTF as they see the ship sail away lol
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on June 25, 2014, 11:08:11 PM
I wonder how long this service will continue?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on June 26, 2014, 12:40:37 PM
It might change if IOI goes permanently north to Dublin in 2015.

Its noticable that the Epsilon does Cherbourg - Dublin - Rosslare - Dublin Circuit only when Oscar Wilde is not visiting Cherbourg at the weekend.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on June 27, 2014, 09:44:18 PM
360 degree view of Epsilon...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124966253@N03/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on July 13, 2014, 10:44:39 PM
I went to Alton towers this morning with my family. We went on the 08:05 HRS sailing from Dublin to Holyhead on the Ulysses. I have plenty of pictures and I will upload them when I get home at the end of the week. I was on the Inishmore 2 weeks ago and let me tell you, the Ulysses is far more luxurious, friendly, etc; than the Inishmore
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on July 14, 2014, 01:25:53 PM
Inishmore running two hours late today and this afternoons return to Rosslare and 20.45 to Pems both cancelled for technical issues....anybody got further information?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 20knots on July 14, 2014, 08:53:49 PM
Quote from: mightymax23 on July 14, 2014, 01:25:53 PM
Inishmore running two hours late today and this afternoons return to Rosslare and 20.45 to Pems both cancelled for technical issues....anybody got further information?

No info on the cause/s though it presumably is now rectified as when I looked at the Latest Sailing Information a few hours ago tomorrow's 02.45 & 08.45 were to be confirmed but are now scheduled to run.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 20knots on July 14, 2014, 08:55:42 PM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on July 13, 2014, 10:44:39 PM
I went to Alton towers this morning with my family. We went on the 08:05 HRS sailing from Dublin to Holyhead on the Ulysses. I have plenty of pictures and I will upload them when I get home at the end of the week. I was on the Inishmore 2 weeks ago and let me tell you, the Ulysses is far more luxurious, friendly, etc; than the Inishmore

Hope you have an enjoyable stay and look forward to viewing the photos in due course.
Jodrell Bank is in that neck of the woods too:
http://www.jodrellbank.net/ (http://www.jodrellbank.net/)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on July 14, 2014, 09:15:42 PM
Quote from: 20knots on July 14, 2014, 08:53:49 PM
Quote from: mightymax23 on July 14, 2014, 01:25:53 PM
Inishmore running two hours late today and this afternoons return to Rosslare and 20.45 to Pems both cancelled for technical issues....anybody got further information?

No info on the cause/s though it presumably is now rectified as when I looked at the Latest Sailing Information a few hours ago tomorrow's 02.45 & 08.45 were to be confirmed but are now scheduled to run.

02.45 & 08.45 sailing have just been confirmed they will operate.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: boghandle on July 15, 2014, 01:04:22 AM
Ive heard they had a problem with a main engine gearbox, but its not confirmed.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on July 17, 2014, 03:13:18 PM
Just home, I will post pics... as soon as I upload them...

The Ulysses has loads of announcements...

Like when you go on the Inishmore, there is just the captain's welcome aboard announcement, safety announcement, captains announcement when arriving in Pembroke and disembarkation announcement where as on Ulysses there is a few short safety announcements, a recorded welcome aboard announcement, the captain's live welcome aboard announcement, the main safety announcement, a recorded approaching Holyhead announcement, the captain's live approaching Holyhead announcement and the recorded disembarkation announcement.


All announcements on the Inishmore are live each time except safety announcement.

Ulysses announcements are all just recordings except the captains announcements.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on July 21, 2014, 11:25:32 PM
I have 2 questions to ask... can anyone answer them...


1) How may captains has the Inishmore have?
2) Anyone know of anywhere there is a pic of Inishmore and Normandy togeather?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on July 22, 2014, 10:20:48 AM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on July 21, 2014, 11:25:32 PM
I have 2 questions to ask... can anyone answer them...


1) How may captains has the Inishmore have?
2) Anyone know of anywhere there is a pic of Inishmore and Normandy togeather?

1) The number of Masters/Captains on the Inishmore is as far a I know one on days, one on nights & change over of the same, So I would say four permanent Masters plus relief Master from within the fleet.

2) Not sure of this


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Stena explorer on August 10, 2014, 07:36:47 PM
Jonathan swift  had all 4 sailings canceled today , due to rough seas ,anyone know what happens the staff ,do they get a unexpected day off , or are they transferred to Ulysses  for the day.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 11, 2014, 11:40:41 PM
Just came back on a full Swift this evening, We left Holyhead at 1830 pm and arrived in Dublin at 2030 pm,
sailings today were delayed due to rough seas near holyhead and full loads,

When Swift is cancelled some crew members work on swift for cleaning, routine maintenance etc and others work on Ulysses.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on August 13, 2014, 04:34:28 PM
For Christmas, do all Ulysses staff go home for Christmas? or do they stay on the ship and celebrate Christmas onboard?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on August 13, 2014, 08:02:09 PM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on August 13, 2014, 04:34:28 PM
For Christmas, do all Ulysses staff go home for Christmas? or do they stay on the ship and celebrate Christmas onboard?
Is there anyone on there that would actually care about Christmas? :)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on August 14, 2014, 01:43:22 AM
Irish Ferries vessels do lay up for Christmas day , however for those on shift I imagine its just another working day despite the ship being out of service.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on August 14, 2014, 03:44:16 PM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on August 13, 2014, 04:34:28 PM
For Christmas, do all Ulysses staff go home for Christmas? or do they stay on the ship and celebrate Christmas onboard?

They all stay onboard. Ulysses is only off the run for two days. Last arrival is @17.25hrs into Dublin 24th & she sails 27th @08.05hrs.

Swift last arrival is @13.39hrs into Dublin 24th & she sails 27th @08.45hrs

Inishmore last arrival is @11.30hrs into Dublin 24th & she sails 27th @14.15hrs

Oscar Wilde last arrival is @18:46hrs into Rosslare from Pembroke 24th & she sails 27th @08:45hrs to Pembroke

Epsilon last arrival is @11.30hrs into Dublin 20th & she sails 4th January 2015 @20:45hrs Rosslare - Pembroke

All the above time/dates are taken from the IF online booking system. Will Epsilon head to Cherbourg for lay up for Christmas again this year?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 20knots on August 15, 2014, 12:07:19 AM
Is there a particular reason each arrival of the Isle of Inishmore is shown as xx:46 (rather than xx:45)? In reality it is irrelevant but is there an accounting or other reason behind it?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on August 15, 2014, 09:36:28 AM
Quote from: 20knots on August 15, 2014, 12:07:19 AM
Is there a particular reason each arrival of the Isle of Inishmore is shown as xx:46 (rather than xx:45)? In reality it is irrelevant but is there an accounting or other reason behind it?

This would be my view on it & not from any official  IF sources.
Isle of Inishmore crossing time is now 4h 1min. I think this has to do with EU reg 1177/2010  rights of passengers when travelling by sea and inland waterway.

Compensation - The passenger is entitled to a minimum level of compensation of 25% of the ticket price, for that part of the affected journey, if their passenger service is delayed for at least:

a) 1 hour for a journey of duration 4 hours;
b) 2 hours for a journey of duration between 4 and 8 hours;
c) 3 hours for a journey of duration between 8 and 24 hours; or
d) 6 hours for a journey of duration of over 24 hours.

If the delay exceeds double the time set out, the compensation shall be 50% of the ticket price. The ferry or cruise operator must pay compensation within 1 month of the submission of a substantiated claim for compensation.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on August 15, 2014, 01:43:56 PM
Quote from: Steven on August 13, 2014, 08:02:09 PM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on August 13, 2014, 04:34:28 PM
For Christmas, do all Ulysses staff go home for Christmas? or do they stay on the ship and celebrate Christmas onboard?
Is there anyone on there that would actually care about Christmas? :)

I suppose Irish Ferries staff wouldn't care about Christmas because they are from the Phillippeans and it would take too long to get home for Christmas and back to Dublin again for the 27th December. Plus the majority of them wouldn't have families. BUT I'd say Stena's staff wouldn't stay on board for Christmas because they would be either British or Irish staff and they would probably go home to their families for the 25th and 26th December.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steam Packet on August 15, 2014, 02:28:09 PM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on August 15, 2014, 01:43:56 PM
Quote from: Steven on August 13, 2014, 08:02:09 PM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on August 13, 2014, 04:34:28 PM
For Christmas, do all Ulysses staff go home for Christmas? or do they stay on the ship and celebrate Christmas onboard?
Is there anyone on there that would actually care about Christmas? :)

I suppose Irish Ferries staff wouldn't care about Christmas because they are from the Phillippeans and it would take too long to get home for Christmas and back to Dublin again for the 27th December. Plus the majority of them wouldn't have families. BUT I'd say Stena's staff wouldn't stay on board for Christmas because they would be either British or Irish staff and they would probably go home to their families for the 25th and 26th December.

Filipinos surely celebrate Christmas, it's a predominately Roman Catholic Country. Maybe they don't get to go home to spend the time with their families, but they'll definitely celebrate as a crew on board.

And lets not forget Stena have quite alot of Filipinos in their crews too, at least they do on the North Sea Routes.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on August 15, 2014, 03:39:03 PM
There are no Filipinos on the Irish Ferries fleet.
I will be onboard for Christmas, it won't be the same as being at home but we will make the most of it.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on August 15, 2014, 03:57:41 PM
Quote from: MAKman on August 15, 2014, 03:39:03 PM
There are no Filipinos on the Irish Ferries fleet.
I will be onboard for Christmas, it won't be the same as being at home but we will make the most of it.

Do you work on an Irish Ferries ship? If so what's it like being onboard Christmas day?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on August 15, 2014, 08:36:53 PM
All this talk of Christmas when its summertime can't be right ::). Anybody know if the IOI will be on Holyhead-Dublin permanently next year?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on August 15, 2014, 10:12:19 PM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on August 15, 2014, 03:57:41 PM
Quote from: MAKman on August 15, 2014, 03:39:03 PM
There are no Filipinos on the Irish Ferries fleet.
I will be onboard for Christmas, it won't be the same as being at home but we will make the most of it.

Do you work on an Irish Ferries ship? If so what's it like being onboard Christmas day?

There will be party games, carol singing and a Christmas service from the Captain 😉😉😉
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on August 16, 2014, 02:08:32 PM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on August 15, 2014, 01:43:56 PM
Quote from: Steven on August 13, 2014, 08:02:09 PM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on August 13, 2014, 04:34:28 PM
For Christmas, do all Ulysses staff go home for Christmas? or do they stay on the ship and celebrate Christmas onboard?
Is there anyone on there that would actually care about Christmas? :)
BUT I'd say Stena's staff wouldn't stay on board for Christmas because they would be either British or Irish staff and they would probably go home to their families for the 25th and 26th December.
Yes and no.  If the ship is in the right port when she lays over then Stena's staff can go home for a few hours.  TBH, plenty of people employed in the hospitality industry work Christmas Day - and when I say work it really is work with dealing with the general public, etc just like in a normal shift.  Even in retail (particularly in supermarkets) there is often someone who has to "go in" on Christmas Day (for example to check the temperatures of refrigeration equipment, etc).
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on August 16, 2014, 05:30:19 PM
Quote from: HSS on August 15, 2014, 08:36:53 PM
All this talk of Christmas when its summertime can't be right ::). Anybody know if the IOI will be on Holyhead-Dublin permanently next year?

Some people say the. IOI is to move to Dublin Holyhead next year and Epsilon operate Rosslare Pembroke BUT  others say she will stay in Rosslare
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Dublinport on August 16, 2014, 11:41:34 PM
From speaking to a staff member, I can tell you that absolutely nothing has been agreed past 31/01/15 at the moment (that's the last date on the booking engine). There's no provisional schedule for 2015 for France, but last year it was up on the site by August/September. Seems strange that they're letting Stena get out there so far in advance...
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on August 17, 2014, 03:43:35 PM
Quote from: Dublinport on August 16, 2014, 11:41:34 PM
From speaking to a staff member, I can tell you that absolutely nothing has been agreed past 31/01/15 at the moment (that's the last date on the booking engine). There's no provisional schedule for 2015 for France, but last year it was up on the site by August/September. Seems strange that they're letting Stena get out there so far in advance...

Could be they don't want to show their hand too soon. 

Quote from: MAKman on August 15, 2014, 10:12:19 PM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on August 15, 2014, 03:57:41 PM
Quote from: MAKman on August 15, 2014, 03:39:03 PM
There are no Filipinos on the Irish Ferries fleet.
I will be onboard for Christmas, it won't be the same as being at home but we will make the most of it.

Do you work on an Irish Ferries ship? If so what's it like being onboard Christmas day?

There will be party games, carol singing and a Christmas service from the Captain 😉😉😉

I have this image of men in boiler suits playing pass the parcel in the engine room lol ;)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on August 17, 2014, 05:31:35 PM
I would actually be quite sad if the Inishmore left Rosslare because she is part of the early morning and evening background of the port.
I Love travelling on footpassenger day trips on her, and if Epsilon replaced her, you wouldn't have the same facilities. And worse again Irish Ferries don't even carry foot passengers on Epsilon, does anyone know why?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on August 17, 2014, 05:33:05 PM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on August 17, 2014, 05:31:35 PM
I would actually be quite sad if the Inishmore left Rosslare because she is part of the early morning and evening background of the port.
I Love travelling on footpassenger day trips on her, and if Epsilon replaced her, you wouldn't have the same facilities. And worse again Irish Ferries don't even carry foot passengers on Epsilon, does anyone know why?

Too much aggro probably.  If its anything like the Birkenhead twins its a minibus job to get them on and off. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on August 17, 2014, 10:50:19 PM
Quote from: Steven on August 17, 2014, 03:43:35 PM


Quote from: MAKman on August 15, 2014, 10:12:19 PM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on August 15, 2014, 03:57:41 PM
Quote from: MAKman on August 15, 2014, 03:39:03 PM
There are no Filipinos on the Irish Ferries fleet.
I will be onboard for Christmas, it won't be the same as being at home but we will make the most of it.

Do you work on an Irish Ferries ship? If so what's it like being onboard Christmas day?

There will be party games, carol singing and a Christmas service from the Captain 😉😉😉

I have this image of men in boiler suits playing pass the parcel in the engine room lol ;)

Hehehe yeah , who ever removes the last layer of the parcel gets to fit the part inside lol
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on August 18, 2014, 09:12:20 AM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on August 17, 2014, 05:31:35 PM
I would actually be quite sad if the Inishmore left Rosslare because she is part of the early morning and evening background of the port.
I Love travelling on footpassenger day trips on her, and if Epsilon replaced her, you wouldn't have the same facilities. And worse again Irish Ferries don't even carry foot passengers on Epsilon, does anyone know why?

A reply from IF why they can't carry foot passengers on Epsilon.

"The Mv  Epsilon is the newest cruise ferry addition to our fleet. The design of this ship is very different from all of our other vessels. The passenger areas on the Mv Epsilon ( restaurants & accommodation)  are situated on upper decks 5 & 6 which are at the forward end (front) of the ship. The ship was not designed to carry foot-passengers as there is no foot-passenger gangway from the shore side to the passenger areas.

The ship is stern loading (back) and foot-passengers (if allowed) would have to load with the cars and walk along the car decks. It is a  very long walk and some of the car decks are exposed to the elements. For these reasons it is deemed unsafe for foot-passengers under health and safety concerns. Our reservations booking system has been set up to only accept motorist bookings on the MV Epsilon. There are no plans to change this.

I trust this explanation will give you some insight into the reasons why we do not accept foot-passenger bookings on the Mv Epsilon."
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on August 18, 2014, 08:17:41 PM
Obviously as above post plus the fact that passenger accommodation is limited on the Epsilon when compared to their other passenger vessels.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferry enthusiast on August 19, 2014, 10:16:30 AM
Although I have been a member on this site for a few months, I have never posted before, but there is an ongoing rumour that bothers me immensely.  I don't know if Irish Ferries monitor this site, I hope so. I am a frequent traveller (and a member of the IF group - check our spending history with IF), travelling mainly between Rosslare and Pembroke and between Dublin and Holyhead with the car, and between Rosslare and Roscoff every year with car and caravan. Perhaps I should write direct to IF but I don't know who to address the mail to. My concern is replacing the Inishmore with the Epsilon on the Pembroke route. We've used the Epsilon between Dublin and Holyhead and we all know it's nothing like the Ulysses or Inishmore. No club class and very very limited seating. If the rumoured move takes place we shall move to Stena who provide club class to Fishguard - without young screaming tots in the lounge too. Ok if you have a young family, we now don't - done that, and now appreciate quiter comfort, IF please note. We like the Ulysses and Inishmore. The Oscar Wilde for Roscoff with its dining options and sailing timings is perfect. IF please don't move the Inishmore and put Epsilon on the four hour Pembroke run, or all our money will be going to Stena, whichever vessel they use, as long as it's not the Horizon!. We live near Rosslare but I think we'd go to Dublin if ever the Horizon and Epsilon were on the southern corridor. Chris.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on August 19, 2014, 04:49:16 PM
Quote from: ferry enthusiast on August 19, 2014, 10:16:30 AM
Although I have been a member on this site for a few months, I have never posted before, but there is an ongoing rumour that bothers me immensely.  I don't know if Irish Ferries monitor this site, I hope so. I am a frequent traveller (and a member of the IF group - check our spending history with IF), travelling mainly between Rosslare and Pembroke and between Dublin and Holyhead with the car, and between Rosslare and Roscoff every year with car and caravan. Perhaps I should write direct to IF but I don't know who to address the mail to. My concern is replacing the Inishmore with the Epsilon on the Pembroke route. We've used the Epsilon between Dublin and Holyhead and we all know it's nothing like the Ulysses or Inishmore. No club class and very very limited seating. If the rumoured move takes place we shall move to Stena who provide club class to Fishguard - without young screaming tots in the lounge too. Ok if you have a young family, we now don't - done that, and now appreciate quiter comfort, IF please note. We like the Ulysses and Inishmore. The Oscar Wilde for Roscoff with its dining options and sailing timings is perfect. IF please don't move the Inishmore and put Epsilon on the four hour Pembroke run, or all our money will be going to Stena, whichever vessel they use, as long as it's not the Horizon!. We live near Rosslare but I think we'd go to Dublin if ever the Horizon and Epsilon were on the southern corridor. Chris.
Hi Chris, welcome to the site.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Meet the dockers on August 20, 2014, 10:33:45 AM
Quote from: Steven on August 17, 2014, 03:43:35 PM
Quote from: Dublinport on August 16, 2014, 11:41:34 PM
From speaking to a staff member, I can tell you that absolutely nothing has been agreed past 31/01/15 at the moment (that's the last date on the booking engine). There's no provisional schedule for 2015 for France, but last year it was up on the site by August/September. Seems strange that they're letting Stena get out there so far in advance...

Could be they don't want to show their hand too soon. 

Spoke to IF who confirmed that provisional schedule will not be agreed until Early october with bookings available C 4 weeks thereafter. Seems that some sort of chage is in the offing to this years schedule....
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 20, 2014, 08:14:33 PM
Quote from: Meet the dockers on August 20, 2014, 10:33:45 AM
Quote from: Steven on August 17, 2014, 03:43:35 PM
Quote from: Dublinport on August 16, 2014, 11:41:34 PM
From speaking to a staff member, I can tell you that absolutely nothing has been agreed past 31/01/15 at the moment (that's the last date on the booking engine). There's no provisional schedule for 2015 for France, but last year it was up on the site by August/September. Seems strange that they're letting Stena get out there so far in advance...

Could be they don't want to show their hand too soon. 


Spoke to IF who confirmed that provisional schedule will not be agreed until Early october with bookings available C 4 weeks thereafter. Seems that some sort of chage is in the offing to this years schedule....
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 20, 2014, 08:18:27 PM
Epsilon is not suitable for Rosslare - Pembroke due to lack of passenger facilities for peak season where they have load of 1200 to 1500 passengers on some voyages and ease of access to accomodation block.

Dont be surprised if another ferry arrives on the seen for Rosslare - Pembroke if IOI were to go north which is far from certain in 2014.

My money is on a Stena Ferry displaced from Scandinavia "Stena Jutlandica or perhaps "Gotland or Visby" from Gotland line which have good freight and passenger accomodation.

There is plenty of work for Epsilon on the run to france or perhaps spain especially with the New Car imports and the haulage community looking for direct access to the continent.

Regards IF PETE
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on August 20, 2014, 09:15:20 PM
Quote from: IFPete on August 20, 2014, 08:18:27 PM
Epsilon is not suitable for Rosslare - Pembroke due to lack of passenger facilities for peak season where they have load of 1200 to 1500 passengers on some voyages and ease of access to accomodation block.

Dont be surprised if another ferry arrives on the seen for Rosslare - Pembroke if IOI were to go north which is far from certain in 2014.

My money is on a Stena Ferry displaced from Scandinavia "Stena Jutlandica or perhaps "Gotland or Visby" from Gotland line which have good freight and passenger accomodation.

There is plenty of work for Epsilon on the run to france or perhaps spain especially with the New Car imports and the haulage community looking for direct access to the continent.

Regards IF PETE

Question is what would replace Jutlandica?  Personally I think if the right ship becomes along then Europe will be replaced, if not she will soldier on as she has done over the past few years.

As for Epsilon, I said at the time she was acquired she was more suited to the French run.  Wether IoI goes north remains to be seen.  It could be that IF decide to run with one ship, OR maybe even switch Epsilon to a freight only role at Holyhead.  Much of the feedback I have heard about her from Holyhead passengers has been less than complimentary - hardly surprising if they have already been on her running mate!

Things look very shakey at LD with the MoS funding not being extended which could create a nice wee opportunity for Epsilon.  Im sure LD have a few contracts IF and Stena would both be interested in picking up!  Oscar isn't getting any younger either.  I wonder what the numbers would be like for running Epsilon year round and Oscar in the peak season only?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 20, 2014, 09:43:57 PM
There is a real shortage of Ferries out there that can carry 120 to 150 trucks with 1500 passengers that can load simultaniously on two levels to replace existing tonnage.

Not sure what is in construction,

I agree Oscars long term future is a summer vessel for France. Her interior is still in very good condition.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on August 21, 2014, 01:17:44 PM
How are Epsilons loads in terms of freight (Holyhead run)? I'd say there wouldn't be much demand for Inishmore style capacity. Stena have ample capacity with the Stena Adventurer and Nordica (and especially if Dieppe Seaways replaces Nordica).

P&O move a lot of freight and have loads of lane meters. Remember they have increased capacity with the retirement of Norcape, and the arrival of European Endeavour. P&O is proving a popular choice with regulations on truck drivers (freight) and the P&O North Sea connection to continental Europe. And don't forget Seatruck!

I.F. could have a situation where a large vessel like Inishmore was leaving with only half capacity. At the same time they do have to compete. A vessel like 'Barfleur' would be the best option - reasonable passenger capacity and freight. A sister of European Endeavour would have been a perfect option. Endeavour has good passenger accommodation / capacity, and is RO-RO from her Dover days (sure a sister could be modified in a similar set up for Holyhead).

Stena Baltica (BF's) is also a potential vessel for the route. A P&O style conversion along Pride of Burgundy or Steam Packets 'Ben my Chree' would provide the right capacity, and freight capacity. 

European Endeavour (2000 LM)
Norbay (2200 LM)
Norbank (2200 LM)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 21, 2014, 01:47:40 PM
Epsilon has 2800 lane metres and is getting good enough loads,

I suspect the Nordica is now too small for Holyhead route in terms if freight capacity,

Barfour freight capacity is smaller than both of these.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on August 21, 2014, 02:39:24 PM
The competition would be the key issue. And the field might change. Its all a bit wait and see. But the cost of diesel and tough regulations on freight drivers makes P&O Dublin to Liverpool work for a lot of companies. And the Endeavour, Norbank and Norbay carry a serious amount of freight. If you ever go on P&O Dublin to Liverpool, your car will get boxed in and trailers will make up more than 80% of the load. This year has been very good indeed for P&O. To be honest Norbank and Norbay are proving a little small in passenger & freight capacity.

I cant see Seatruck staying independent for the forcible future, an acquisition, and streamlining of the company by P&O shouldn't be ruled out. Stena's acquisition of DFDS Irish Sea, and Fleetwood back in 04, has culminated in P&O having no access to NI, other than Cairnryan / Troon - Larne. The acquisition and reconfiguration of Seatruck would provide P&O with the ability to compete with Stena. 

A positive for Holyhead is that the route is shorter and I.F. could make savings in the fuel dept, and perhaps undercut P&O, but hauliers are very concerned about there own fuel costs, and driver regulations. In addition P&O Ferrymasters put a lot of work P&O Irish Sea's way, and Dublin to Liverpool is a big profit maker for P&O, and they would be keen to protect or expand there market share.
 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on August 21, 2014, 03:44:14 PM
The problem with Superfast X is she has roughly the same freight capacity as Nordica (in fact Ferries 2014 lists Nordica as having higher capacity than Stena's Belfast Superfasts).  It's easy to forget that despite her small size Nordica does swallow quite a bit of freight.  There isn't much out there with larger capacity than 2000lm and significant passenger accommodation, never mind out there and available.  The only way Stena could boost capacity in the short term from what I could see is either bring in a 3rd ship (as they have at Birkenhead) and somehow work her into the timetable, or deploy a Visentini themselves.  The scarcity of tonnage at present means that prices are going to be at a premium.  We could also see tonnage displaced from the Baltic with MARPOL making some operations unviable.  Much of the tonnage there is of 80's vintage and probably not worth upgrading.  With instability in the Middle East continuing it's not inconceivable oil prices will continue to rise as well.

Regarding tonnage under construction nothing springs to mind.  The European yards which spring to mind (STX France and FSG, Meyer, Fincantieri, etc) appear to have pretty full order books as well, thanks in no small part to the cruise industry.  STX Rauma was probably the most likely European yard but it has closed down.  The Rodin/Berlioz/Star design could have been a good staring point for a new Dublin ship IMHO, with less lead time being an off the shelf design.  I wonder how easy it would be to add significant passenger accommodation to both Epsilon and Stena Nordica btw.  With nothing official yet on Superfast X it's still possible given the current scarcity of tonnage Stena RoRo could get an offer they can't refuse - Blue Puttees and Highlanders are an example of this, originally I believe earmarked for Belfast.

As for Contentin, I think it is likely that once her charter is up she will be swapped for Stena owned Etretat.  It would make sense for both companies - Baltica is an odd ship in the Stena fleet whereas she has a lot in common with her BF fleet mates (particularly Amorique) whereas Etretat is an odd fit at BF while the majority of her half sisters are owned by Stena.  The charters also expire around the same time from memory.

The problem with Barfleur is she probably won't be available any time soon, Bretagne looks to be the ship most likely to be displaced if everything goes to plan with PEGASIS. I am not familiar with IF's figures for Pembroke, but on the Stena side it would appear they have excess freight capacity - though this is an area they are actively trying to improve following the adding of Celtic link to their empire.  Perhaps a smaller vessel could work for Pembroke, I would have said Calais Seaways where she to become available might have been a decent option for Pembroke following an extensive refit.  However I think she will end up back at Portsmouth if DFDS continue with the operation there.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Stena explorer on August 21, 2014, 07:43:20 PM
I think Stena might move the dieppe seaways to roslare,she has a very similar car and passanger max as the Europe , .I think she would give the roslare  route a big publicity boost  ,and roslare deserves a newer ship.Meanwhile the holyhead route is ticking along fine , nordica   Which has a bigger freight than the super fasts , can plod on ,she is a fantastic work horse ,the adventurer the same , and the explorer seasonal, ,.I think this summer this layout has worked very well for stena.the old saying ,why try to fix something which ain't broken, springs to mind. .but hey what do I know. :)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on August 21, 2014, 08:05:37 PM
Quote from: Stena explorer on August 21, 2014, 07:43:20 PM
I think Stena might move the dieppe seaways to roslare,she has a very similar car and passanger max as the Europe , .I think she would give the roslare  route a big publicity boost  ,and roslare deserves a newer ship.Meanwhile the holyhead route is ticking along fine , nordica   Which has a bigger freight than the super fasts , can plod on ,she is a fantastic work horse ,the adventurer the same , and the explorer seasonal, ,.I think this summer this layout has worked very well for stena.the old saying ,why try to fix something which ain't broken, springs to mind. .but hey what do I know. :)
I doubt SF X will be anywhere near Fishguard tbh, I don't even think she would fit Fishguard OR Rosslare!  Its OK saying Rosslare "deserves" a newer ship, the numbers just don't add up down there to justify the capital investment.  Added to the fact that the  Superfast VII class have significantly more capacity than Europe (over 100 more cars for a start and an additional 6-700 lm), a ship Stena can't fill as it is and its a non-runner IMO.

As for Nordica being big enough, from what I am told this is no longer the case.  She is lacking the passenger capacity Stena need - afterall she has the lowest passenger certificate of all the Holyhead ferries (404)!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on August 22, 2014, 07:08:10 AM
I wanted to post a comment yesterday however I could not log on for some reason.
Regarding accommodation on the Epsilon being basic, there is no reason why Irish Ferries cannot get an extra accommodation module pre-built and fitted in dry dock. there is ample space at back of the existing accommodation and it would look well...It would be probably be the cheapest and quickest way to improve her accommodation. it would mean going to dry dock for a week or two but i would imagine its feasible .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 22, 2014, 11:58:51 AM
Here are the specifications of the ferries operating out of Rosslare and on Dublin - Holyhead Route

Stena Europe 2074 Pass    456 Cars         60 Trucks
Stena Horizon 1000 Pass   200 Cars       120 Trucks
Isle of Inishmore 2200 Pass 802 Cars     152 Trucks
Oscar Wilde     1458 Pass    730 Cars       90 Trucks

Norman Atlantic 1000 Pass  170 Cars      120 Trucks
Norman Albatross 825 Pass 185 Cars      120 Trucks

Stena Adventurer 1500 Pass                  210 Trucks
Stena Nordica        405 Pass  375 Cars   122 Trucks
Stena Explorer    1500 Pass   375 Cars     50 Trucks

Jan 2015
Dieppe Seaways    1200 Pass 480 Cars   110 Trucks

Ulysses                 1875 Pass 1342 Cars 300 Trucks
Epsilon                   500 Pass                 150 Trucks
Jonathan Swift        800 Pass 200 Cars

Possible Future 2017 on

Kaitaki (Isle of Innisfree ) 1640 Pass 600 Cars 130 Trucks

As you can see the current set up is actually close to optimum and is going to be very hard to improve upon.

Please bear in mind that except in rough weather Jonathan Swift carries a large portion of passenger and car  traffic and some buses daytime on irish Sea with Epsilon carrying freight.

As you can see the Oscar Wilde has more freight capacity (90 Trucks) than most night ferrys out there with the Exception of Stena Vision and Stena Spirit (120 Trucks ) and Stena Britannia and Stena Holand (300 Trucks)

Even Stena will actually will be going backwards on the freight side to increase the passenger numbers to offset the loss of the Stena Explorer should she retire.

One wonders if Dieppe Seaways will also be a stopgap.


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on August 22, 2014, 11:42:28 PM
Quote from: IFPete on August 22, 2014, 11:58:51 AM
Here are the specifications of the ferries operating out of Rosslare and on Dublin - Holyhead Route

Stena Europe 2074 Pass 456 Cars 60 Trucks
Stena Horizon 1000 Pass 200 Cars 120 Trucks
Isle of Inishmore 2200 Pass 802 Cars 152 Trucks
Oscar Wilde     1458 Pass 730 Cars 90 Trucks

Norman Atlantic 1000 Pass 170 Cars 120 Trucks
Norman Albetros 825 Pass 185 Cars 120 Trucks

Stena Adventurer 1500 Pass     210 Trucks
Stena Nordica        405 Pass  375 Cars 122 Trucks
Stena Explorer    1500 Pass   375 Cars   50 Trucks

Jan 2015
Dieppe Seaways    1200 Pass 480 Cars 110 Trucks

Ulysses                 1875 Pass 1342 Cars 300 Trucks
Epsilon                   500 Pass                 150 Trucks
Jonathan Swift        800 Pass 200 Cars

Possible Future 2017 on

Kaitaki (Isle of Innisfree ) 1640 Pass 600 Cars 130 Trucks

As you can see the current set up is actually close to optimum and is going to be very hard to improve upon.

Please bear in mind that except in rough weather Jonathan Swift carries a large portion of passenger and car  traffic and some buses daytime on irish Sea with Epsilon carrying freight.

As you can see the Ocsar Wilde has more freight capacity that most night ferrys out there with the Exception of Stena Vision and Stena Spirit and Stena Britannia and Stena Holand

Even Stena will actually will be going backwards on the freight side to increase the passenger numbers to offset the loss of the Stena Explorer should she retire.

One wonders if Dieppe Seaways will also be a stopgap.

Dieppe Seaways may not be the only change we see.

Theres a slight problem with your numbers IFPete, they fail to distinguish between trailers (13.5m) and lorries (15m - trailer and cab).  For example Ulysses can take 300 TRAILERS whereas Adventurer can take 210 LORRIES.  Adventurer has 3517lm whereas Ulysses has 4101 which is much less of a difference than would appear from the other numbers.  Stena Nordica meanwhile has 1949lm vs the Superfast's 1891 so there is less than 60lm difference but 800 additional passengers.  However, the Superfast's have a car hold underneath the freight decks allowing all of the freight space to be used (albeit leaving all the car pax more than a little pissed off on arrival).  Stena Europe has a tiny by modern standards 1120lm which is ample from what I hear, hence the questioning why Stena would want a larger ship on the run.  As for the Visentini's, i'll come back on that one.  There are believe it or not 14 differing variations on the basic design but I am led to believe Epsilon has some 2886lm of freight space vs Horizon's 2245lm due to her shrunken passenger module and being the final of the series (and so of more evolved design).  Irish Ferries themselves state her passenger capacity as being just 500 (and give a very rough lm figure) http://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/news/news131107/.  Obviously Swift can take a lot of the excess passengers and a number of cars, but Stena do not have this year round option apart from the very expensive to operate and maintain HSS.  Even if the HSS runs next year, the route will be more balanced with 2 large passenger ferries.  I expect Stena will run a lot of offers aimed at the sailings which are quieter for freight in order to win business from IF.  They certainly are up here with the superfasts!  For example, it is possible to take a return crossing with Stena from Belfast including coach transfers to Glasgow for £10.  Thats less than it costs for me to travel from Belfast to Bangor and back!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on August 23, 2014, 01:42:39 PM
Quote from: SEA on August 22, 2014, 07:08:10 AM
I wanted to post a comment yesterday however I could not log on for some reason.
Regarding accommodation on the Epsilon being basic, there is no reason why Irish Ferries cannot get an extra accommodation module pre-built and fitted in dry dock. there is ample space at back of the existing accommodation and it would look well...It would be probably be the cheapest and quickest way to improve her accommodation. it would mean going to dry dock for a week or two but i would imagine its feasible .

Epsilon is a chartered vessel & not owned by Irish Ferries. As far as I know the vessel has to be returned back to it owners in the condition it was chartered out in. So when adding anything to the vessel you have to take into account the cost of taking it back out & reinstating it to the way it was when you got the vessel. From what I hear an extra accommodation module was looked at, but the overall cost was prohibitive.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 23, 2014, 02:25:33 PM
I was wondering it was possible to plug in a temporary passenger module in to add addition seating for a cinema and club class lounge. The module could occupy one third or half of the covered upper dect capopy.
A form of portoabin that is locked in place. Something similar to what Lufthansa have on their A340 Aircraft where they load a palet which is a self contained crew rest area.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on August 26, 2014, 11:28:42 PM
Quote from: IFPete on August 23, 2014, 02:25:33 PM
I was wondering it was possible to plug in a temporary passenger module in to add addition seating for a cinema and club class lounge. The module could occupy one third or half of the covered upper dect capopy.
A form of portoabin that is locked in place. Something similar to what Lufthansa have on their A340 Aircraft where they load a palet which is a self contained crew rest area.
While theoretically possible to bolt on a a passenger module I would imagine the full consent for such a "conversion" would need to be obtained from the owners, even with IF promising to return her as she is.  Not only that but the ship would probably need to be re-certified as obviously her weights would be modified.  There also could be an issue with the fact that Epsilon is a stern loader and vehicles on the top deck need space to manoeuvre.  Surely any additional module would not only encroach on her capacity but also this space. Perhaps someone more familiar with this particular ship may correct me, but I have a feeling the fixed internal ramp emerges quite close to the existing accommodation area?  IIRC she is only on a 3 year charter so the cost vs benefit of such a conversion may weigh on the side of continuing the way things are anyway.  Perhaps something could be possible by covering the open deck and extending the cabin deck astern and in the process totally reconfiguring her internal layout, but this would cost a small fortune I would imagine again for not much benefit.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on August 27, 2014, 06:58:46 AM
The Epsilon is far more fuel efficient than the Ulysses Oscar Wilde or Inishmore, She averages 23 Knots on two engines whereas The Ulysses averages 19 knots on four engines (she is capable of 21 knots). Because she is newer the Engines on the Epsilon would be far more economical than the other ships in the fleet and as we know Fuel has rocketed in price since Ulysses and IOI were launched. Therefore it is far cheaper to move units on Epsilon than Ulysses for example.  Irish ferries would be very aware of and as an option I could see them buying the Epsilon from its owners  and increase the Accommodation... they will have to have an alternative when the charter is up in two years and I can see this as a very viable option as it would be much cheaper than building from scratch.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on August 27, 2014, 08:16:46 AM
Quote from: SEA on August 27, 2014, 06:58:46 AM
The Epsilon is far more fuel efficient than the Ulysses Oscar Wilde or Inishmore, She averages 23 Knots on two engines whereas The Ulysses averages 19 knots on four engines (she is capable of 21 knots). Because she is newer the Engines on the Epsilon would be far more economical than the other ships in the fleet and as we know Fuel has rocketed in price since Ulysses and IOI were launched. Therefore it is far cheaper to move units on Epsilon than Ulysses for example.  Irish ferries would be very aware of and as an option I could see them buying the Epsilon from its owners  and increase the Accommodation... they will have to have an alternative when the charter is up in two years and I can see this as a very viable option as it would be much cheaper than building from scratch.

Fuel efficiency is not measured on speed versus number of engines. I was on a container ship that only had one engine but could do 30 knots and burnt 300 Tonnes of fuel a day at that speed!!

But you are correct the Epsilon is more fuel efficient than the other ships in the fleet. However the Ulysses may well have an average speed of 19 knots but that is due to the speed required for the voyage. She can do up to 23 knots depending on conditions. She regularly only uses three engines for the crossing to save fuel.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on August 27, 2014, 10:16:25 AM
Much of the Visentini fuel efficiency comes from the hull form rather than being related to engines.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on September 11, 2014, 01:32:25 PM
Some new pics from Scott Mackey, taken on a return trip for the final HSS sailing of the summer

Epsilon
https://www.flickr.com/photos/scottmackey/sets/72157640356812394/

Ulysses
https://www.flickr.com/photos/scottmackey/sets/72157624023002901/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Normandy on September 11, 2014, 09:50:14 PM
Just wondering with Epsilon on Rosslare - Pembroke in January 2015, I see it not taking foot passengers, any one know why as even with her limited capacity would not have thought it would be a problem at this time of the year and if I remember foot passengers embark and disembark in both Rosslare and Pembroke by bus so does anyone know any other why? Seems strange to be turning down business small an all as it is as the staff would be there to drive the bus any way.   
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on September 12, 2014, 01:30:00 AM
Quote from: Normandy on September 11, 2014, 09:50:14 PM
Just wondering with Epsilon on Rosslare - Pembroke in January 2015, I see it not taking foot passengers, any one know why as even with her limited capacity would not have thought it would be a problem at this time of the year and if I remember foot passengers embark and disembark in both Rosslare and Pembroke by bus so does anyone know any other why? Seems strange to be turning down business small an all as it is as the staff would be there to drive the bus any way.
She doesn't take footies on her normal runs from Dublin either.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Normandy on September 12, 2014, 11:13:03 AM
Steve I can accept she does not take foots on her runs from Dublin as that would mean additional staff and a bus i guess and a cost that would hardly be returned but Rosslare and Pembroke would be geared up for this anyway so can not see the problem!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on September 13, 2014, 07:03:04 PM
I Love travelling from Rosslare to Pembroke on the Inishmore BUT you don't see as much ships as going to Holyhead from Dublin!

When you travel from Dublin to Holyhead at 08:05 on Ulysses, you might see a cruise ship heading into Dublin (during summer), Stena Adventurer following behind you, you also pass the H.S.S. Stena Explorer, Stena Nordica, Epsilon and then the Swift passes out the Ulysses.

Where as when you go to Pembroke, you only see the Stena Europe following the Inishmore for a certain time before she swings off to Fishguard and you MIGHT see some cargo/container/tanker ships travelling up the Irish Sea to maybe Belfast, Dublin or Liverpool, etc; from Continental Europe or somewhere else.

I know when I last travelled on the Inishmore back in June, When we left Rosslare, the Stena Europe was following us for about an hour and a half, then she swong off to Fishguard. One of those big car carriers went across the Inishmore's bow at one stage but thats it, you might see one or two tanker ships docked in the Haven.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 20knots on September 13, 2014, 07:25:42 PM
Quote from: Normandy on September 11, 2014, 09:50:14 PM
Just wondering with Epsilon on Rosslare - Pembroke in January 2015, I see it not taking foot passengers, any one know why as even with her limited capacity would not have thought it would be a problem at this time of the year and if I remember foot passengers embark and disembark in both Rosslare and Pembroke by bus so does anyone know any other why? Seems strange to be turning down business small an all as it is as the staff would be there to drive the bus any way.

Correct - foot passengers are bussed on and off at both ports. A strange situation given that Megabus operate a daily shipside service on the London - South Wales - Pembroke Dock route which drops passengers right outside the terminal in time for the 02.45 sailing and returns with passengers who have travelled over on the 20.45 ex Rosslare.

If they don't want a shuttle bus to occupy a space on the deck surely passengers could walk on and off via the vehicle gangway.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on September 13, 2014, 11:04:40 PM
Irish ferries dont leave a bus on the Isle of inishmore.....the last time i travelled as a foot passenger on the IOI they actually used a private taxi company bus for the short transfer. In pembroke they used their own mini bus.

In Pembroke...do you really think they are going to allow foot passengers along the vehicle ramp?

Id rather not read about some poor chap getting squashed under an articulated truck or car :o
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 20knots on September 14, 2014, 12:21:02 AM
Quote from: loch garman on September 13, 2014, 11:04:40 PM
Irish ferries dont leave a bus on the Isle of inishmore.....the last time i travelled as a foot passenger on the IOI they actually used a private taxi company bus for the short transfer. In pembroke they used their own mini bus.

In Pembroke...do you really think they are going to allow foot passengers along the vehicle ramp?

Id rather not read about some poor chap getting squashed under an articulated truck or car :o

Last time I travelled it was the same shuttle bus that bussed us on at Rosslare that bussed us off at Pembroke Dock.

In suggesting foot passengers use vehicle ramps I should have added the fact that this would be either before or after vehicle movements along the ramp as happens at other ports - such as at Dublin for IOM sailings or at Holyhead with the Jonathan Swift. There is no danger of any mishap as vehicles and foot passengers do not use the ramp at the same time - this is strictly controlled by crew/port staff.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on September 14, 2014, 07:31:43 AM
Still a health and safety nightmare though, someone needs to check all vehicle movements are complete, you would need to ensure there is no port traffic, and on top of that you have the implications of having passengers walk up the ramp without safety railings etc in this age of no win no fee solicitors (all it takes is a slip or trip and you have a child in the water).  Additionally you have passengers milling around while the crew are trying to prepare the ship to sail, and then there's the time it takes for the passengers to actually walk to and from the ship as well (short of tying a rope round everyone's waist how do you make sure no one goes missing).  Given there is little if any money made on foot passengers is it really worth the operator going out of their way and perhaps employing additional staff to facilitate this?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on September 14, 2014, 04:32:28 PM
I traveled on the Ulysses in July, only getting a chance to upload pics now...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124966253@N03/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 06, 2014, 12:26:25 PM
Hello, new member here, I have being having a good read and enjoying the general chat on the forum.
I noticed that there has being a few posts regarding the possible return of Isle of Innisfree/ Kaiitaki to the Irish sea.
I think the likelihood of this is almost nil given her age and also the huge investment put into by her operator Interislander. The ship
underwent a massive refit last year and almost all traces of her Irish Ferries days have vanished. Here is a link to the Interislander Facebook page with pics of her refit.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151750736320891.1073741830.348668635890&type=3
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on October 07, 2014, 12:02:34 AM
The Isle of Innisfree is the ideal ferry to go on Pembroke if IOI eventually goes north.

Irish Ferries had an input in her overdue refurbishment.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on October 29, 2014, 11:37:06 PM
From rte news - sad news - careless and cruel

http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/1029/655675-greyhounds/


The Department of Agriculture has said it is investigating and incident in which 11 greyhounds were discovered dead in a van on board the Irish Ferries Oscar Wilde vessel just before it docked in France on Monday afternoon.

The greyhounds were being transported in cages in the van and it is believed they suffocated during the 14-hour journey from Rosslare to Cherbourg.

An Irish Ferries spokesperson said they were unaware the dogs were being transported in the vehicle.

The driver was questioned by French police but has since been released.

As a precaution, nine other pet owners travelling with their animals were held on board the vessel for a short time after it docked until the cause of the greyhounds' deaths was established.

In a short statement the Department of Agriculture described the incident as "very serious" and said it is continuing to liaise with French authorities.

Meanwhile, Bord na gCon, which regulates greyhound racing in Ireland, said it was horrified at the deaths of the 11 greyhounds.

The board said it would provide all possible assistance to investigations into the incident by authorities in France and by the Department of Agriculture here to determine whether there has been breach of animal welfare regulations surrounding the transport of animals.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 12, 2014, 08:56:46 PM
According to the latest issue of Ferry&Cruise the Oscar Wilde will again take over Rosslare - Pembroke for Christmas (allowing the Inishmore to become second vessel in Dublin )before being replaced on the Pembroke route by the Epsilon for January.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Normandy on November 13, 2014, 03:01:27 PM
According to the Irish ferries website the Oscar Wilde will take over the Rosslare -Pembroke route and remain on this till IOM returns as in dublin you see the Epsilom with the IOM and Ulysses. Comfort for Rosslare -pembroke passengers for 6 weeks so.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on November 13, 2014, 11:03:34 PM
Looking forward then to getting onto the IOI again this year from Holyhead to Dublin ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Stena explorer on November 22, 2014, 08:57:29 PM
Yep isle of inishmore back on the  dublin -holyhead route for christmas ,and I would say in spring and summer run head to head with stena superfast x, which would be great to see, four big guns on the route.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on November 23, 2014, 03:21:14 PM
It all depends on how Irish Ferries manage to replace IOI on Rosslare Pembroke Route.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 23, 2014, 05:17:57 PM
Ulysses and Epsilon featured in this months "Ships Monthly" magazine, Ulysses is ship of the month feature and Epsilon is interview with captain.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 24, 2014, 05:12:08 PM
ICG Interim management statement

(a couple of excerpts)

QuoteYear to Date Volumes
Cumulatively, in the 46 weeks to 15 November 2014, total passengers carried were up 5% at 1,507,500, while cars carried were up 9% at 347,200. RoRo freight volumes in the same period were up 22% on last year at 216,200 units.

QuoteGroup revenue for the nine months to the end of September 2014 was €224.1 million (2013: €205.6 million), up 9.0%. Revenue in the Ferries division was up 13.0% compared with the comparable period in 2013, while in the Container & Terminal division cumulative revenue was up 2.5% year on year. EBITDA for the nine months was €42.1 million (2013: €42.7 million), reflecting the additional operational costs of the Epsilon which was introduced in late 2013. Operating profit for the nine months was €29.0 million compared with €28.7 million in the same period in 2013. Net debt at the end of September was €57.6 million compared with €71.9 million at 30 June 2014. Subsequent to the quarter end the interim dividend of €6.4 million was paid.

Full statement at
http://www.icg.ie/documents/Interim-Management-Statement-Quarter-3-2014.pdf?v=2
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 13, 2014, 01:53:04 PM
I understand Irish Ferries have to decide in 2015 as to order a new built or buy second hand Ferry to replace the Epsilon for Dublin - Holyhead Route. She has been so successful her limited passenger capacity and inability to take foot passengers makes here replacement with a bigger ferry compelling. She has been a great success as a utility ferry and her large cargo capacity and lower car decks have made her ideal for carrying new cars from France to Ireland which greatly subsidises her running costs. I understand her lease was initially for two years with an option to extend.   

I could see her used on more frequent sailings to France when her replacement goes into service on Dublin Holyhead.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on December 13, 2014, 11:27:33 PM
Hopefully Holyhead-Dublin will get the IOI  ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on December 14, 2014, 03:52:27 AM
How long does the charter on Kaitaki (Isle of Innisfree) run for? Is she large enough for Roslaire if the Inishmore comes North?

Also, how would the Inishmore cope with the weekly France run?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on December 14, 2014, 09:41:19 AM
I think the Innisfree would cope rather well either on the Rosslare and Dublin routes considering that is what she operated on from 1995-2001. The charter currently lasts until 2017, but Interislander are considering a fleet replacement so she may return sooner, which would be good for Irish Ferries.  Personally I would have her at Holyhead with the Ulysses and Johnathon Swift, then the Inishmore left at Rosslare-Pembroke, the Oscar Wilde on the Irish-France route at Rosslare and the Epsilon (with a little work to extend her accommodation) on the Dublin equivalent. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 14, 2014, 10:57:57 AM
There is no reason for IF not to increase freight sailings to France from either Dublin or Rosslare or possibly spain from Rosslare or Pembroke Dock.

I saw prictures of Oscar Wildes half sister MS Prinsesse Ragnhild holed in Freeport Jamaica.

She would make an ideal running mate for Oscar on routes to the continent.

If they were able to sail into port of Brest they would avoid paying the fuel emissions.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Normandy on December 14, 2014, 02:26:04 PM
As regards the Oscar Wilde, the Company will have to look at replacing her?

Ideal combination in my option is:

Ulysses and Inishmore ( No French Run at weekends) on Holyhead

Innisfree on Rosslare

Oscar wilde on Seasonal french route

Epsilon year round on France and Spanish Route with better accomadation

Jonathan Swift on a seasonal service on Dublin - Holyhead

Would love to see the Innisfree back but I sadly do not see it, So I guess a new Build will be needed sooner or Later and I guess a Ulysses type vessel
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on December 14, 2014, 05:08:25 PM
Kaitaki will be 20 years old next year, so I can't see her ever returning to European waters. Inishmore will likely stay at Rosslare so IF will have to find suitable ship to replace Epsilon on Holyhead run.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 15, 2014, 08:20:14 PM
Quote from: IFPete on December 13, 2014, 01:53:04 PM
I understand Irish Ferries have to decide in 2015 as to order a new built or buy second hand Ferry to replace the Epsilon for Dublin - Holyhead Route. She has been so successful her limited passenger capacity and inability to take foot passengers makes here replacement with a bigger ferry compelling. She has been a great success as a utility ferry and her large cargo capacity and lower car decks have made her ideal for carrying new cars from France to Ireland which greatly subsidises her running costs. I understand her lease was initially for two years with an option to extend.   

I could see her used on more frequent sailings to France when her replacement goes into service on Dublin Holyhead.

They could just buy the Epsilon and rebuild the top deck with extra passenger capacity or charter one of the sister ships with higher passenger capacity either.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 15, 2014, 09:47:54 PM
Inishmore last sailing of 2014 on the Rosslare to Pembroke route is 08:45hrs this Friday. Once she dicks back in Rosslare on Friday evening, after discharge she will lock up for her journey to Dublin. Oscar Wilde picking up 20:45hrs Friday night
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on December 17, 2014, 12:52:52 AM
Obviously I'm not on the ground down there, but some of what I have been hearing suggests Epsilon has not been the runaway success ICG have been suggesting (ICG do need to impress their shareholders afterall).  Certainly she allows IF to compete on frequency with Stena, but do her carryings between Wales and Ireland justify significant investment in either replacing her or upgrading her (which may be easier said than done).  Speaking to those "lucky" enough to travel in her she would appear to compare very unfavourably from a passenger perspective to Ulysees, and also Stena Adventurer and one would also assume Stena Superfast X (and some even say Stena Nordica)  Personally I feel her future lies as a replacement for the oldest ship in the fleet - Oscar Wilde.  She is ideal for the French run IMHO in that she can shift a lot of freight very efficiently with ample space for those all important trade cars.  Being a Visentini she should also be relatively straight forward to upgrade with scrubbers, etc and it puts IF on a similar cost base to Stena - Oscar cannot be a cheap ship to run.

As for the central corridor, perhaps something will be displaced from the Baltic which could be made suitable.  Unless they where to build (and possibly even if they did build)  in the far-East any new build would be prohibitively expensive, and the uncertainty regarding the future of the industry in relation to upcoming legislation and the slow return on investment means raising the capital could be problematic - ask Britanny Ferries!  Yard space isn't easy to come by either these days with cruise and cargo ships filling up order books for the next few years in just about every European yard capable of building a large ferry.  What could be made suitable?  Well that's a tricky question - Stena's success with the Superfasts up here and the conversions for Marine Atlantic show that anything is possible with the right team in place.  Personaly I wouldn't be surprised to see Isle of Inishmore move North again and any new acquisition be placed on the Pembroke run so IF can go toe to toe with Stena on the premier run.  I'm still not convinced the swift's future is secure either, particularly if passenger capacity is increased in the conventional tonnage.  Whatever happens, there's going to be a big increase in passenger capacity compared to just a couple of years ago meaning things could get very interesting!  I also wouldn't be surprised if Stena have a surprise hand to play either.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 19, 2014, 12:24:29 PM
I guess IF will see how the market is effected by introduction of the new Stena ship before they react.

I have a feeling they might approach Stena to buy specific tonnage. IOI sister (Stena Jutlandica) tops that list given her size and seaworthy qualities and accomodation growth opportunities. A conversion on this ship could include two deck drive through and scubber installation.

I also see Epsilon as a long term solution for freight travel to france with OW used for tourist market.

Because of it is leased IF cannot alter Epsilon internally so unfortunately her accomodation is very basic by
Irish Sea Standards, hence the need for an out of the box long term replacement. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on December 19, 2014, 03:03:21 PM
Somehow I don't see IF buying the Jutlandica from Stena, it's a very similar vintage to the Innisfree. It would be cheaper to bring the Innisfree back and completely refit her than buying Jutlandica and updating/refiting her...nice thought to have the two sisters in IF colours though
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 19, 2014, 03:39:19 PM
The Innisfree is a smaller and older vessel and the lease could be further extended,

Both the IOI and Stena Jutlandica have a lot of lessons learned from the Isle of Inishfree.

Remember Lease rental for this IO Inishfree helps IF cask flow

The crew rest area and Games Area below the car decks were not a good idea.

A new build would not be available for three years which is too long away and Stena would be happy for the cash a lease or sale of the Stena Jutlandica would generate. The Jutlandica is a one off in the Stena Fleet.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on December 20, 2014, 09:03:22 PM
Quote from: IFPete on December 19, 2014, 03:39:19 PM
A new build would not be available for three years which is too long away and Stena would be happy for the cash a lease or sale of the Stena Jutlandica would generate. The Jutlandica is a one off in the Stena Fleet.
IF Stena where to sell Jutlandica, ICG are the last company they would sell or lease to!  Does anyone really think that Stena have made this significant investment in the central corridor only to hand their competitor a ready made replacement for their own sub-standard offering?  It would have cost a lot less to move Jutlandica in order to replace Nordica than the acquisition and conversion of Dieppe Seaways to Stena Superfast X.  I doubt very much Stena are keen to help IF solve their "problem".  While Stena is split into different business units/companies they work in their mural interest - not against each other!

As for being a one off, she is not the only one.  If any ship on her route is going anywhere it is her running mate Stena Danica (the same vintage as Stena Europe).  As for Stena needing the money, unlike IF/ICG Stena don't have to persue short term profit to appease shareholders.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 20, 2014, 10:39:04 PM
IF have bought and least ferries from Stena in the past and visa verse.

Stena Scandanavica (St Killian) , Princessan Brigita (Normandy) , Stena Nordica Sister of saint brendan and Stena Jultandica I.

Isle of Inishfree and St Patrick and also leased to Stena.

Stena will need to replace Danica and Jutlandica in a few years in any case.

The Stena Danica sister Stena Jutlandica II was scrapped some years ago when it had a fire.

At the end of the day money talks and if it makes sence IF have access to money.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 21, 2014, 12:35:32 AM
I passed the Epsilon berthed beside the East Link Bridge this evening.

I noticed she has been holed on her starbard side.

I heard a rumour she will be put into liffey dockyard for repairs this week.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 21, 2014, 10:21:55 PM
Epsilon is berthed at Cruise 18 Terminal 3 until Saturday 27th when she will move to her usual berth 49 prior to her scheduled Cherbourg service
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 22, 2014, 10:17:28 AM
The Stena Jutlandica may well appear on the Irish Sea at some stage in the future, however it will not be in Irish Ferries colours. If it was to transfer to another route Stena will have a use for it.

While the Stena Danicas sister ship was indeed scrapped it had been badly damaged as Pride of Telemark and after it's Dover Calais service ended not that we'll looked after.

The Normandy was not a Stena vessel when chartered and sold to Irish Ferries.

Also Oscar Wilde sailings cancelled last night and today, next sailing expected at 20.45 tonight.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on December 22, 2014, 08:40:13 PM
Nice to have an IF Sunday afternoon ferry service to Holyhead with the IOI!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 22, 2014, 08:55:48 PM
The week after Xmas, I plan to take  the Ulysses from Dublin at 08:05 and return on the Inishmore from Holyhead at 20:00 hrs hope to get pleanty of pics for u guys
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on December 23, 2014, 04:39:32 AM
Anyone know what's up with Oscar Wilde? She is delayed with "technical difficulties"
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 23, 2014, 01:55:52 PM
I understand Oscar Wilde had some techical difficulties combined with rough weather.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 24, 2014, 02:51:23 PM
Ais for Oscar Wilde playing up as well, showing off Milford Haven when berthed in Rosslare this morning at 11.15, not doing to bad at maintaining sailings now the wind speed has dropped.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on December 27, 2014, 12:30:45 AM
There is a rumor doing the rounds (and I stress it is only a rumor but the source is well connected) that ICG have been in discussions with a Mediterranean based ship owner with a view to purchasing two large ropax ferries built in the mid-2000's  , one (possibly both) of them is thought to be a Superfast.
While I believe Irish Ferries would prefer an LNG powered newbuild to partner Ulysses (and I am told they have the financial firepower to do so) delivery time is an issue as yard space is scarce at present , and I believe there is ongoing discussions with a yard in relation to a newbuild.
It will be very interesting to see which way they go , will they order new and hold on to Epsilon while they wait , or will they kill two birds with one stone and go for a pair of secondhands to hand back Epsilon and put Oscar Wilde out to pasture , either way I am told a decision will be made in Q1 of 2015.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 27, 2014, 09:51:03 AM
If they do not go for a new build now, it is possible they will wait for EC Funding. The Dublin - Holyhead Route is subject to future EU Funding as part of EU policy of connecting Cities in EU.

Stena would Qualify for this too,

Superfast I and II were build in 2008 and 2009

Ship                    Built     Gross tonnage  Length Width Passengers Vehicles Knots
MS Superfast I     2008    24.950 GT         199 m 26,6 m 928          700         24
MS Superfast II    2009    24.950 GT         199 m 26,6 m 928          700         24

Regarding Oscar Wilde it is a cruise or tourist ferry. It still has a place on the Ireland - France route iwith passengers and cars 6 months of the year.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 20knots on January 02, 2015, 10:29:09 PM
Ulysses technical problem

Today's (Fri 02 Jan 2015) 02.40 ex Holyhead and 08.05 ex Dublin sailings of the Ulysses were both cancelled due to a technical problem.

To make matters worse the 08.45 Jonathan Swift ex Dublin was cancelled too due to adverse weather.

Passengers booked on the 08.05 were to be accommodated on the 20.55 tonight while passengers booked on the 08.45 were to be carried on the 14.15 Isle of Inishmore sailing.

Most unusual for the Ulysses to lose a sailing for technical reasons and couldn't have happened on a worse day given the New Year exodus.

A perusal of the AIS suggests Ulysses left Holyhead twice but returned again.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Normandy on January 02, 2015, 11:03:28 PM
Rumour heard through face book is the ulysses, may have had alittle of trouble berthing but contact with the berth is not ruled out. No further details or indeed on very loose foundation. I believe she is heading for drydock early next week. Isle of Inishmore to the rescue by all accounts!
Any details regarding Ulysses and I would be delighted to hear them.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 02, 2015, 11:47:23 PM
The big difference between vessels previously sold on by Stena and the current Jutlandica is that those vessels where either purpose built for the charter market or selling on, or traffic on suitable Stena services had outgrown them.  The Stena way is to buy cheap and sell at the top of the market.  The current Jutlandica is still a very useful ship for Stena to have and would be of use on many services.  As for money talking, not always....
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 02, 2015, 11:59:03 PM
The Jutlandica is a very versitile ship

There is a lot of development potential and it would be a lot cheaper to buy than a new build being looked at,

The Irish sea is a challenge for most ships and her sister ship although heavier is a good sea ship,

This is why i am saying it would be worth paying for quality.

The other Stena ships build in Korea struggle in the irish sea in rough weather.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 03, 2015, 12:23:43 AM
We are moving away from fleet movements here and deep into speculation territory here tbh.  Maybe best to continue this discussion here?:

http://irish-ferries-enthusiasts.com/forum/index.php?topic=551.90
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 03, 2015, 05:05:45 PM
Quote from: Normandy on January 02, 2015, 11:03:28 PM
Rumour heard through face book is the ulysses, may have had alittle of trouble berthing but contact with the berth is not ruled out. No further details or indeed on very loose foundation. I believe she is heading for drydock early next week. Isle of Inishmore to the rescue by all accounts!
Any details regarding Ulysses and I would be delighted to hear them.

There's a blurry pic on facebook of what looks to be a hole in her above the waterline.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on January 06, 2015, 02:14:25 PM
Looking at AIS this morning I notice the Isle of Inishmore has taken over the Mighty U's schedule, and Ulysses herself was pottering across at about 10kts in the general direction of Holyhead. I assume she was on her way to Liverpool. However, she still appears to be turning circles in the Irish sea. Explanation anybody?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 13, 2015, 03:57:09 PM
The Jonathan Swift is in Liverpool for her annual service and will be out of service until the end of the month. No great loss considering the number of recent weather related cancellations.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on January 13, 2015, 09:50:52 PM
---MY REPORT---

This is my review of my day trip to Holyhead (by foot) yesterday, Jan 12th 15
We arrived in Dublin Port around 6:55. The Inishmore was docked at terminal 1 (docked about 07:30, weather delay). The only other ship in the area at the time was the Swift. There was no sign of the Stena Adventurer. We proceded into the terminal, checked in. I noticed that Irish Ferries staff don't represent themselves that well, two women at check in were just lying half asleep across the desk hair in there eyes, they looked like they slept in their uniform and / or got no sleep at all, very poor representation I must say. Anyway we went upstairs and waited to board. We boarded about 07:50. Once onboard we got seating, breakfast, etc; €10.99 for a small breakfast in Boyalans Brassarie!!! After breakfast (about 08:20), I went out on outer deck 9, Stena Adventurer had just docked and was discharging. We left Dublin about 08:35 and arrived into Holyhead about 11:55. It was the most roughest crossing that I was ever on!!! Loads of passengers complaining about the roughnes but shure the poor crew couldnt do anything about it!!! Upon arrival in Holyhead, I asked at reception for a bridge visit and they said because the captain was docking the ship, we must wait until the return journey. So gangway was not in use in Holyhead so we discharged through a shuttle bus and reboarded with same bus. Once onboard, we left and our captain for the day was Gerry Burns. Aprox. 1hr after departure, I asked again for a bridge visit but they said its to rough at sea to visit the bridge so for health and safety reasons I couldnt visit! The return crossing was rougher than outbound, (felt like being on a rollercoaster!!!) We arrived back in Dublin Port at about 17:45.

Rough crossing but nice though, wouldnt mind it again!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on January 13, 2015, 09:58:23 PM
Gerry must be delighted to be driving the ship to Holyhead for the few weeks!

Oscar how was your stomach??  :o

The IOI has always handled the bad weather very well, but that might not mean the same thing for the passengers  :o
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on January 13, 2015, 10:26:57 PM
I didn't get sick actually but was about to on numerous of times!!!
The Inishmore did hande the weather now very well I must say but still if youre not use to rough weather at sea you probably think its very rough. At the bar, I heard some guy talking to someone else say that "If you were on the Ulysses, you wouldn't feel anything like this".
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: maehara on January 14, 2015, 09:04:36 AM
Having been on Ulysses during a particularly rough crossing, I'd query the "you wouldn't feel anything like this" comment - we were in the Club lounge, surrounded by sickbag-wielding passengers and with several blocked toilets. Not much fun.

I know Big U is proud of its "we always sail" record, but just sometimes it doesn't seem a good thing..!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 14, 2015, 05:42:49 PM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on January 13, 2015, 10:26:57 PM
I didn't get sick actually but was about to on numerous of times!!!
The Inishmore did hande the weather now very well I must say but still if youre not use to rough weather at sea you probably think its very rough. At the bar, I heard some guy talking to someone else say that "If you were on the Ulysses, you wouldn't feel anything like this".
A case of the flagship being able to do no wrong I suspect!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on January 14, 2015, 08:47:28 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on January 13, 2015, 03:57:09 PM
The Jonathan Swift is in Liverpool for her annual service and will be out of service until the end of the month. No great loss considering the number of recent weather related cancellations.

Maybe the best thing would be for the Jonathan Swift to be a seasonal service only??
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on January 18, 2015, 07:26:54 PM
Isle of Inishmore is off to Birkenhead ;)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on January 20, 2015, 06:00:05 PM
This is what I don't understand... Irish Ferries reason for not allowing foot passengers travel on Epsilon is because there is no gangway for footpassengers and they dont allow them board through car decks due to moving vehicles. But shur they could board them with a shuttle bus like they do for Stena Adventurer in both Dublin and Holyhead and also for the Inishmore in Rosslare????
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on January 20, 2015, 07:02:22 PM
I would say Irish Ferries reason for not allowing foot passengers on Epsilon has more to do with its very limited passenger space being given over to car passengers , with space for only 500 passengers it means the ship is full if it gets 100 cars with 5 passengers in each.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on January 20, 2015, 07:55:57 PM
Quote from: Collision-course on January 20, 2015, 07:02:22 PM
I would say Irish Ferries reason for not allowing foot passengers on Epsilon has more to do with its very limited passenger space being given over to car passengers , with space for only 500 passengers it means the ship is full if it gets 100 cars with 5 passengers in each.

The fixed ramp to deck 5 passenger area is very steep. Most coaches even with ferry lift fitted to them will ground out on this ramp.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on January 20, 2015, 10:54:00 PM
I also thought that the Epsilon was suppose to do some runs between Rosslare and UK but that seems to have changed now???
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 22, 2015, 11:01:43 AM
Any further rumours on the Superfast Ferries being checked out by irish ferries.

I had a look on Youtube and there are a good few videos on Superfast II and Superfast III.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ger Tigchelaar on January 26, 2015, 06:25:00 PM
Epsilon seems to be delayed at Rosslare this evening due a technical issue. Tomorrow mornings Dublin - Holyhead sailing @0155 hrs and 
Holyhead - Dublin sailing @0800 hrs are cancelled.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on January 27, 2015, 01:00:50 AM
Quote from: IFPete on January 22, 2015, 11:01:43 AM
Any further rumours on the Superfast Ferries being checked out by irish ferries.

I had a look on Youtube and there are a good few videos on Superfast II and Superfast III.

None , but Irish Ferries are expected to announce something before the end of Q2 , so I'd say whatever they are going to do is at final consideration stage.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ger Tigchelaar on January 27, 2015, 08:47:48 AM
Epsilon finally departed Rosslare at 7 am this morning with an ETA into Dublin @11.30 am
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 27, 2015, 04:20:19 PM
Swift is on her way back from Cammell Lairds resumes sailing on Friday, Epsilon is next for annual inspection (not sure where though) with Inishmore heading back south and Oscar Wilde taking up Epsilons duties for the duration. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 27, 2015, 04:33:27 PM
Epsilon needs a plate replaced due to collision with Mooring in Dublin last Summer.

The owners and i assume Insurance company gave the green light for this work before Christmas,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on January 27, 2015, 07:16:39 PM
Some Epsilon info here...

http://afloat.ie/port-news/ferry-news/item/27704-welsh-ferry-route-sailings-resume-following-french-car-trading-epsilon
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 27, 2015, 11:18:05 PM
Quote from: Collision-course on January 27, 2015, 01:00:50 AM
Quote from: IFPete on January 22, 2015, 11:01:43 AM
Any further rumours on the Superfast Ferries being checked out by irish ferries.

I had a look on Youtube and there are a good few videos on Superfast II and Superfast III.

None , but Irish Ferries are expected to announce something before the end of Q2 , so I'd say whatever they are going to do is at final consideration stage.

As I said to Niall on Facebook either,  I'm not sure why ICG would be interested in what are essentially a variation on the Visentini theme with less freight capacity than Epsilon (SF I and II). Yes they have a higher pax certificate but are still a very poor relation to the big U and the upcoming Stena Superfast X.  They ARE sisters to the former Coraggio which operated for Stena and GNV (Now with DFDS as Athena Seaways), and Regina Seaways/Victoria Seaways amongst others (a total of 8 where built in the series), and a different breed to the original Superfast series.  I understand they DO have more in the way of passenger facilities than Epsilon, but still don't seem a great fit to me given they are designed for overnight service and would surely require a lot of work (as Stena have with their "true" Superfasts) to convert for day operations in the longer term.  Of course, I could be proved completely wrong!  It will be interesting to see how ICG react regardless.

There is no current Superfast III.  The last ship to carry that name has sailed for TT-Line Tasmania since 2002.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 30, 2015, 10:18:08 AM
Superfast I and II are quoted as having the following specs.

Passenger Capacity   Trailers  Speed (kn)  Length (m)  Breadth (m)  Decks
950                           170          24            199             25                8
                                2295 Lane Metres

But looking at the videos and photos they look considerably smaller freightwise to Epsilon 2860 lane metres and underpowered for North Atlantic operation on Rosslare Pembroke and Rosslare Cherbourg.

I guess if they were purchased they would need to be rebuilt to increase freight capacity and add additional passenger comfort.

I wonder were Superfast XI and XII the real point of the visit. They have twice the power of Superfast I and II and considerably more overround capacity. They would make a mean pair on a Rosslare - Cherbourg Daily Shuttle Route.

Passenger Capacity   Trailers      Speed (kn)  Length (m)  Breadth (m)  Decks
1640                           120 Plus    31.25            199.9             25        10
                                  100 cars
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 31, 2015, 07:39:09 AM
Quote from: IFPete on January 30, 2015, 10:18:08 AM
Superfast I and II are quoted as having the following specs.

Passenger Capacity   Trailers  Speed (kn)  Length (m)  Breadth (m)  Decks
950                           170          24            199             25                8
                                2295 Lane Metres

But looking at the videos and photos they look considerably smaller freightwise to Epsilon 2860 lane metres and underpowered for North Atlantic operation on Rosslare Pembroke and Rosslare Cherbourg.

I guess if they were purchased they would need to be rebuilt to increase freight capacity and add additional passenger comfort.

I wonder were Superfast XI and XII the real point of the visit. They have twice the power of Superfast I and II and considerably more overround capacity. They would make a mean pair on a Rosslare - Cherbourg Daily Shuttle Route.

Passenger Capacity   Trailers      Speed (kn)  Length (m)  Breadth (m)  Decks
1640                           120 Plus    31.25            199.9             25        10
                                  100 cars
I'd love to know where the traffic was coming from for that one!

One of Superfast I or II might work well on the France route and would overcome the pax capacity issue with running Epsilon on that link.  Likewise at Pembroke I suppose, freeing up IoI.  Wouldn't exactly be a luxurious passenger experience but probably sufficient.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on February 03, 2015, 07:05:44 PM
When I first heard the Superfast rumor I did wonder if it was Superfast XI and XII they were referring to as these would be a better fit on Irish Ferries services , Personally I think unless there is a spectacularly good deal out there on something fairly young that Irish Ferries will go for a new build for Dublin - Holyhead, even if for no other reason than to have a high value asset on its books for accounting reasons , I'd say this season is make or break for Oscar Wilde , while I'd say its likely something secondhand could appear to replace OW , they may yet stun us all with a new build there also , a lot will rest on how much of the ECB's QE credit goes into industrial capital investment.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 03, 2015, 07:29:41 PM
The issue they face with new builds is a two to three year time lage.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 03, 2015, 08:48:01 PM
Quote from: IFPete on February 03, 2015, 07:29:41 PM
The issue they face with new builds in a two to three year time lage.
That and the price of a new build, as well as  the lack of capacity at yards capable of building large vessels.  Loch Seaforth, which is tiny by central corridor standards (less than 9000 gt) cost £42m and was based on an existing design.  For that type of money in the current market you could have a good second hand Visentini for example, or even a decent sized ex Baltic ferry.  At present (in Europe at least) an order today would not be delivered until 2018 or after, and thats if the design is complete.  Even the far east yards are very busy, with container ship orders - container ships from the 90's are already hitting the beach and need to be replaced by something after all.  The problem is that the current owners are holding on to the good ships as replacing them with new is just too costly.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Normandy on February 04, 2015, 05:36:57 PM
Is the Isle of Inishmore delayed coming back from dry dock i thought it was due back end of January for Oscar Wilde to cover Epsilon for refit and then her own and be back on Ireland -France for end of February seems impossible in this time frame. Any info?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 04, 2015, 06:38:28 PM
Isle of Inishmore is taking over Epsilons Duties on Holyhead - Dublin from 0800 AM tomorrow morning.

It will operate on the route until it arrives in Dublin at 1130 AM on saturday morning and the travel to Rosslare to take up 0845 AM sailing to Pembroke on Sunday.

Oscar Wilde will then travel for Drydocking.

Epsilon is currently berthed in Dublin at East Link Bridge. I guess Liffey Dockyard are working on it.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Normandy on February 04, 2015, 06:48:26 PM
So Epsilon is not having a drydock / refit like the others, seems strange as IF traditional drydock each ship each year kind of puts it as the economy ship as such.

Would love to travel on her but give the price and lack of facilities I think it would not be a good investment as the stena ship at the same time has much better facilities for much the same price.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 04, 2015, 06:53:20 PM
Quote from: Normandy on February 04, 2015, 06:48:26 PM
So Epsilon is not having a drydock / refit like the others, seems strange as IF traditional drydock each ship each year kind of puts it as the economy ship as such.

Would love to travel on her but give the price and lack of facilities I think it would not be a good investment as the stena ship at the same time has much better facilities for much the same price.
Remember she is chartered tonnage, so little point in them spending money on her they don't have to as they'll never get it back again!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 04, 2015, 07:42:42 PM
The service available on Epsilon is not up to usual IF standard. However the freight capacity is impressive.

It would be interesting to see if she goes to liverpool for a quick survey.

I was told that she was being repaired by liffey dock yard however i would be surprised if she would fit in liffey dockyards dock.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 04, 2015, 11:09:42 PM
Dublin dry docks are about 200m long so it would fit albeit very tight I remember seeing the St Killian 2 in there several years ago and it was often used for repairs to the old B+I ships.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Normandy on February 05, 2015, 08:55:56 AM
was looking at the spec on the super fasts from earlier and was thinking a super-fast (I or II) would be an ideal short term and be far better to cover Epsilion as her facilities would be far better and while less freight space would give the ability to consolidate the market if it was decided to cancel the swift, given stena's announcement as regards the HSS. This would mean a full two ship operation instead of losing a ship at the weekend to go to France. If they took a second of that class as an additional ship on Ireland - continent we could see a year round freight service with limited passenger facilities but nowhere near as limited as Epsilon. Indeed if this was the case you could see three round trips per week (say two to France and one to a Spanish port). Oscar wilde providing seasonal service on the continental run. If this was the case the OW could only do three service a week and so be able to offer a fixed weekly timetable instead of every second day as is currently the peak season timetable.  only concern would be the length of the ships regarding Pembroke as they are 199 meters long and i believe there is a limit on Pembroke, as a super-fast would fit the bill in Pembroke as it does not seem to heavy with passenger traffic and 950 PC would be cost efficient all year round.

My guess would be a short term solution will prevail till a purpose built ship can be built as yards have waiting lists at present.

I would love to see
Dublin - Holyhead
Ulysses, superfast I and seasonal Jswift
Rosslare - Pembroke
Isle of Inishmore
Continental route (services from Dublin and Rosslare to France and Spain)
Superfast II and seasonal Oscar Wilde

All thoughts welcome!!

See the Isle of Inishmore is back with us!!




Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Bigalsship on February 05, 2015, 11:26:55 AM
My thoughts on this:

Irish Ferries lineup:

Dub-Hol. Ulysses and Isle of Inishmore and Swift

Ros-Pem. Superfast I

Ros-Cher. Superfast XI!

Note that Epsilon and Oscar are gone!! Could this possibly happen?!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 05, 2015, 11:57:03 AM
Oscar Wilde is a tourist ferry with its own market and makes more money than the others with excelent on bourd facilities.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 05, 2015, 12:21:19 PM
I think Normandy is correct when he says that Oscar Wilde was due to take over from Epsilon the switch to using Inishmore  may have been made in response to the Nordica collision.
Meanwhile anyone wishing to express interest in taking over the fast craft run from Dun Laoghaire  can apply here
https://irl.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/publicpurchase_frameset.asp?PID=84497&B=&PS=1&PP=ctm/Supplier/PublicTenders
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Normandy on February 05, 2015, 09:37:32 PM
I am sure the Oscar Wilde is a tourist ferry but I would not think it is the biggest earner in the fleet, Freight pays the bills but the likes of Superfast XI to hold the passenger market but expand the freight market. I personally see there is scope to Hold the Oscar wilde for seasonal and cover work but the likes of superfast II to cover an all year service freight market and possibly open a Spanish route.

As I say I would put the Superfast I in Rosslare - Pembroke but I think there is lenght restriction on Pembroke so She could still cover Dublin -Holyhead, as her lane meters are closer to Epilson and with much better passenger facilities but still providing adequate PC of 950.

I do feel the IOM is too big for Rosslare - Pembroke especially her 2,200 PC and her 2,000 lane metres.

I do feel Irish Ferries will take a short term solution with a long term solution to come.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 07, 2015, 12:37:46 AM
Speculation and debate about possible fleet changes is probably better suited to the appropriate central corridor thread, rather than in fleet movements

http://irish-ferries-enthusiasts.com/forum/index.php?topic=551.105
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 07, 2015, 01:39:19 PM
Isle of Inishmore left Dublin 1245 PM on route to Rosslare, Due at 1800 PM.

Ocscar Wilde enters to drydock tomorrow, Next Sailing Rosslare - Cherbourg 27 February.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 07, 2015, 10:10:34 PM
Oscar Wilde off to Falmouth for her dry docking
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 24, 2015, 09:56:33 PM
Oscar Wilde is operating unsheduled Sailing from Cherbourg to Rosslare Dept 1840 PM arriving Rosslare 1400 PM tomorrow.

Now doubt a revenue diversion from Falmouth for the freight community and some time to store in Cherbourg.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on March 18, 2015, 09:57:31 PM
Any update on the reports of IF purchasing some EX Superfast's from the Med or maybe a new build/builds?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on March 20, 2015, 04:55:12 PM
I was told that the bunker barge which refuels the Inishmore is presently in drydock, and was told by Irish Ferries staff in Pembroke that currently the Inishmore is refuelling using a road tanker truck.

BUT I only thought of it after, Pembroke Dock dosent have a pier to dock the IOI, so how would the road tanker have access to the ships hull?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on March 20, 2015, 07:28:52 PM
Drive onto the ship and do it from the car deck.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on March 20, 2015, 09:30:02 PM
I saw the Inver trucks there myself last week while passing through Pembroke dock.

they refuel by driving inside the ship. Inver do the same in Rosslare for the Oscar wilde 8)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: hhvferry on March 22, 2015, 03:43:16 PM
Quote from: mightymax23 on March 18, 2015, 09:57:31 PM
Any update on the reports of IF purchasing some EX Superfast's from the Med or maybe a new build/builds?
This could be a case of a self-fulfilling rumour but some of the more reliable Greek sources have indicated that Irish Ferries have indeed looked over the Superfast XI and XII.

Proven as the Superfast class have been in various roles (and very nice as the XI and XII are) I'd suggest that the Olympic Champion and Hellenic Spirit belonging to the other partner in the Superfast-ANEK joint venture would be better purchases - they have rather better passenger accommodation and their owners are probably even more ready for a distressed sale at a reasonable price.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 23, 2015, 10:50:39 PM
Olympic Champion and Hellenic Spirit appear to be good quality night ferries.

The interior of both is of very high quality.
Title: Re: Superfast XI and XII
Post by: IFPete on March 31, 2015, 06:23:45 PM
Superfast XI and Superfast XII, each have a capacity of 1,550 passengers and garage decks for 130 large trucks and at the same time 100 private vehicles. They have four 12-cylinder Wärtsilä engines that produce a total output of 48,000 kw and speed in excess of 30 knots. Superfast XI and Superfast XII have an overall length of 199.9 m., width of 25.0 m, draft of 6.4 m and maximum height at deck 10 of 28.8 m.

Equipped with the latest navigation and communication technology, the two new cruise-class ferries of Attica Enterprises offer 5-star comfort to their passengers and amenities to include a la carte and buffet Restaurants, Bars, a panoramic Lounge, Casino, Video Games Room, Card Room, Shops and Boutiques, Conference Rooms and Business Centre, Childrens Playroom, Swimming Pool, Satellite Television and Internet facilities.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on April 01, 2015, 11:58:10 PM
Quote from: hhvferry on March 22, 2015, 03:43:16 PM
Quote from: mightymax23 on March 18, 2015, 09:57:31 PM
Any update on the reports of IF purchasing some EX Superfast's from the Med or maybe a new build/builds?
This could be a case of a self-fulfilling rumour but some of the more reliable Greek sources have indicated that Irish Ferries have indeed looked over the Superfast XI and XII.

Proven as the Superfast class have been in various roles (and very nice as the XI and XII are) I'd suggest that the Olympic Champion and Hellenic Spirit belonging to the other partner in the Superfast-ANEK joint venture would be better purchases - they have rather better passenger accommodation and their owners are probably even more ready for a distressed sale at a reasonable price.

When I heard this story first I had a feeling it was Superfast XI and XII they were referring to , they would be an interesting investment if the price is right , one could sail straight onto the Rosslare - France routes with just a change of logo's , the other would only require minor changes to take up the Epsilon's duties.
I agree these would be ideal medium term solutions while the company works on new tonnage at a later date.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on April 02, 2015, 01:26:23 PM
It would be fantastic to get either of those ships to the Irish sea. However I don't think either of them are available or even suitable, both ships are stern loading only (twin doors) and on one level and this would make them unsuitable for any link-span available at any Irish port or indeed at any relevant UK ports and would require a huge amount of modifications to make them suitable. I also don't see the point of replacing any of the current fleet with vessels which are already over ten years old.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: hhvferry on April 03, 2015, 02:36:51 AM
Quote from: ferryfan on April 02, 2015, 01:26:23 PM
It would be fantastic to get either of those ships to the Irish sea. However I don't think either of them are available or even suitable, both ships are stern loading only (twin doors) and on one level and this would make them unsuitable for any link-span available at any Irish port or indeed at any relevant UK ports and would require a huge amount of modifications to make them suitable. I also don't see the point of replacing any of the current fleet with vessels which are already over ten years old.
They're definitely available. Even relatively stable ones Greek shipowners like Attica would bite someone's hand off if they made a decent offer for their ships.

They are designed for very easy conversion to twin level bow and stern loading if required - Superfasts I to X had bow doors but, VII to X apart, this was never used in Superfast service so on the final pair the areas were made ready for future conversion but the doors etc not actually installed. The deck layout and deck machinery are already positioned to facilitate it though, similar to the Stena Killingholme freighters.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on April 03, 2015, 05:44:03 PM
Well Irish Ferries has access to considerable investment capital and is in need of at least 2 ships , Oscar Wilde is 30 years old and is not economic to continue to run it on high grade diesel , Epsilon on the other hand was always intended to be a short term solution until they get their own ship onto that schedule , if the price is right the Superfasts make sense as the type is already proven on the Irish Sea and identical sisters make maintenance planning easier and cheaper , the Superfasts would also do well on the charter market when Irish Ferries begins to commission new tonnage.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 05, 2015, 01:30:40 PM
If Irish Ferries were to purchase these ferries a bow door installation similar to Superfast X and minor modifications to the stern with addition of a club class lounge would be enough to make this ferries ideal for operation for both short and long journeys.

I travelled on a full swift on Friday. There has been some improvements made to her with extra seating, new floors and carpets and little touches based on crew feedback.

Swift fills its own market nice and its now better than ever.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Fast Ferry Fan on April 06, 2015, 10:48:56 PM
Quote from: hhvferry on March 22, 2015, 03:43:16 PM
This could be a case of a self-fulfilling rumour but some of the more reliable Greek sources have indicated that Irish Ferries have indeed looked over the Superfast XI and XII.

Call a ship "Superfast" (even if its not) and suddenly everyone wants one...

Good to hear the Swift's been given a face-lift, it always felt a bit drabber than the HSS.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LiverpoolIrishLiam on April 10, 2015, 10:45:42 PM
Quote from: IFPete on April 05, 2015, 01:30:40 PM
If Irish Ferries were to purchase these ferries a bow door installation similar to Superfast X and minor modifications to the stern with addition of a club class lounge would be enough to make this ferries ideal for operation for both short and long journeys.

I travelled on a full swift on Friday. There has been some improvements made to her with extra seating, new floors and carpets and little touches based on crew feedback.

Swift fills its own market nice and its now better than ever.

Any pictures of the improvements made to the Dublin Swift?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 11, 2015, 01:24:03 PM
no pictures this time. The Ferry was full with just enough seating for every passenger.

Complete replacement of all carpets and floors in lounge areas. Fresh paint throughout.

Addition of podium for milk sugar etc opposite costa Bar with bin at base all in costa logo and colours behind cinema. This was specifically designed for Swift.

Shelf like table behind cinema so people can stand have a coffee and watch what is on screen.

Addition of extra lounge seating infront of staircase and more effient use of open spaces in lounges.

Reorganisation of shop to allow more visibility of perfume shelves by crew which has reduced theft significantly. Additional clothing products on sale.

Exit swing gates from shop have been removed after a senior citizen fell over them.

Car Decks and outside paint work like new.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Fast Ferry Fan on April 11, 2015, 09:27:32 PM
Quote from: IFPete on April 11, 2015, 01:24:03 PM
Addition of podium for milk sugar etc opposite costa Bar with bin at base all in costa logo and colours behind cinema. This was specifically designed for Swift.

Shelf like table behind cinema so people can stand have a coffee and watch what is on screen.

I don't ever recall seeing a cinema on the Swift?

This investment suggests it's going to be around a while yet...
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 11, 2015, 10:00:35 PM
In front of cost Coffee is terred seat cinema in semi circular shape behind the stairs.

Its a greet attraction for kids was they show kids movies or cartoons and Sky News when in port.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on April 12, 2015, 12:01:48 AM
Quote from: Fast Ferry Fan on April 11, 2015, 09:27:32 PM
Quote from: IFPete on April 11, 2015, 01:24:03 PM
Addition of podium for milk sugar etc opposite costa Bar with bin at base all in costa logo and colours behind cinema. This was specifically designed for Swift.

Shelf like table behind cinema so people can stand have a coffee and watch what is on screen.

I don't ever recall seeing a cinema on the Swift?

This investment suggests it's going to be around a while yet...

It's a pretty safe best that Swift will be around for quite some time to come.  Mechanically she's very good and always has been which is testament to the Irish Ferries engineers and crew.  Mr Davies from Stena recently described fast-ferry travel as a "niche business" and IF have that niche very nicely wrapped up since the departure of the HSS and truth be known have had it wrapped up for a while given the gradual slowdown and seasonal operation of Explorer. 

Swift is a lucrative part of Irish Ferries' business and complements big U and Epsilon very well and from what I hear from ICG, the only issue she faces is being replaced by a newer fastcraft on the route in 3 or 4 years time which would give IF Big U, a second high capacity Ropax and a fastcraft service.  To continue the SWOT analysis her only other main threat is a potential fastcraft competitor on one end of the corridor in 2016.

Pete
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on April 15, 2015, 12:32:05 AM
Passenger Ship Technology (subscription only) Q1 2015  has a report on Irish Ferries.  Part of this details the modifications undertaken to Oscar Wilde to comply with the SECA regulations.  They report she now switches from heavy fuel oil to marine gas oil mid-voyage.  This meant they had to fit a new fuel treatment plant to handle the higher quantites of MGO consumed, and convert tanks to MGO usage.  The article also discusses some of the other technical work done to the rest of the fleet, such as using a new process borrowed from the chemical industry to repair the stern thruster tunnel on Ulysses.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on April 22, 2015, 12:20:56 PM
Oscar Wilde running about 8 hours late on the return from Cherbourg Apparently the ramp was damaged and she did not depart until after 3.30 am.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 29, 2015, 07:31:16 PM
Any rumours on Superfast XI and XII or Olympic Champion or New Builds?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on April 29, 2015, 07:41:37 PM
Nothing
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 06, 2015, 01:40:16 PM
Irish Continental Group will issue an interim Management Statement on 14th May 2015.

Lets see if this throws any light on what they are planning to do.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements Swift
Post by: ferryfan on May 07, 2015, 04:38:41 PM
The Swift is berthed in Ulysses's berth at Holyhead.I have never seen it berthed anywhere except at the Salt Island berth. Does anyone know why it is there or have I just never noticed it there before?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 07, 2015, 05:36:25 PM
Swift usually births at Terminal 3 Ulysses Berth on afternoon sailings from Holyhead.

Swift uses Terminal 2 at Salt Island on morning sailings because Terminal 3 is handling Ulysses
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on May 07, 2015, 11:07:54 PM
Always the Ulysses berth when I take the 17:15 from Holyhead.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 07, 2015, 11:12:01 PM
Cheers for that I haven't taken the later Swift out of Dublin in years.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on May 07, 2015, 11:20:05 PM
Hey, no problem!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on May 14, 2015, 08:13:18 PM
Quote from: IFPete on May 06, 2015, 01:40:16 PM
Irish Continental Group will issue an interim Management Statement on 14th May 2015.

Lets see if this throws any light on what they are planning to do.

Nope
QuoteReleased : 14 May 2015

INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT

Volumes (Year to date, 9 May 2015)

       Change
Passengers   418,600   +3%
Cars   94,800   +8%
RoRo Freight   91,800   +11%
Container Freight (teu)     100,000   -1%
Terminal Lifts   67,400   +3%
Irish Continental Group (ICG) issues this interim management statement which covers carryings from 1 January to 9 May 2015 and financial information for the first four months of the year, i.e. 1 January to 30 April. It should be noted that ICG's business is significantly weighted towards the second half of the year when normally a higher proportion of the Group's operating profit is generated than in the first six months.

In the period to 9 May 2015, Irish Ferries carried 94,800 cars, an increase of 8% on the previous year. Total passenger volumes increased by 3% compared to the previous year to 418,600.

In the Roll on Roll off freight market, Irish Ferries carried 91,800 units, an increase of 11% compared with the same period in 2014.

Container freight volumes shipped were down 1% on the previous year at 100,000 teu (twenty foot equivalent units), while units handled at our terminals in Dublin and Belfast increased 3% year on year, over the same period to 67,400 lifts.

In the first four months of the year, Group revenue rose 7.3% to €85.1 million, compared with €79.3 million in the same period last year. Operating costs (before depreciation & amortisation) were 1.6% lower at €74.8 million, versus €76.0 million the previous year, mainly reflecting the lower cost of fuel. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was €10.3 million compared with €3.3 million in the same period in 2014. The operating profit (before interest) was €4.4 million compared with an operating loss of €2.3 million in 2014. Net debt at the end of April was €45.5 million compared with €61.3 million at 31 December 2014.

Following the completion of an extensive tender process by Belfast Harbour Commissioners, ICG announces that it has been awarded the Services Concession for the operation of a combined container terminal at Victoria Terminal 3 (VT3) in Belfast Harbour. The agreement is for a period of 5 years with a further 3 year option. This will involve the consolidation of the two existing container terminals in Belfast (one of which, BCT, is operated by ICG) into one location at VT3. The process of consolidating the volume of both terminals, which will involve some once off costs, will commence shortly.

Dublin
14 May 2015

Note - The comparative financial information has been restated to the 30 April 2014 which is on the same basis as the current year. In the previous year the financial information disclosed in the interim management statement for the first four months of the year was up to the 26 April 2014.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 14, 2015, 08:48:24 PM
Big news on the container front but nothing to report on Ferry Division.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on May 15, 2015, 06:58:34 AM
Surprised not to have heard about a replacement for the Epsilon who's charter finishes at the end of the year.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 15, 2015, 08:50:22 AM
Half Year results 14th July, Maybe Greek Crisis will have deepened before then.

In any case it is unlikely anything is going to happen before the end of the summer,

ICL Group might yet decide to extend the charter on the Epsilon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Fast Ferry Fan on May 16, 2015, 10:53:27 PM
Quote from: Steven on May 14, 2015, 08:13:18 PM

QuoteReleased : 14 May 2015

INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT

Volumes (Year to date, 9 May 2015)

       Change
Passengers   418,600   +3%
Cars   94,800   +8%

I wonder how much of the uplift was as a direct result of the withdrawal of the Explorer and passengers transferring to the Swift over the 6 weeks the Explorer would normally have been in operation since the end of March?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 17, 2015, 11:00:52 AM
Passenger increase only 3 %, not that significant, Stena Explorer market share was not that high in recent years due to single rotation per day eliminating opportunity for day trippers to Dun Laoire.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Stena explorer on May 17, 2015, 12:55:10 PM
140,000 odd passangers went through  Dun laoghaire  in the season to 8th sept 2014' . I doubt very much that Stena will be able to hold on to all of them  and no doubt a certain % of those people will move to Irish ferries , so deffo Irish ferries numbers, will be up a nice bit this season ,along with the improving economy, it could give Irish ferries a very nice increase in the car and passangers market this year.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on May 19, 2015, 05:55:55 PM
Any news on when Oscar Wilde will be replaced, travelled on her last summer and thought she was getting really tired.

Her cabins are a bit grubby with rusty fittings etc.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: KieranR on May 19, 2015, 06:58:45 PM
I was on Oscar Wilde last year and I thought the same. The cabins are very dated. The Pont Aven offers significantly better facilities for reasonable prices.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on June 02, 2015, 02:43:41 PM
Anyone know why Irish Ferries Irish Sea ships are always registered on one place and the Continental ship in another?
E.g. Ulysses, IOI, Swift - Cyprus and Oscar Wilde - Bahamas
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Stena explorer on June 02, 2015, 06:54:39 PM
I wouldn't  be suprised if it's something to do with tax exemptions
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bfm003 on June 02, 2015, 07:08:22 PM
OW was Bahamas flag when she was with Color Line, it was just never changed when she joined Irish Ferries.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on June 04, 2015, 05:18:49 AM
It's hard to believe the  Epsilons time on the Irish sea is near the end, her two year charter is up in December. Still no news on a replacement ...?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on June 04, 2015, 09:20:10 AM
Quote from: MAKman on June 02, 2015, 07:08:22 PM
OW was Bahamas flag when she was with Color Line, it was just never changed when she joined Irish Ferries.

Was she not change to a Bahamas flag in 2007 when she was on her year charter to Color Lines from ICL & then arrived on the route in 2008 with the flag in place. Normandy also had a Bahamas flag.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on June 04, 2015, 10:15:26 AM
Quote from: SEA on June 04, 2015, 05:18:49 AM
It's hard to believe the  Epsilons time on the Irish sea is near the end, her two year charter is up in December. Still no news on a replacement ...?

Is she definitely going?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on June 04, 2015, 01:41:10 PM
Wasn't it a 3 year charter?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on June 04, 2015, 02:06:03 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on June 04, 2015, 01:41:10 PM
Wasn't it a 3 year charter?

I'm not sure I ever read anything official saying how long her charter was.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on June 04, 2015, 10:08:23 PM
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on June 02, 2015, 02:43:41 PM
Anyone know why Irish Ferries Irish Sea ships are always registered on one place and the Continental ship in another?
E.g. Ulysses, IOI, Swift - Cyprus and Oscar Wilde - Bahamas

The flagging is confusing to say the least. The Normandy was put on the Bahamas register, when ICG when to change the flag of other ships, the Department of either Transport/Marine went to block the move, so they had to be flagged in a European country (otherwise the European commission could take action on EU trade grounds), however ICG had to prove they had business there.

It might be worth mentioning also, Ireland is considered a flag of convenience too. Massive tax breaks when ships fly the tricolour (something ICG campaigned for!).
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on June 25, 2015, 03:01:47 PM
The recent rumours i have heard are as follows,

Superfast XI and Superfast XII are still very much of interest to Irish Ferries.

I do not know if an LOI was signed for them yet but i would imagine it has if they really want them.

Irish Ferries are keen to establish a year round service to Cherbourg possibly with two ships offering a daily service to support the irish freight community.

Isle of Inishmore could be moving permanently back to Dublin in November if a suitable replacement vessel for Rosslare Pembroke can be found. She was designed for the route, has plenty of cabins,  so very little work would be needed although the addition of a cinema would be helpful.

Epsilons current charter is to November 2015 with an option to extend.

I have not heard anything about Oscar Wildes future although it could be used for Pembroke - Rosslare for winter 2015/2016 and operate Rosslare - Roscoff or Rosslare - Brest - Spain in the longer term.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on June 25, 2015, 05:18:52 PM
Quote from: IFPete on June 25, 2015, 03:01:47 PM
The recent rumours i have heard are as follows,

Superfast XI and Superfast XII are still very much of interest to Irish Ferries.

I do not know if an LOI was signed for them yet but i would imagine it has if they really want them.

Irish Ferries are keen to establish a year round service to Cherbourg possibly with two ships offering a daily service to support the irish freight community.

Isle of Inishmore could be moving permanently back to Dublin in November if a suitable replacement vessel for Rosslare Pembroke can be found. She was designed for the route, has plenty of cabins,  so very little work would be needed although the addition of a cinema would be helpful.

Epsilons current charter is to November 2015 with an option to extend.

I have not heard anything about Oscar Wildes future although it could be used for Pembroke - Rosslare for winter 2015/2016 and operate Rosslare - Roscoff or Rosslare - Brest - Spain in the longer term.

Given age of Oscar Wilde would the two Superfasts not replace the Oscar Wilde and Epsilon?

Inishmore could replace Swift and Epsilon on Holyhead.

Only leaves Pembroke requiring a ship, no idea what that could be..
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on June 25, 2015, 06:37:33 PM
I believe the Swift is safe for now

Oscar Wilde has had some money spent on her and could be used to go to Brest and Spain without the expense of Marine Gas Oil because this route is west of the Low Sulphur zone.

Her accomodation is good for family with cars and can handle 90 trailers plus 100 cars despite her age.

The Superfast Twins if they come would be easier to add scrubber or other technology too and have much greater freight capacity.

At 25 knots they could reduce the journey time to Cherbourg allowing 2100 PM departure from Rosslare ideal for freight with late morning arrival into Cherbourg.

They would not need too much work done on them for this route unless IF want to convert them to two level drive through.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on June 25, 2015, 09:11:30 PM
Quote from: IFPete on June 25, 2015, 06:37:33 PM
I believe the Swift is safe for now

Oscar Wilde has had some money spent on her and could be used to go to Brest and Spain without the expense of Marine Gas Oil because this route is west of the Low Sulphur zone.

Her accomodation is good for family with cars and can handle 90 trailers plus 100 cars despite her age.

The Superfast Twins if they come would be easier to add scrubber or other technology too and have much greater freight capacity.

At 25 knots they could reduce the journey time to Cherbourg allowing 2100 PM departure from Rosslare ideal for freight with late morning arrival into Cherbourg.

They would not need too much work done on them for this route unless IF want to convert them to two level drive through.

Is there really room for all that capacity though?

Regarding the OW, her expensive cabins are excellent but I have also used more basic cabins and they are getting rather tired now.  If they plan to keep her in service her accommodation will need a good refurbishment.  She is still largely as she was when she joined from Color and I don't think they did much then.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on June 26, 2015, 12:01:17 AM
I think your 100% right on the interior Paddy. I like the Oscar Wilde personally, but was a little surprised at how some areas look so, well elderly. She's still very much Color Line, even her livery is a giveaway! I think she a good ship in many respects, but she could have looked half her age, if the 2008 refit had been more extensive. In a lot of areas give the ships age away, while she could easily pass as one from the 90s / 2000s if a little more work was undertaken. The Gaiety Lounge in particular could do with work. The Left Bank Brassiere looks very nice in all fairness.     
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on June 26, 2015, 12:53:08 AM
Someone posted either on here or a different site that one ship in Rosslare could carry both companies traffic. So maybe if Irish Ferries move the IOI back to Holyhead route and come to some agreement with Stena?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on June 26, 2015, 02:02:19 AM
My ideal options for a combined service vessel are Normandie, Mont Saint Michael or Stena Vision.

I believe Irish Ferries would be the favourates to run a combined service to Pembroke given its cheaper crewing costs and the better roads from Pembroke for freight.

My ideal options for direct IOI replacement are Stena Jutlandica , Armorique, Isle of Inishfree from 2017 and Normandie, Mont Saint Michael.

I suspect it will be Oscar Wilde or a wilde card perhaps one of the superfast vessels but that would be a waste of a good overnight ferry.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on June 27, 2015, 10:40:37 AM
Quote from: IFPete on June 26, 2015, 02:02:19 AM
My ideal options for a combined service vessel are Normandie, Mont Saint Michael or Stena Vision.

I believe Irish Ferries would be the favourates to run a combined service to Pembroke given its cheaper crewing costs and the better roads from Pembroke for freight...... I suspect it will be Oscar Wilde or a wilde card perhaps one of the superfast vessels.......

Oscar Wilde would not be ideal vessel for the route the problems i see just on the cargo side.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on June 27, 2015, 02:29:05 PM
I do not see Oscar Wilde as a long term replacement for IOI on southern corridor,

We will see what happens in the coming months

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on July 10, 2015, 09:33:14 PM
Attica the owners of Superfast have been granted permission to sail from the USA to Cuba, they are going to use two ferries quite similar to those mentioned on this forum as possible acquisitions by Irish Ferries.

http://www.interferry.com/attica-joins-the-race-to-cuba/

http://www.informare.it/news/gennews/2015/20150981-Superfast-Ferries-realizzera-servizio-traghetto-USA-Cubauk.asp


Irish Ferries may have to look elsewhere for their future purchases.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on July 11, 2015, 12:19:28 AM
I take it ICG can't afford a new build then....
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on July 11, 2015, 10:53:03 AM
I'm not 100% sure about this one, but Destination Gotland have recently ordered two new vessels, I would imagine to replace M.V. Gotland, and M.V. Visby. Both ships were built in 2003, equipped with 1600 lane metres, 300 beds, and capacity for 1500 passengers. To be honest I think both vessels are lacking a little in terms of lane metres, but ICG could do worse. I would imagine they would be sold at a competitive price considering both ships are now 12 years old, and were built in China, rather than a European yard. If they fit Rosslare, they could be good replacements for both Oscar Wilde, and if need be Isle of Inishmore (could move to Dublin to Holyhead).

http://www.ferry-site.dk/ferry.php?id=9223784&lang=en

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on July 11, 2015, 11:27:19 AM
That would be an interesting line up, but I suppose we shouldn't put the cart before the horse. I'm sure ICG are assessing their options at the moment, possibly with the a full sale of the Kaitaki to Interislander, depending on the charter/sale prices.
What would happen to the Epsilon and the Dublin-Cherbourg route under the scenario you just mentioned TC?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: hhvferry on July 11, 2015, 12:17:37 PM
The Visby and Gotland are pure day ships with a small number of cabins. The saloons are fitted out with hundreds of reclining seats, no bars or restaurants other than counter service amongst the seats. they are very much fitted out like fast ferries, an utterly different concept to the previous Visby (Felicity). So they would require a lot of onboard work to make them suitable although it's not impossible. I don't think they'd ever really be ideal as a replacement on an overnight crossing though.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 11, 2015, 12:29:36 PM
Visby and Gothland would be too small and uneconomic to operate to france.

Dont rule out the Superfast twins yet.

The greeks have no money and would take a reasonable offer if it was on the table.

Irish Ferries do not need to replace Tonnage before November in any case.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 11, 2015, 12:34:49 PM
The idea of a ferry service between Florida and Cuba is inspiring

Pehaps it could be a new route for Oscar wilde.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on July 11, 2015, 12:59:51 PM
Gotland wouldn't be quite the Oscar Wilde, but I would have thought operating them at around 18 - 20 knots they would be fairly efficient, not quite in lets say P&O's Norbay or Norbank's league, but reasonable enough.

I agree capacity might be a bit tight, with only 1 deck for lounges, restaurants, and a gift shop / cinema. But if ICG did a Stena Superfast style conversion, and were careful how they utilised the space, I say it could work. The current layout would definitely have to be revised. I agree the cabin capacity could be a bit of a problem, unless they attached an extra deck of cabins, just forward of the funnel, though this could effect the vessels deadweight.

Regarding Epsilon, she could be relocated to Rosslare, perhaps if additional capacity was required on the Pembroke run, or run a no frills service with the Visby or Gotland on the French run. Or option B, return her to her owners, though where this would leave Dublin - Cherbourg, I'm not sure.

Anyone any thought on Blue Star 1 & Blue Star 2? Built by Van der Giessen de Noord, famous for quality ferries, eg Isle of Inishmore, Isle of Inishfree, Norbank, Norbay, Mont St Michele...

Blue Star are also Greek, and have recently splashed out on small new builds (for another route), both ships were built in 2001, so still have plenty of life left in them. I understand they previously operated the Zeebrugge - Rosyth some years ago.   

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 11, 2015, 01:39:59 PM
I believe several of these ferries were looked at.

Blue Star 1 and Blue Star 2 would certainly work on Pembroke - Rosslare without much work,

They have plenty of capacity but no open deck space for hazardous goods unlike the superfast twins.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on July 11, 2015, 04:19:48 PM
ICG could always do a freighter conversion, like P&O did with the Pride of Canterbury and Pride of Kent. The latter were quite battered looking, after 10 - 11 years on the Dover - Zeebrugge route, but after a major rebuild at Lloyd Werft, you wouldn't recognise them, and in terms of interior quality, design ect, they were spot on in all fairness. I recall the first time I went on Pride of Canterbury in 2007, and their was a real 'wow' factor. Still today, despite the occasional rust streaks, they give the competition a run for their money, and in many respects P&O had the luxury of starting with a blank canvas.

http://www.hhvferry.com/darwinsgen2.html

I think this model could work for Irish Ferries, but getting a suitable vessel might prove difficult, but as you indicated IFPete, some of the stern could be left open for hazardous freight. A vessel like Finnreel could be converted in a similar way as P&O's 'Darwins' were back in 2003.

http://www.ferry-site.dk/ferry.php?id=9198721&lang=en     
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on July 11, 2015, 06:56:17 PM
Hmm yes I can see that happening, providing that ICG were fully committed to investing in such a rebuild.  Maybe ICG have a few other things up their sleeve. I personally think they'll just extend the Epsilon's charters by another year or so, giving them more time. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 13, 2015, 12:52:46 PM
IF have something in progress, hopefully they will announce something when they release their half year results at the end of August.

Expansion of Ireland - France and Dublin - Holyhead are on the agenda.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on July 13, 2015, 02:44:17 PM
Quote from: IFPete on July 13, 2015, 12:52:46 PM
IF have something in progress, hopefully they will announce something when they release their half year results at the end of August.

Expansion of Ireland - France and Dublin - Holyhead are on the agenda.

Will Oscar Wilde stay?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 13, 2015, 06:15:13 PM
Oscar Wilde has its own nitch in the market with 1358 cabin berths not easily replaced.

IF need additional vessel or vessels that can take passengers comfortably and can take a lot of freight.
Superfast XI, XII or Blue Star 1 , 2 could fill that gap although Blue Star vessels have no weatherdecks and less cabins.

IF has lost a lot of business to Corbelfret and to landbridge through UK due to lack of capacity in the summer months when Oscar Wilde is full of Holiday makers,

They also need to replace IOI on Rosslare Pembroke if it moves to Dublin as part of an increased frequency Dublin - Holyhead service.

A set of twins with comfortable passenger capacity above 1200 and freight capacity for 140 trailers would be ideal.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on July 13, 2015, 10:24:26 PM
What would happen to Epsilon? Would she be returned to her owners with Isle of Inishmore taking her place. I agree its important for Irish Ferries to get new tonnage. Personally I don't think Epsilon is really ideal for Holyhead, she's not bad, but Inishmore would be a better competitor for Stena Superfast X.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 14, 2015, 08:54:20 AM
Epsilon is prety basic with no passenger comfort features escpecially for kids.

She was leased to test the freight market and to provide some degree of back up for swift cancellations.

IOI was originally built for Dublin - Holyhead and has more passenger capacity than Ulysses so it is the
Ideal ship for this route.

If Isle of innisfree had been available she would have been ideal for Pembroke - Rosslare but this adds to the excitement due to her no availability before 2017 and the likelyhood that she will stay in New Zealand.

Since Epsilon is not suitable for Pembroke i would only envisage that Irish Ferries would retain her if they were to launch a new freight service to spain or for a freight service to Cherbourg running opposite Oscar Wilde. This would be a good market test but not as ideal as a Superfast or Blue Star type of operation.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 19, 2015, 01:00:54 AM
Quote from: mrwtho07 on July 11, 2015, 12:19:28 AM
I take it ICG can't afford a new build then....
They'd need to wait up to 4 years for it to materialise for a start!  The cost of a new build would also be astronomical compared to acquiring something newish second hand, certainly if ordered from a European yard or one of the more respected (in terms of passenger ships) Asian yards.

Quote from: IFPete on July 11, 2015, 12:29:36 PM

Dont rule out the Superfast twins yet.

The greeks have no money and would take a reasonable offer if it was on the table.

Irish Ferries do not need to replace Tonnage before November in any case.

All Greeks are not equal.  With the upcoming changes to taxation in Greece, and a licence to operate what has the potential to be a VERY lucrative service where the economy is not under the same pressures as it is in Greece,  I wouldn't be at all surprised if they moved XI and XII to the new service.  Certainly they would seem the closest vessels capacity wise to the figures which have been quoted regarding the tonnage already in the group which has been earmarked for the Cuba service.  I'd hazard a guess that fuel costs for example will be pretty reasonable out there as well compared to Europe.  Attica have the opportunity to get into what is a new market early, just as their traditional market appears to be getting weaker by the day (in some respects).

Regarding ICG's interest, I'm sure they will also take into consideration that the Superfast types are not exactly cheap to run.  Multiply that cost up over the distance between Ireland and France (even with Stena's efficiency modifications, VII, VIII, and X are much thirstier than say, a Visentini, like Epsilon), or the Pembroke route with its lower load factors than Holyhead, and I'm sure there are other more suitable options for ICG.  There are plenty of ro-pax types and freighters about, which with a little foresight could be converted into efficient and capable passenger vessels.  Stena Feronia, Stena Allegra, Highlanders, and Blue Puttees all spring to mind, and even the old Pride of Suffolk and Pride of Flanders did a job. Would ICG have the appetite for such a conversion?  Personally, I have no idea, though I suspect they'd be happier with something more "off the shelf".

I'd have thought the Gotland vessels would be far too small for ICG's needs.  Some of the other vessels mentioned on this thread would be nothing short of a short-term stopgap IMO (why bring in tonnage which is the best part of 30 years old or more?).  As I've said before, Oscar Wilde is not getting any younger.  In IoI, ICG have a ready made replacement for Epsilon should they choose to replace her.  However, IoI is not as efficient a vessel to operate in a year round basis as Epsilon.  It will be interesting to see how it all pans out of course.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on July 19, 2015, 10:09:29 PM
ICG wanted a new build (and have more than enough finance in place to build something impressive) there was a rumor that yard space in Finland may come available due to a cancelled order but I have heard very little about this option , from an accounting point of view with ICG's corporate structure a newbuild suits them far better than second-hand tonnage no matter how much better the second-hand is as a newbuild can have its full value depreciated over the vessels service life and increases the company's overall book value (very important when your shares are publicly traded).
There is strong speculation that something will be purchased very soon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 20, 2015, 11:58:12 AM
I suspect the newbuild being talked about is for Dublin - Holyhead,

IOI could fill the gap until the newbuild went into service, however a suitable vessel for rosslare - pembroke
would be required if IOI moves to Dublin until the new build arrived.

Ireland - France route could not justify a new build, so it still looks like IF need two vessels in the short to medium term. One for Pembroke and one for Cherbourg assuming Epsilon returns to her owners in November.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 20, 2015, 04:35:49 PM
Quote from: Collision-course on July 19, 2015, 10:09:29 PM
ICG wanted a new build (and have more than enough finance in place to build something impressive) there was a rumor that yard space in Finland may come available due to a cancelled order but I have heard very little about this option , from an accounting point of view with ICG's corporate structure a newbuild suits them far better than second-hand tonnage no matter how much better the second-hand is as a newbuild can have its full value depreciated over the vessels service life and increases the company's overall book value (very important when your shares are publicly traded).
There is strong speculation that something will be purchased very soon.
While there is some sense in what you say, the fact remains that the last 2 acquisitions for the ferry division (Oscar Wilde and Epsilon) have been second hand tonnage, with the latter on charter.  Prior to that, the Normandy was also second (third) hand.  Neither the Pembroke or France route are (in my view, as well as others) lucrative enough to justify the outlay for new tonnage, and in the case of Dublin, there is a ship (Isle of Inishmore) which is purpose built for the route already in the group, and which is too big for her current route.  The logical next step would be to replace Epsilon with something more passenger orientated to see if the demand is there, before investing in any new build.

History points to everything new going to Dublin (Isle of Innisfree, Isle of Inishmore, Ulysses), and its hard to see that changing.  Theres bound to be something suitable for Pembroke out there, the problem is age, not to mention availability.  Perhaps the situation in Greece will throw something up, or perhaps let a ship become available to replace something suitable for ICG's needs.  Not every Greek ferry operator can move their ships to Cuba after all ;).
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on July 20, 2015, 05:58:47 PM
Hindsight is a wonderful thing.  If Irish Ferries were in a better position to expand their services to Britain, France and maybe Spain 5-10 years ago, then I think they would've held on to the Isle of Innisfree and Pride of Bilbao, or at least kept them in European waters.
As it is I think we'll just wait and see. I know I've said it before but I won't be surprised if the status quo continues until next year, with the Epsilon's charter extended. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 20knots on July 20, 2015, 06:18:44 PM
Epsilon on Berth 1 at Europort for some reason?
Presumably the reason why the afternoon sailing from Pembroke Dock is slightly behind schedule.

QuoteIrish Ferries update:
20th July at 16.40 hours.

The MV Isle of Inishmore is expected to arrive in Rosslare this evening at 19.10 hours.

The vessel is expected to sail from Rosslare this evening at 20.45 hours.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on July 20, 2015, 10:45:21 PM
The normal offloading of new cars and vans. Epsilon returns to Rosslare to offload after its Cherbourg to Dublin sailing  8).

Sometimes (quite often) they cannot offload the cars quick enough and the IOI is delayed.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on July 20, 2015, 11:02:30 PM
Only realised today that it returns to Rosslare having unloaded in Dublin, always assumed it called on the way to Dublin, the Visentini's must run on fresh air to make that trip pay for itself!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 21, 2015, 12:08:28 PM
Epsilon does this every two weeks in summer months.

This usually happens when Oscar Wilde has not sailed from Cherbourg on a Sunday afternoon,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 21, 2015, 12:13:11 PM
It could be a while before Superfast ferries begin their Florida - Cuba service,

Both John Kerry and his cuban counterpart have indicated it could be a while before us citizens can travel to Cuba.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 22, 2015, 07:27:06 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on July 20, 2015, 11:02:30 PM
Only realised today that it returns to Rosslare having unloaded in Dublin, always assumed it called on the way to Dublin, the Visentini's must run on fresh air to make that trip pay for itself!
They near enough do compared to many vessels!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 22, 2015, 07:38:16 PM
Quote from: IFPete on July 21, 2015, 12:13:11 PM
It could be a while before Superfast ferries begin their Florida - Cuba service,

Both John Kerry and his cuban counterpart have indicated it could be a while before us citizens can travel to Cuba.
Around 30,000 a year already do for the sole purpose of tourism, despite it being illegal.   Additionally some 600,000 mostly Cuban-Americans also visit Cuba every year using private charter flights by exploiting a well known loophole.  The ferry link is more important from a cargo point of view at present anyway, with it now being possible for certain goods to be transported between the two countries as they are no longer covered by the trade embargo.  Much of the hold up with ferry licences appears to be on the Cuban side, however Baja ferries, Balaeria, and Superfast (among others) now all have licences issued by the U.S.  However, most of the restrictions on the Cuba side relating to Cubans visiting the US have now gone.  Politically, things are moving very fast - the opening of a U.S. Embassy in Cuba in particular is going to be a huge step, and unthinkable not so long ago.  Jet Blue also recently opened the first scheduled air service to Cuba from The U.S. recently.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cosseric.coss on July 31, 2015, 04:44:15 PM
Anyone know whats up with the Ioi. Technical issues according to the website?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 12, 2015, 11:35:35 AM
I understand that Irish Ferries have extended the lease on the Epsilon for another 12 months to november 2016. No other details available at this time.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 12, 2015, 04:50:21 PM
Epsilon had 150 cars , Caravans and RVs on last night sailing.

Passenger space was a a premium but plenty of lower vehicle deck space available if required.

Nice clean ship with very basic facilities on board,

Nothing for children to keep them occupied apart from cartoons on the television in the
small seated lounge.

The shop will get more things to sell after next week when the new till goes into operation,

This ship does not compare to Superfast X or Swift in terms of passenger comfort , however it is a lot
cheaper and less complicated to handle and especially on the freight side.

I was in Pembroke dock on Friday night and i see no reason why Epsilon could not handle this
route for winter 2015 / 2016 if required. There is no length restriction on the berth and as far as i could see it is similar to the berth at Holyheads with steelwork and islands.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on August 14, 2015, 09:38:22 PM
There is a good chance Irish Ferries will purchase Epsilon at some point and deploy it on the Rosslare - France routes full time , there is mounting speculation that Irish Ferries is going to order an LNG powered half sister to Ulysses for the Dublin - Holyhead service , Ulysses is officially the most reliable car ferry in the world (see Guinness Book of Records) so it was a foregone conclusion that any new vessel for Dublin would be as identical as possible while incorporating technological advancements made since Ulysses was built , from what I gather the issues are where to build it and how long will delivery take.
While Irish Ferries have said nothing officially , the fact that they have viewed virtually every vessel for sale in Europe and beyond and have not purchased anything points in the direction of a new build , and the purchase of Epsilon would be a good fit for their plans for an expanded continental freight service from Rosslare , unless of course Isle of Innisfree returns from the southern hemisphere in 2017 to take up the Rosslare - France services.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on August 14, 2015, 10:58:16 PM
Personally I cant see Isle of Inishfree returning. She's popular down under, and is a good work horse sharing a lot of DNA with Norbank and Norbay. Ulysees is an excellent vessel, built by a first class yard (one of the reasons P&O choose Aker to build their new ships). I wouldn't be surprised if Irish Ferries aren't waiting to build a half sister. Cost could be curtailed building it in lets say South Korea, but if Irish Ferries wanted a really good ship, they could go with Fincantieri, who built the Pride of Rotterdam & Pride of Hull, also good timekeepers, with an impressive reliability record. To be honest I think they would be great ships on the Irish Sea.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on August 15, 2015, 01:34:49 AM
I agree that if they do go to build with a new ship Irish Ferries will go to a high quality yard over a cheaper Asian alternative for one reason more than any other , they will expect to operate the vessel over its entire design lifetime , just as I suspect Ulysses will never leave Dublin until its time to be beached as it is heavily customised for the route and ports , just as any potential half sister would be , so in that respect high quality in a new build will be essential.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on August 15, 2015, 01:39:24 PM
All very interesting and some very good points by everyone. I still feel irish ferries will eventually buy the Epsilon and add accommodation to her . She is far more economical than any of the other vessels in the fleet which goes down very well at board level. So Epsilon has acres of car deck space but lacks the on board facilities especially for Dublin to cherbourg. Taking all this into account I am sure it's being given serious consideration.  I think the oscar Wilde is very old and is very costly to maintain and run therefore if any ship is going I reckon it's Oscar. The swift is not getting any younger and I would say they must look at a replacement especially since they have no compitition from stena .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 15, 2015, 02:23:46 PM
Irish Ferries will announce their half year results before the end of August,

We might get an insight as to what is going on then.

I agree that Epsilon is likely to be retained for services from ireland to France.

It needs an accomodation block extension,

I believe Oscar Wilde will remain in the fleet for a few years yet.

I would imagine Irish Ferries will hire in a suitable vessel for Rosslare Pembroke to allow IOI come to Dublin until the new build is ready.

Irish Ferries talked about replacing swift in about four years time. I guess they would not go wrong in ordering a bigger Austal vessel perhaps similar to Leonora Christina 113m.

Interesting times.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on August 16, 2015, 12:00:32 PM
I wouldn't be too surprised if Epsilon received some sort of conversion. Not particularly dramatic one, but something simple, that will allow her to take more passengers. What will replace Oscar, well there's lots of options, but I'd say she'll keep sailing on for another few years, not a solid decade, but about four or five years.

As for Ulysees, she'll keep sailing till she hits the beach most likely. A lot of operators are following this option. P&O and Stena included. One reason for this is, unlike 20 years ago when the Greeks and Italians were eager to buy European operators elderly vessels, today the operators who can (Blue Star most recently) are going for purpose built vessels from South Korea.

Lots of ships that went to sunny climates back 10 - 30 years ago come to mind eg Earl Harold, Horsa, Heignest, Norwind, Norwave, Norland, Norstar.... even old Dover to Calais vessels e.g. Pride of Kent (Spirit of Free Enterprise), that weren't very well cut out for Greek island hopping.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on August 16, 2015, 09:31:31 PM

Some nice images of the IOI in Pembroke last week, looking very well

http://www.jhluxton.com/Shipping/Ships/Irish-Ferries-Irish-Continenta/Irish-Ferries-ICG-Ships-2015/i-fP2DkPz/A
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on August 16, 2015, 09:41:28 PM
She is looking well , believe it or not I find IOI to be externally a very unattractive vessel , I dont care for her lines at all , but I would be the first to say that internally she is a very attractive vessel and a solid workhorse , what she lacks in external beauty she more than makes up for in comfort , capacity and seaworthiness.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on August 18, 2015, 02:38:32 PM
I'm not sure an extension to Epsilon's accommodation block would be that straight forward to achieve.  The problem with upping her passenger capacity is of course that that module is smaller than on her part sisters to start with.  Adequate space would need to retained at the top of the fixed ramp for vehicles to manoeuvre for a start - the recess could be filled in but would it be enough?  Particularly with operators choosing to operate visentinis with a reduced passenger certificate already.  More facilities on deck 8 (by converting cabins) is more or less ruled out by the lack of lift access on the visentinis to the upper decks as well.  She could certainly be made much more comfortable as a long term solution for the French route, IF only need to look at Stena's Birkenhead operation to see so, but if anything that would further reduce her passenger capacity.  She'd also be a lot more economical to run year round than Oscar, but I wouldn't be surprised to see her returned at some stage, with perhaps one of her larger (passenger facilities wise) part-sisters acquired instead for the French run.  It would certainly be cheaper than heavily modifying Epsilon to what would effectively be a similar specification.  Epsilon is compatible with Pembroke dock, but I understand she is far from ideal berthing there.  Something to do with manoeuvring and navigating to the berth from memory - she is quite long after all, but perhaps this could be rectified. 

A new build, particularly at a European yard, is going to both cost a fortune and also be delayed for several years - they are all very busy building cruise ships these days.  DSME were a very real option examined by P&O for the spirits.  The Asian yards have come a long way over recent years building passenger ships, so I wouldn't rule them out totally for any potential new building, particularly given the lack of yard space in Europe for larger ships.  Mind you, as I said over on the BF forum, Brodosplit is one European yard which may be available which also has fairly recent ferry building experience - though I understand they take on a lot of subcontracted work from Fincantieri, due to how busy they are.  There's also the possibility of building and fitting out being split between 2 yards as well I suppose. 

Whether a new build would be copy of Ulysees with different engines, I'm not so sure.  Certainly she could form the basis of the design, but I'm sure there are many tweaks which could be implemented using the knowledge of years of operating her. There have also been advances in hull design since she was built, so a straight copy with a different power plant could be a missed opportunity.

I agree with IFPete that we will perhaps find out more in the interim results (or if nothing else, confirmation of Epsilon's charter extension).  What I would say is, any extension would effectively rule out modifying her for that period, unless major changes have been negotiated to the charter agreement (which I doubt).
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on August 18, 2015, 02:57:40 PM
The success of the Italian yard over recent years must show European bases can be competitive, if not for price then at least for quality. However, can we write off a British or Irish concern being invited to tender?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on August 18, 2015, 04:14:32 PM
Quote from: Davy Jones on August 18, 2015, 02:57:40 PM
The success of the Italian yard over recent years must show European bases can be competitive, if not for price then at least for quality. However, can we write off a British or Irish concern being invited to tender?
Almost certainly.  Much of the capability and skills (not to mention expertise) in building large passenger ships has now gone, or is outdated.  In fact, much of the expertise in building any sort of large ship has gone.  BAE Systems hangs on in the UK, thanks to government contracts.  There is a handful of yards that would even have the facilities (such as a building dock of adequate size), and it would cost as small fortune just to get them up to being capable of such a project, which would of course put up the price of the finished ship hugely.  I can't see any commercial operator being prepared to put up the cash, especially given that such a yard would have no track record either.

The European yards which are left are for the most part, part of large groups.  Fincantieri is a huge (state owned) concern and 4th largest ship builder in the world.  Meyer have 3 of their own yards, plus the facilities they took over from STX.  What is left of STX Europe, is of course part of the global STX group.  Hollands Damen group own around 30 yards worldwide.  All of these concerns have huge economies of scale and shared expertise which no UK or Ireland yard can even hope to have in the near future unfortunately.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on August 19, 2015, 03:09:23 PM
LOL Steven beat me to it , while I would love to see a new Irish Ferries vessel built in Ireland or the UK , sadly there are neither skilled ship-builders nor equipped yards to build such a ship locally , which is not only a pity but a damming indictment of government policy on both islands that as island nations we have little or no ship building capabilities.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 22, 2015, 02:00:49 PM
Irish Ferries Half Year Results are out on Thursday 27 th August.

Hopefully the following questions will be answered.

1) New Build for Dublin - Holyhead route for Summer 2017.
2) The extension of the lease or purchase of Epsilon for continued route development.
3) The two year lease or purchase of a vessel from Med / Baltic for Ireland - UK and France ferry operations.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on August 22, 2015, 10:03:09 PM
Should be interesting. It'll be interesting, I'm sure Irish Ferries wont let the grass grow so to speak. They'll be needing something to match Stena Superfast X. Maybe the Isle of Inishmore will join Ulysees. Personally I think it would be a good match. What would replace Isle of Inishmore on the Pembroke run though?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 23, 2015, 02:32:06 PM
I could be wrong but i could see the following operation from November to April 2016,

Dublin - Holyhead - Ulysses , Isle of Inishmore, Jonathan Swift

Rosslare - Pembroke Dock - Oscar Wilde,

Rosslare - Dublin - Cherbourg - Epsilon,

Lease Ferry for Rosslare Pembroke for Summer 2016,

with Oscar Wilde and Epsilon operating ireland france routes.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 27, 2015, 10:55:32 AM
Nothing new to report in half year results operationally except improved numbers and steady as she goes,

They are extreamly happy with the Epsilon and appear to be concentrating on dept reduction within the group at this time.

I guess when they are ready to take things to the next stage they will make an announcement.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on August 27, 2015, 03:40:31 PM
Quote from: IFPete on August 27, 2015, 10:55:32 AM
Nothing new to report in half year results operationally except improved numbers and steady as she goes,

They are extreamly happy with the Epsilon and appear to be concentrating on dept reduction within the group at this time.

I guess when they are ready to take things to the next stage they will make an announcement.

I wasn't really expecting anything else.  Companies only time investment news with financial reports if dates happen to align besides from a share point of view it's almost a waste of a positive trading report to tie it with anything else.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 27, 2015, 09:14:55 PM
They certainly have a possitive spin on everything which is great with economic growth and and declining fuel prices.

 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Fast Ferry Fan on August 31, 2015, 09:30:47 AM
Any indications as to how much extra traffic the Swift had picked up in the absence of Explorer?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 31, 2015, 09:41:16 PM
Difficult to say,

Passenger and car loads have gone up with both Stena and Irish Ferries.

Swift Morning Sailings are generally full at this time of year.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on September 12, 2015, 04:54:42 PM
There appears to be no further news re fleet movements,

Was looking through Ferries 2016 and noticed TT Lines Twins Peter Pan and Nils Holgersson would be very suitable for Dublin - Holyhead and Dublin - Cherbourg

171 Trailers - 744 Passengers 600 Cabin Berths.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on September 13, 2015, 09:30:17 PM
Lovely vessels. They'd look great on the Irish Sea. They look a bit older than they are! They have that practical shape, something that I like about the Isle of Inishmore. Plenty of lane meters as well. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on September 14, 2015, 02:26:47 PM
Quote from: Fast Ferry Fan on August 31, 2015, 09:30:47 AM
Any indications as to how much extra traffic the Swift had picked up in the absence of Explorer?

Irish Ferries have a delay in publicly publishing passenger stats but indications are that although far from all of the Dun Laoghaire passenger trade has transferred to the Dublin route, Stena's net loss is a no brainer compared to the savings from not operating the HSS and operating an additional port.  Getting rid of the HSS is clearly the no-brainer it looked.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on September 14, 2015, 07:41:52 PM
HSS loads could have gone to Superfast X, Epsilon, Swift and the airlines.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on September 15, 2015, 10:44:34 PM
Quote from: PaddyL on September 14, 2015, 02:26:47 PM
Quote from: Fast Ferry Fan on August 31, 2015, 09:30:47 AM
Any indications as to how much extra traffic the Swift had picked up in the absence of Explorer?

Irish Ferries have a delay in publicly publishing passenger stats but indications are that although far from all of the Dun Laoghaire passenger trade has transferred to the Dublin route, Stena's net loss is a no brainer compared to the savings from not operating the HSS and operating an additional port.  Getting rid of the HSS is clearly the no-brainer it looked.

This is off topic a bit but just in reply to PaddyL.  The reasons why HSS Explorer was withdrawn are clear and obvious (although obviously sad).  The reasons she wasn't replaced a few years ago and Stena left Dun Laoghaire and surrendered that share to IF and the airlines are a seperate matter.  More to it than cashflow & never forget the importance of market share in a competitive marketplace and nobody is more than surprised than ICG Plc at being given this share gift.

Pete

Pete
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on September 16, 2015, 02:06:49 PM
Quote from: DublinPeter on September 15, 2015, 10:44:34 PM
Quote from: PaddyL on September 14, 2015, 02:26:47 PM
Quote from: Fast Ferry Fan on August 31, 2015, 09:30:47 AM
Any indications as to how much extra traffic the Swift had picked up in the absence of Explorer?

Irish Ferries have a delay in publicly publishing passenger stats but indications are that although far from all of the Dun Laoghaire passenger trade has transferred to the Dublin route, Stena's net loss is a no brainer compared to the savings from not operating the HSS and operating an additional port.  Getting rid of the HSS is clearly the no-brainer it looked.

This is off topic a bit but just in reply to PaddyL.  The reasons why HSS Explorer was withdrawn are clear and obvious (although obviously sad).  The reasons she wasn't replaced a few years ago and Stena left Dun Laoghaire and surrendered that share to IF and the airlines are a seperate matter.  More to it than cashflow & never forget the importance of market share in a competitive marketplace and nobody is more than surprised than ICG Plc at being given this share gift.

Pete

Pete

The loss in market share has been minimal for Stena going by their figures (which is what Paddy is saying), after all the HSS was making a single round trip for part of the year and even then was nowhere near capacity.  As for ICG being surprised, I highly doubt it.  The withdrawal of the HSS has been on the cards for some time, and well known about within the industry.  ICG have been waiting for Explorer to be withdrawn for years. 

I'd say withdrawing a craft which cost a small fortune to run and which year on year has been carrying less traffic for some time was a no brainer as well.  You make a huge assumption that running another craft from Dun Laoghaire would be profitable/viable.  in any case, it makes commercial sense to consolidate the operation to one port and two (potentially three) conventional vessels.  As I have said before, you only need to look at the decline in fast craft numbers in Northern European waters to see that these craft make less and less sense as time goes on.  If Stena wanted to add another ship, then it makes more sense for them to do so from the same port rather than continuing with a split operation with one of the ports being less than ideal for their core traffic. 

With regard to ICG, time will tell with what happens.   I'd suggest though that speculation as to suitable tonnage should go in its own thread, rather than here.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on September 16, 2015, 10:37:00 PM
Damn, off topic again but I'll be brief and won't post about this again!

For clarity, nobody was surprised that HSS was withdrawn obviously.  What ICG were surprised by was that she wasn't replaced (whatever port that was to). Three years ago the business was all about consolidation but not now.  Have to think like a PLC (or indeed a sphere!).  Growth can either be organic or manufactured, when the two come together then shareholders are happy.  Cashflow can wait - all about the share.   

From the horses mouth the worry within the markets is that while Stena and IF have their Mexican standoff, they get sideswiped by another operator who lets say is in an expansionist frame of mind and is willing to throw money to build share.  Expect one of the duopoly to blink and the other to follow sharpish sooner than you think.

No assumptions.  When in doubt, ask a stockbroker and a shipping corporate man :)

Pete
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: dan1985 on October 22, 2015, 09:36:37 PM
Makes sense as last year Oscar had a bad xmas cancelling on a large number of occasions on the Rosslare Pembroke route Inishmore was away for a long period last year. On the southern corridor the Inishmore will ensure people can get home in both directions for the xmas period. Ensures a reliable service for freight to. But using Oscar up North it should retain a reliable service if Swift cant sail due to weather plus the southern corridor tends to be the rougher of the two routes.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on October 23, 2015, 03:49:57 PM
Irish Ferries Christmas and New Year Sailing Schedule differs from other years.

Isle of Inishmore Continues on Rosslare - Pembroke service until it takes up Holyhead - Dublin service @ 240 AM on Monday 4 th January 2016,

The Dublin - Holyhead service operates as follows

Dublin Holyhead Holyhead Dublin

0155     0525       0800      1120  Oscar Wilde Dec 20 21 22 23 24 28 to 31, Jan 2
0805     1130       1410      1725  Ulysses Dec 20 to Jan 3 Excl 25, 26 Dec , Isle of Inishmore 4 to 14 Jan
0815     1015       1150      1340  Swift Dec 24
0845     1050       1150      1340  Swift Dec 20 to Jan 17 Ex Dec 24 25 26 Jan 1
1100     1430                             Oscar Wilde Jan 3
1415     1745       2000      2330  Oscar Wilde Dec 20 21 22 23 24 27 to Jan 2
1430     1630       1715      1905  Swift Dec 20 to Jan 17 Ex Dec 24 25 26
1700     2030       2330      0300  Epsilon Dec 21 22
2055     0020       0240      0555  Ulysses Dec 20 to Jan 3 Excl 24, 25, 26 Dec, Isle of Inishmore 04 to 15 Jan,

Isle of inishmore operates Pembroke 1445 Rosslare 1846 03 Jan 2015 and then repositions to Holyhead to
take over from Ulysses on 0240 Holyhead Dublin 0555 Sailing, Ulysses proceeds to Liverpool for drydocking.

Oscar Wilde operates Dublin 1100 Holyhead 1430 03 Jan 2015 and the then repositions to Rosslare to take over Rosslare 2045 Pembroke 0045 sailing on 03 January 2015 and operates until Pembroke 0245 Rosslare 0645 on Friday 29th January 2016 before routing to Falmouth for drydocking,

Epsilon operates Dublin 1530 Cherbourg 1130 on 02 , 9 , 16, 23, 30 Jan 2016

This of course could be modified slightly

Interesting times.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 23, 2015, 04:34:28 PM
Friday 16:30 Swift only half way across Irish Sea, a bit windy out.
Saturday 24/10/15 20:55 Ulyssess sailing delayed until 23:30 for technical reason?
Anyone got infor on this?
On my last post I mentioned that I tried to book the14:30 Swift for the 1st Nov (sail/rail) both the web and a call to reservations said it was full. I then booked Stena for the same trip, but looking at IF site today it now has availability for the same date.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on October 23, 2015, 05:18:16 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on October 23, 2015, 04:34:28 PM
Friday 16:30 Swift only half way across Irish Sea, a bit windy out.
Saturday 24/10/15 20:55 Ulyssess sailing delayed until 23:30 for technical reason?
Anyone got infor on this?
On my last post I mentioned that I tried to book the14:30 Swift for the 1st Nov (sail/rail) both the web and a call to reservations said it was full. I then booked Stena for the same trip, but looking at IF site today it now has availability for the same date.
Yes, I think I posted somewhere else that the 14:30 seemed to be available yesterday.  Odd, perhaps some gremlins in the booking system.

Regarding the seasonal timetable, I would have thought it would have made more sense to continue the practice of moving IoI north to operate against Adventurer and SFX.  Has there been a shortage of vehicle deck space on the southern corridor? 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on October 23, 2015, 08:03:36 PM
Quote from: Steven on October 23, 2015, 05:18:16 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on October 23, 2015, 04:34:28 PM


Regarding the seasonal timetable, I would have thought it would have made more sense to continue the practice of moving IoI north to operate against Adventurer and SFX.  Has there been a shortage of vehicle deck space on the southern corridor?

Oscar cancelled too many times over the last few years, not worth swapping Inishmore out I would think.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on October 23, 2015, 08:20:17 PM
Oscar Wilde lost a lot of sailings last year
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Fast Ferry Fan on October 23, 2015, 11:03:46 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on October 23, 2015, 04:34:28 PM
On my last post I mentioned that I tried to book the14:30 Swift for the 1st Nov (sail/rail) both the web and a call to reservations said it was full. I then booked Stena for the same trip, but looking at IF site today it now has availability for the same date.

The sailing you mentioned will be busy as it's the end of the mid-term break.

As long as there are refundable tickets sold and people have an incentive to inform the shipping company that they won't be travelling on the intended date, passengers' plans do change so spaces will become available before again being resold. 

I remember once buying a well discounted refundable Stenaline ticket months ahead of a popular travel time.  Sure enough the boat was eventually booked out well before the sailing date.  Our plans then changed.  It wasn't long after we got our refund that the space we'd made available was snapped up again.  Sail n Rail ticket prices don't increase, so if there's just one of you travelling and you're happy to keep re-checking availability a couple of times a day, you'll probably get your space.  Preferable to a 4 hour sailing in my book anyway.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet Monday 16/11/15
Post by: ferryfan on November 15, 2015, 10:09:02 PM
Ulysses sailing 08.05 and return at 14.10 cancelled Ulysses must be getting some work done or a maybe a survey.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loughro on November 15, 2015, 10:31:18 PM
Ulysses is doing an MES (Marine Evacuation System) drill tomorrow, hence the planned cancellation. She will actually be doing the drill on the Stena Adventurers berth and shift on the the Stena berth after the departure of the Stena Adventurer tomorrow morning.

I think the Swift will do her MES drill on Wednesday this week too, as she is not planned to sail on Wednesday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 16, 2015, 02:02:37 PM
Epsilon is making a rare Monday 1410 crossing to Holyhead as a replacement service for the cancelled 0805.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on November 17, 2015, 09:00:26 PM
Looked like fun today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :o :o :o :o

https://www.facebook.com/martin.howell.902

Irish Ferries = Bonkers!!

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 17, 2015, 10:14:50 PM
Today would have preferred the hotel in Fishguard than that sailing, would not have enjoyed that too much !
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 20knots on November 17, 2015, 10:37:03 PM
QuoteStatus Update for Rosslare / Pembroke route

17th November at 21.50 hours.

Due to current adverse weather conditions at sea, sailings on this route have been disrupted.

The MV isle of Inishmore arrived in Rosslare this evening at 21.45 hours.

The 20.45 hours sailing from Rosslare is currently expected to sail at approximately 01.00 hours.

Latest check-in time is 22.30 hours.

The following sailings have been cancelled:-

Rosslare/Pembroke Wednesday 18th November at 08.45 hours &
Pembroke/Rosslare Wednesday 18th November at 14.45 hours.


Irish Ferries apologise for any inconvenience caused by these delays due to circumstances beyond our control.


For further information please contact Irish Ferries as follows:-

Pembroke Port Office 08717 300 500
Calls cost 13p per minute plus network extras

UK Central Reservations Office 08717 300 400
Calls cost 13p per minute plus network extras

Irish Central Reservations Office 0818 300 400

Rosslare Port Office 053 9133158
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on November 17, 2015, 10:55:17 PM
wonder why they cancelled tomorrows  14:45 pembroke to rosslare sailing? ::)

Did the captain get a knock on the head today or what?  :'(
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: dan1985 on November 17, 2015, 11:05:03 PM
Needs cancelling to catch up on time as the 20:45 departing Rosslare this evening now departing  at 1am so will arrive Pembroke 5am possibly later. It would never be in port in time to operate the 08:45 as will arrive in Rosslare early afternoon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 18, 2015, 01:53:34 PM
IF have still not released their sailing schedule for 2016. Does anyone have any idea of why there is such a delay. They have to be loosing thousands in bookings every day to Stena.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: cullyburn on November 18, 2015, 06:58:36 PM
The French schedule is on their website and confirms the last French sailing for Epsilon is confirmed as Dublin / Cherbourg @15.30 Saturday 5th November returning from Cherbourg at 12.00 Sunday 6th
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 18, 2015, 10:32:04 PM
The schedule I was referring to was for the Irish Sea services.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet 10% off code
Post by: ferryfan on November 18, 2015, 11:05:22 PM
I see the new look site up and 2016 sailings but am at a loss to understand, when there are no changes to sailing times, why it has not been possible to make an Irish Sea booking until now?
If you visit the site and give your feed back via the red tab on the far right you will be given a 10% discount code.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on November 19, 2015, 11:35:47 PM
New site looks great. Superb to be honest, and the return of the traditional Irish Ferries logo looks great. I never liked the IrishFerries.com looked very cheap, and nasty. Unfortunately P&O have mutilated the house flag, and 'P&O' typeset. Nice to be different, but I don't think it works. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steam Packet on November 20, 2015, 01:36:35 AM
Unfortunately Irish Ferries new site is fraudulently claiming Jonathan Swift is the only Fast Craft on the Irish Sea.

Maybe at the moment, but from March 2016 Manannan will be back in service.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 20, 2015, 07:04:06 PM
Quote from: Steam Packet on November 20, 2015, 01:36:35 AM
Unfortunately Irish Ferries new site is fraudulently claiming Jonathan Swift is the only Fast Craft on the Irish Sea.

Maybe at the moment, but from March 2016 Manannan will be back in service.
They've been peddling that line for a while.  The ICG website still reckons Ulysses is the worlds largest car ferry as well funnily enough, because we all know passengers care about the size of vehicle decks more than anything else ::) ;).  However, the current wording I see is:
Quote"Jonathan Swift" is the only Fast Ferry on the Irish Sea route taking you across in just 1 hour 49 mins!
which isn't quite the same.  However, I did see adverts online before without the word route in them.

As for the website, I don't think it looks any better or worse than the old one.  Nice to see they have removed the rather confusing dropbox options for different car sizes.  I also prefer the proper logo myself.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on November 20, 2015, 10:19:10 PM
Quote from: Steam Packet on November 20, 2015, 01:36:35 AM
Unfortunately Irish Ferries new site is fraudulently claiming Jonathan Swift is the only Fast Craft on the Irish Sea.

Maybe at the moment, but from March 2016 Manannan will be back in service.

That struck me aswell. To be honest I have never been a fan of the Swift, there always seemed way too much brass, when you look at the Stena Explorers interior, and even the P&O Express, she looks quite dated. However the lounge on Oscar Wilde is the limit! That 1980s turquoise pink, its like something off Dallas. However its a lot more comfortable than Stena Superfast X, my god they are so hard and small. I'm a slim person and I was even taken back by the very firm nature of the seats.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on December 04, 2015, 07:57:46 PM
Rosslare – Pembroke
Quote"Due to adverse weather conditions at sea, sailings on this route have been disrupted.

The MV Isle of Inishmore is expected to arrive in Rosslare tonight at 22.00 hours.

Tonight's 20.45 hours sailing from Rosslare is expected to sail at approximately 23.45 hours."
Tomorrow's (Saturday) 08:45 and 14:45 Rosslare to Pembroke sailings have been cancelled.
All Dublin Swift sailings on Friday and Saturday have also been cancelled.
http://wp.me/p4mKUi-qK
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 20knots on December 04, 2015, 11:45:19 PM
It appears this afternoon's sailing from Pembroke Dock sailed a little north before entering Europort.

QuoteStatus Update for Rosslare / Pembroke route

4th December at 22.30 hours.

Due to adverse weather conditions at sea, sailings on this route have been disrupted.

The MV Isle of Inishmore arrived in Rosslare tonight at 22.30 hours.

Tonight's 20.45 hours sailing from Rosslare is expected to sail at approximately 00.30 hours.

Check-in time is 22.45 hours.


Due to adverse weather, the following sailings have been cancelled:-

Rosslare to Pembroke Saturday December 5th at 08.45 hours

Pembroke to Rosslare Saturday December 6th at 14.45 hours.




Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on December 05, 2015, 02:53:31 AM
Irish Ferries 01:15 from Dublin to Holyhead has been delayed, whilst all sailings between Rosslare and Pembroke on Saturday are either cancelled or in doubt. 

EDIT:  Just noticed Ulysses is still on the berth at Holyhead (@ 03:23), having missed the 02:40 departure time - nothing on the IF website yet.  Epsilon left Dublin just before 3am.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: lynx1 on December 05, 2015, 01:49:43 PM
 bit windy for the Inishmore this morning
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on December 05, 2015, 02:24:38 PM
All swift sailings today and tomorrow cancelled.  All further sailings between Pembroke and Rosslare also cancelled - IoI is enroute to Rosslare having left Pembroke at 09:20 (the 02:45 sailing).
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 05, 2015, 03:22:14 PM
Isle of Inishmore sailing past St Ann's this morning

Posted on Facebook and taken by Alex Brown


https://youtu.be/SU7G11PeQAw
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 20knots on December 05, 2015, 04:36:40 PM
Really enjoyed that video - it captures St.George's Channel/the South Irish Sea in her winter glory!

The Isle of Inishmore is off Tuskar now (16.30 hrs Sat 05 Dec 2015).

She sailed well north perpendicular to the welsh coast earlier before turning and making a beeline for Rosslare.

I daresay the passengers will be glad to reach Rosslare.

Normal sailings to both Pembroke Dock and Fishguard will hopefully resume in the morning with the 08.45 & 09.00 ex Rosslare.

Quote5th December at 16.15 hours.

Due to adverse weather conditions at sea, sailings on this route have been disrupted.

The MV Isle of Inishmore sailed from Pembroke at 09.20hrs and is expected to arrive in Rosslare at 17.15 hours approx.



Due to adverse weather, the following sailings have been cancelled:-

Rosslare to Pembroke Saturday December 5th at 08.45 hours

Pembroke to Rosslare Saturday December 5th at 14.45 hours.


Rosslare to Pembroke Saturday December 5th at 20.45 hours

Pembroke to Rosslare Sunday December 6th at 02.45 hours.


Irish Ferries regret any inconvenience caused.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 05, 2015, 11:24:50 PM
Epsilon is just approaching Holyhead from a southerly direction?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on December 05, 2015, 11:30:31 PM
Swift cancelled tomorrow morning, as is Epsilon's weekend trip to France and back.  IF website saying Inishmore expected to sail the 08:45 tomorrow morning, with Swift staring back on the 14:30 ex Dublin.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movement
Post by: Steven on December 06, 2015, 04:09:59 AM
Ulysses 20:55 ex Dublin on IF's site as delayed.  As I type (04:00 the next day) she is just arriving in Holyhead, having left Dublin  just before 1am.  Wind speed 44kts in Holyhead at present according to marine traffic.  Epsilon has just left Holyhead, I assume taking up some of the slack given she isn't sailin to France this weekend.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 15, 2015, 03:58:59 PM
Oscar Wilde due in Dublin 0905 on Saturday morning, making a 14.15 crossing.With all the recent storms cancellations etc she will be providing much needed extra capacity especially if Swift continues to experience weather realted cancellation.
Epsilon is listed as making a 17:00 crossing ex Dublin on the 21st and 22nd returning ex Holyhead at 23.30.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements Oscar Wilde
Post by: ferryfan on December 19, 2015, 11:49:35 AM
Great photo opportunity for anyone in and around Dublin Port this morning OW, Swift and Epsilon all currently moored in Dublin. (11:45)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements Cancellations
Post by: ferryfan on December 23, 2015, 11:49:45 AM
The bad weather still playing havoc with IF schedules. Swift has hardly crossed the Irish Sea in December, I am surprised at the number of cancelled crossings which OW was due to make while at thesame time Stena seem to be maintaining a full service.
Merry Xmas everyone!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 23, 2015, 12:36:46 PM
I suspect that there were almost no passengers or cars booking the 0155 AM sailing out of Dublin hence the cancellation if the weather is questionable. Loads out of Dublin are poor with most of the traffic coming from UK.

Oscar Wildes Dublin - Holyhead crossing 0155 AM was cancelled for passengers this morning , however it departed to Holyhead at 0225 AM as a Ghost ship i assume with a load of freight and arrived in Holyhead at 0523 AM.

It left Holyhead at 1120 AM with a full load of passengers and cars from 0800 and 1139 AM sailings.

I would not be surprised to see it depart Holyhead tomorrow morning at 1100 AM following a Ghost sailing from Dublin in the early hours unless Irish Ferries are confident the Ulysses can handle all the remaining Christmas Traffic.

The Epsilon is there as a back up if required.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 23, 2015, 12:45:48 PM
Epsilon is Ancored off Dun Laoire since 0420 AM this morning,

Most of the berths in Dublin being full,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on December 27, 2015, 07:22:46 PM
Hooray, Swift sailed today  ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on January 02, 2016, 08:40:07 PM
Latest fleet rumour is for Inishmore to replace Swift and Epsilon.  Epsilon to Rosslare - Pembroke.

Rumours they are looking new vessel for Dublin - Cherbourg which would replace Epsilon and Oscar Wilde.

Anyone else heard anything?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on January 02, 2016, 09:19:54 PM
Epsilon would struggle to cope with the passenger numbers during the summer. Her passenger capacity is way too low, and she isn't very passenger friendly.

Not sure about other tonnage, but I'm sure Irish Ferries will find something.

The current set up on Holyhead - Dublin is hardly ideal. Its a bit like chalk and cheese. Ulysses with oodles of facilities vs Epsilion with very little.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 03, 2016, 06:20:42 AM
Inishmore to Dublin would certainly make a lot of sense, and also allow costs to be slashed.  While swift is great for marketing and carries a lot of passenger trade, she is a fast-craft with fast-craft operating costs (though by no means on the scale of an HSS).  I did hear rumours that another operator was sniffing around her as well, though I should stress it was rumour. 

I do wonder how Epsilon would cope with the peak periods at Rosslare though.  Could a seasonal second ship be the answer (Swift?  After all she is paid for and it would cost a lot less to run her half of the year?  If only running in summer she should also be a lot less liable to cancellation, and also less affected by Southern Corridor weather).  A new ship for Ireland to France would make a lot of sense too, though where any such tonnage would come from is anyones guess.  I'd imagine she'd be less of a cruise ferry than Oscar as well.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 03, 2016, 12:47:27 PM
Isle of Inishmore taking up Ulysses rota from the 02.40 tomorrow morning with OW going back south and Ulysses off for a bit of TLC.
I really do not believe that there is any need for a ship the size Inishmore to partner Ulysses on the Dublin route at present. The Swift will be around for some time to come, numbers are always good on her and I don't think she is as thirsty as some seem to think.
Epsilon is due to be returned to her owners, Cartour, in October, Cartour and TTT Lines have joined forces to form New TTT Lines, two of their ships MV Partenope (Napoles) and the MV Trinacria (Sicilia) are due to be returned to Sten Ro Ro so it would make sense for them to get their own ship back rather than charter another.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: hhvferry on January 03, 2016, 04:03:54 PM
I would expect IF would want to keep hold of the Epsilon for her low running costs and sheer usefulness -  but it does depend on other factors ; New TTT Lines have been chartering from Grimaldi to provide their third ship alongside the 'Delta' and 'Gamma' (the Stena RoRo pair went on charter to Balearia last year) and the return of the Epsilon would, on the face of it, make sense for them unless the IF income is significantly greater than the costs and hassle of chartering in, which it may be.

The Epsilon definitely couldn't cope with Rosslare peak season (Christmas and summer) passenger loads which average more than her capacity. But on the face of it you could probably put together a workable solution and make the Swift seasonal with the Inishmore switching south and the Epsilon north during those peaks with the Swift in turn coming out of lay up. Not sure how you would sort the Dublin-Cherbourg route though.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on January 03, 2016, 05:34:20 PM
From as close to the horses mouth as it gets it looks like Epsilon is to be returned when it's charter ends later this year.  She may be replaced by another charter ship in the relatively short term while a more permanent Ro/Pax solution is found. 

There are no plans to stop Fast Ferry operations by IF - Swift (even with its cancellations in Winter!) is a profitable product for IF which they have no intention of sacrificing.  There has been ongoing talk of getting a younger, larger fastcraft but from the engineering side at least, there is no appetite for this given how mechanically reliable she is. 

Both operators on the corridor are concerned about the impact that a potential 3rd operator might have so are very anxious to have/hold for now.

Pete
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 03, 2016, 06:29:56 PM
As the Ulysses heads to Falmouth tomorrow for its drydocking, here is a link to the Falmouth webcam, might be possible to catch it going into the drydock using marine traffic to confirm its location.

http://www.nmmc.co.uk/index.php?/justvisiting/webcams/falmouth_harbour_from_the_tower_out_to_sea
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on January 03, 2016, 07:19:55 PM
Quote from: DublinPeter on January 03, 2016, 05:34:20 PM
From as close to the horses mouth as it gets it looks like Epsilon is to be returned when it's charter ends later this year.  She may be replaced by another charter ship in the relatively short term while a more permanent Ro/Pax solution is found. 

There are no plans to stop Fast Ferry operations by IF - Swift (even with its cancellations in Winter!) is a profitable product for IF which they have no intention of sacrificing.  There has been ongoing talk of getting a younger, larger fastcraft but from the engineering side at least, there is no appetite for this given how mechanically reliable she is. 

Both operators on the corridor are concerned about the impact that a potential 3rd operator might have so are very anxious to have/hold for now.

We already have a third operator - P&O Ferries, who have beefed up the Liverpool to Dublin service with the deployment of European Endeavour, as the third ship. P&O have three vessels which total 6200 lane metres per day from each port. All three vessels are operating to capacity, so I wouldn't be surprised if P&O doesn't turn out to be the next operator to deploy another vessel. It would be an ideal opportunity for them to make up lot ground, considering the situation at Larne.

If numbers kept falling at Larne, they could always move European Highlander / European Causeway to Dublin. Install a few extra cabins, possibly through lengthening the vessel using the additional space on the car-deck for more trailers, and on the additional space on the passenger decks for cabins.

Irish Ferries have options as-well. They could swing a deal with a Greek / Mediterranean operator and get something a bit more passenger friendly for the Dublin to Holyhead run in lieu of Epsilon.   

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 03, 2016, 08:34:14 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on January 03, 2016, 12:47:27 PM
Isle of Inishmore taking up Ulysses rota from the 02.40 tomorrow morning with OW going back south and Ulysses off for a bit of TLC.
I really do not believe that there is any need for a ship the size Inishmore to partner Ulysses on the Dublin route at present. The Swift will be around for some time to come, numbers are always good on her and I don't think she is as thirsty as some seem to think.
Epsilon is due to be returned to her owners, Cartour, in October, Cartour and TTT Lines have joined forces to form New TTT Lines, two of their ships MV Partenope (Napoles) and the MV Trinacria (Sicilia) are due to be returned to Sten Ro Ro so it would make sense for them to get their own ship back rather than charter another.

Sicilia and Napoles were returned to Stena RoRo already and have been rechartered to Baleria.



https://www.balearia.com/wps/portal/balearia/abordo/viajandoEnBarco/flotaAcomodacion
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 03, 2016, 10:46:38 PM
IF website reporting the 20:45 OW sailing from Rosslare has been diverted to Holyhead due to "exceptioonal seas" at Milford Haven? Also cancelling all sailings for tomorrow "due to forecasted weather conditions.
AIS showing OW still in Rosslare at 22:40.
All Stena crossings are on schedule, it seems to be that OW is not managing the poor weather conditions very well given the number of Dublin crossings she missed over the last few weeks while the other three conventional vessels were not as badly affected.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on January 03, 2016, 11:05:05 PM
That is very strange with IOI already heading to Holyhead, OW was poor on the D-H route, well beaten by Superfast X.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on January 03, 2016, 11:22:29 PM
Quote from: TC on January 03, 2016, 07:19:55 PM
Quote from: DublinPeter on January 03, 2016, 05:34:20 PM
From as close to the horses mouth as it gets it looks like Epsilon is to be returned when it's charter ends later this year.  She may be replaced by another charter ship in the relatively short term while a more permanent Ro/Pax solution is found. 

There are no plans to stop Fast Ferry operations by IF - Swift (even with its cancellations in Winter!) is a profitable product for IF which they have no intention of sacrificing.  There has been ongoing talk of getting a younger, larger fastcraft but from the engineering side at least, there is no appetite for this given how mechanically reliable she is. 

Both operators on the corridor are concerned about the impact that a potential 3rd operator might have so are very anxious to have/hold for now.

We already have a third operator - P&O Ferries, who have beefed up the Liverpool to Dublin service with the deployment of European Endeavour, as the third ship. P&O have three vessels which total 6200 lane metres per day from each port. All three vessels are operating to capacity, so I wouldn't be surprised if P&O doesn't turn out to be the next operator to deploy another vessel. It would be an ideal opportunity for them to make up lot ground, considering the situation at Larne.

If numbers kept falling at Larne, they could always move European Highlander / European Causeway to Dublin. Install a few extra cabins, possibly through lengthening the vessel using the additional space on the car-deck for more trailers, and on the additional space on the passenger decks for cabins.

Irish Ferries have options as-well. They could swing a deal with a Greek / Mediterranean operator and get something a bit more passenger friendly for the Dublin to Holyhead run in lieu of Epsilon.

Fair point TC! I should of course have said on the route rather than on the corridor! It's an open secret that Epsilon arrived on the scene at Holyhead as a blocking tactic on a third operator as much as for providing extra capacity at the time.  The concerns about other operators also does the Swift's longevity no harm either!

There has been much talk recently about a ro-pax competitor heading to Dublin - Liverpool with a daily service but lack of spare berths at Dublin Port and difficulty securing hard standage at the alternative port (coupled with that port company getting itself stuck between a rock and a hard place!) has put those plans on hold although apparently their appearance hastened the arrival of P&O ship 3!  Interesting times indeed.

Pete

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on January 04, 2016, 12:57:16 AM
Its interesting alright. I would never rule out a P&O Ferries - Irish Ferries merger. I don't know what the competition authorities would do, probably block it. However it would give both operators access to routes in both in the North and South, and through 'landbridge' Irish Ferries would have access to P&O North Sea, and P&O Short Sea. Additionally P&O would have access to Irish Ferries Ireland to France operations. - It would be an interesting alliance, certainly strengthen both companies. As in the airline industry you have Skyteam, and Oneworld. Could this model be employed in the ferry sector?

P&O however are doing very nicely on the central corridor, as are Irish Ferries. P&O's crewing costs aren't as much as the competition, the ships are very fuel efficient, and operate to capacity. The only negative is the longer journey time = more fuel burn. Still the route has become very popular with hauliers, and the general public. P&O's reliability is also pretty impressive.

   
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: dan1985 on January 04, 2016, 04:11:35 PM
Not the most ideal scenario but with the current available fleet Irish Ferries in my opinion made the correct decision this Christmas. The reason Oscar went to Holyhead is to keep the  Inishmore South for the busy christmas and new year period as past couple years its been Inishmore on central corridor but last year Oscar left the South in chaos literally closing the route over the busy Christmas period. On Holyhead the Ulysees ensures reliability plus Epsillon sailed additionally on a few of the days.

Merger Depends if P&O has ambition for growth. Irish Ferries dont see selling other way round Irish Sea or a joint operation. Personally I really like Irish Ferries brand and product plus the ships have character.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on January 04, 2016, 07:47:38 PM
Quote from: TC on January 04, 2016, 12:57:16 AM
Its interesting alright. I would never rule out a P&O Ferries - Irish Ferries merger. I don't know what the competition authorities would do, probably block it. However it would give both operators access to routes in both in the North and South, and through 'landbridge' Irish Ferries would have access to P&O North Sea, and P&O Short Sea. Additionally P&O would have access to Irish Ferries Ireland to France operations. - It would be an interesting alliance, certainly strengthen both companies. As in the airline industry you have Skyteam, and Oneworld. Could this model be employed in the ferry sector?

Interesting you say that because in the mid 1990s, both P&O and Irish Ferries effectively marketed each others Irish Sea routes, with P&O dedicating a section of their brochures to the Holyhead-Dublin and Pembroke-Rosslare routes and Irish Ferries doing the same with the Cairnryan-Larne route. It was through this I learnt about the existence of Irish Ferries and their fleet.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 04, 2016, 10:00:32 PM
Ulysses has arrived in Falmouth for drydocking.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 07, 2016, 01:15:17 AM
I suspect the reason for Oscar Wildes problems on short sea routes in rough weather is due to her lack of adequate thruster capacity for manouvering in rough weather in difficult places like Holyhead due to winds and Milford Haven due to tides.

Remember she was designed for operation in the relative calm of the baltic.

Her reliability on the France rough is never questioned.

It was noticable that on one night last week even the Uylsses was not able to Dock in Holyhead until 0430 AM

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 07, 2016, 03:10:06 PM
I understand Swift and IOI are going to Birkenhead for their Dry Docking this year.

There appears to be little going on in terms of future fleet movement due to Christmas and New Year, however dont be surprised if another ferry with plenty of cabin accomodation and freight capacity shows up before the summer. Remember France hosts the European Championships and there are two irish teams playing in them for the first time and a lot of people wanting to bring there cars and minivans to France.

The time table shows Epsilon going back to its owners in Mid November 2016.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on January 08, 2016, 02:31:17 PM
I'd say Irish Ferries have something lined up.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 08, 2016, 10:37:14 PM
Image of Ulysses in Falmouth


http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/in_port/14185854.Mega_ferry_s_refit_underway/

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2390250
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on January 08, 2016, 10:46:34 PM
Quote from: IFPete on January 07, 2016, 03:10:06 PM
I understand Swift and IOI are going to Birkenhead for their Dry Docking this year.

There appears to be little going on in terms of future fleet movement due to Christmas and New Year, however dont be surprised if another ferry with plenty of cabin accomodation and freight capacity shows up before the summer. Remember France hosts the European Championships and there are two irish teams playing in them for the first time and a lot of people wanting to bring there cars and minivans to France.

The time table shows Epsilon going back to its owners in Mid November 2016.

Any idea which ferry will show up?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 09, 2016, 11:45:41 AM
My guess is something from Greece or Italy but we will have to wait and see.

I believe longer term plans will be released when a blueprint for a new build is finalised whenever that happens. When the Ulysses was ordered a lot of planning went into the design and build before it went public,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 10, 2016, 12:09:15 PM
Quote from: IFPete on January 07, 2016, 03:10:06 PM
The time table shows Epsilon going back to its owners in Mid November 2016.

I have heard that Cartour want her back (I assume to replace the vessel chartered in from Grimaldi) so IF are unable to renew in any case.  That would tally with the reports I read from Italy a few months ago as well.  With the joint service with TTT and the sale of Trinacria and Partenope, things have changed a lot since the charter was agreed with ICG.

Regarding replacement tonnage, its a matter of waiting and seeing.  However there is a bit of a shortage of available tonnage at present, due in no small part to the number of ships that have reached the end of their economically viable lives and the lack of new-builds in recent years.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on January 10, 2016, 05:11:31 PM
Mmm, Wonder what Nordica would look like in IF Colours?

(Not that I'm really being serious, but could it be a possibility)?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrhilo1 on January 10, 2016, 06:02:21 PM
Quote from: Davy Jones on January 10, 2016, 05:11:31 PM
Mmm, Wonder what Nordica would look like in IF Colours?

(Not that I'm really being serious, but could it be a possibility)?

Probably rather like Oscar Wilde ;-)  (i.e would keep blue hull!)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mrwt.nsf on January 10, 2016, 07:56:11 PM
Would Stena Line allow that, given the rivalry on the Central Corridor?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on January 11, 2016, 01:06:21 PM
Well, it would be a nice consistant income if they haven't any other immediate use for her. It would also depend of course on how quick Cartour want their boat back. Stena would probably view Nordica as inferior to Superfast X anyway but by most accounts, she has better facilities than Epsilon. She is also well proven on the route, although probably more expensive to operate.

Actually, I'll continue this on the discussion board: Ambassador/Nordica/Malo: Where next?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: dan1985 on January 15, 2016, 12:15:04 AM
The Ulysses was meant to resume duties today but has been delayed at dry dock by an extra few days looks due to the tragic accident regarding the lift engineer so the Inishmore is currently scheduled to remain on the route until Mondays 14:10  being delayed itself to dry dock. Swift is off service from Monday so on Monday Inishmore is on her own on service with Epsillon on the French service. Heared a lot of good reports regarding the Inishmore how well kept she is a credit to her crew. Really like the Inishmore myself.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chris2016 on January 15, 2016, 10:25:55 AM
I might Chance another trip on the Inishmore on Monday So , I travelled on the Inishmore on the 07/01/16 Dublin - Holiday , This ship is well maintained in great condition very comfortable . It took a very heavy on the 07/01/16 because the swift was cancelled again surprise there . I hope the inishmore returns to Dublin this year . It is a great cruise ship .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 15, 2016, 10:21:48 PM
Quote from: Davy Jones on January 10, 2016, 05:11:31 PM
Mmm, Wonder what Nordica would look like in IF Colours?

(Not that I'm really being serious, but could it be a possibility)?
Anything is possible with photoshop ;D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: dan1985 on January 17, 2016, 03:48:53 PM
You should be ok if you chance trip as Ulysses seems to been delayed again. Inishmore looks to operate both the 08:05 Dub to Hol switchover not going to take place in Holyhead now it will take place in the evening in Dublin if all goes to plan so Inishmore will operate the 14:10 Holyhead to Dublin as well now. Hopefully I will get back on her when she comes back from refit on her Pembroke run.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 18, 2016, 11:38:26 AM
Not movements you will see every day,Swift making her way to Cammell Laird Birkenhead for her annual service ( Manannan currently receiving her Winter overhaul there), Ulysses is sailing at a leisurely 16 knots, up along the Wexford coastline eta in Dublin is 14.00, Inishmore is taking the 14.10 ex Holyhead will then head off to join Swift in Birkenhead and Epsilon is due to deaprt to Rosslare shortly.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: market knowledge on January 23, 2016, 07:41:24 PM
the amount of unaccompagnied freight seems to be growing significantly at Holyhead
is there now a market for ro/ro  ship that can take 12 driver accopagnied
is that the next step for somebody
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 23, 2016, 08:58:46 PM
Quote from: market knowledge on January 23, 2016, 07:41:24 PM
the amount of unaccompagnied freight seems to be growing significantly at Holyhead
is there now a market for ro/ro  ship that can take 12 driver accopagnied
is that the next step for somebody
I'd say definitely.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 24, 2016, 02:11:45 PM
Thats likely to be a consequence of Epsilons freight capacity.

While Stena brought in Superfast X they did not increase freight capacity, in fact they lowered it slightly.


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on January 24, 2016, 05:26:18 PM
I cant see Superfast X staying forever on the route. Another Stena Adventurer would be a better option. I wonder how realistically Stena or Irish Ferries add a third ro-pax. Berthing and turnarounds may cause issues. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Andrew White on January 25, 2016, 08:41:23 AM
Surely with no HSS and free berth now their could be modifications made in Holyhead to utilise and have a new berth for freight ship.  I'm sure Dublin could do the same.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on January 25, 2016, 12:48:32 PM
I heard the inner harbour has its issues. A vessel like European Endeavour would have issues I believe.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 25, 2016, 12:56:52 PM
I understand there are plans to build a byepass road u to Salt Island to byepass the railway bridge. It is possible the old ferry terminal where St Columba and Leinster and Connacht used to dock will be domolished and the road will go under the railway bridge.

There is always room to place a berth at T4 like the Isle of Innisfree (Stena Nautica) used to use.

I believe that as soon as Irish Ferries reveal their plans for the future there will be no need for an extra vessel on Dublin Holyhead route,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on January 25, 2016, 02:55:18 PM
Oscar Wilde 2045 from Rosslare and 0245 from Pembroke are cancelled tonight , dont suppose anyone knows why? (have to make an emergency trip to UK tonight and am hoping its not weather related as am booking with Stena)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 25, 2016, 03:10:43 PM
Its weather related.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on January 25, 2016, 08:35:17 PM
Quote from: TC on January 24, 2016, 05:26:18 PM
I cant see Superfast X staying forever on the route. Another Stena Adventurer would be a better option. I wonder how realistically Stena or Irish Ferries add a third ro-pax. Berthing and turnarounds may cause issues.
Stena Scandinavica?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on January 25, 2016, 08:38:15 PM
Quote from: market knowledge on January 23, 2016, 07:41:24 PM
the amount of unaccompagnied freight seems to be growing significantly at Holyhead
is there now a market for ro/ro  ship that can take 12 driver accopagnied
is that the next step for somebody
Maybe Stena Nordica....
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 26, 2016, 12:37:05 AM
Quote from: HSS on January 25, 2016, 08:38:15 PM
Quote from: market knowledge on January 23, 2016, 07:41:24 PM
the amount of unaccompagnied freight seems to be growing significantly at Holyhead
is there now a market for ro/ro  ship that can take 12 driver accopagnied
is that the next step for somebody
Maybe Stena Nordica....
Possibly, but i'd suggest a more efficient 12 driver freighter such as those operated by Seatruck is more likely.  If nothing else, it would clear space on the decks for accompanied traffic on the main ships which leave when drivers/hauliers need.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on January 26, 2016, 11:00:14 AM
If they hadn't ripped Terminal 4 apart at Holyhead a Ro-Ro could have slotted in brilliantly. Having said that, Dublin could be a problem.

To berth a third ship otherwise, they would have to adjust SFX's sailing times a little.

I would have thought a Ro-Pax would have been more useful. Having the extra run could bring back the day-trippers in the summer months. Don't forget that Stena Explorer shifted a lot of people in her hay-day.

Which brings us back to Stena Nordica, and this is the wrong thread anyway.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on January 26, 2016, 10:26:35 PM
Quote from: Davy Jones on January 26, 2016, 11:00:14 AM
If they hadn't ripped Terminal 4 apart at Holyhead a Ro-Ro could have slotted in brilliantly. Having said that, Dublin could be a problem.

To berth a third ship otherwise, they would have to adjust SFX's sailing times a little.

I would have thought a Ro-Pax would have been more useful. Having the extra run could bring back the day-trippers in the summer months. Don't forget that Stena Explorer shifted a lot of people in her hay-day.

Which brings us back to Stena Nordica, and this is the wrong thread anyway.
But explorer's crossing time in her heyday was half that of he current ships.  Who wants to spend 7-8 hours of a daytrip to Dublin on a ferry when they can get on a plane for an hour or just take the swift?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 26, 2016, 11:02:06 PM
Quote from: NathanBrady on January 26, 2016, 10:26:35 PM
Quote from: Davy Jones on January 26, 2016, 11:00:14 AM
If they hadn't ripped Terminal 4 apart at Holyhead a Ro-Ro could have slotted in brilliantly. Having said that, Dublin could be a problem.

To berth a third ship otherwise, they would have to adjust SFX's sailing times a little.

I would have thought a Ro-Pax would have been more useful. Having the extra run could bring back the day-trippers in the summer months. Don't forget that Stena Explorer shifted a lot of people in her hay-day.

Which brings us back to Stena Nordica, and this is the wrong thread anyway.
But explorer's crossing time in her heyday was half that of he current ships.  Who wants to spend 7-8 hours of a daytrip to Dublin on a ferry when they can get on a plane for an hour or just take the swift?
Not me!

Anyway, I believe this is the Irish Ferries fleet movements thread ;) :)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 29, 2016, 09:49:07 PM
Innishmore due to stop over in Dublin Sunday night, probaly to pick up her crew and restock, will be a rare opportunity to see her and Stena Horizon in Dublin
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on February 01, 2016, 07:40:40 AM
yes Inishmore in Dublin as of this morning on the swift Berth, not there to store up, NO berths available in Rosslare
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements re IOI
Post by: ferryfan on February 01, 2016, 11:42:42 AM
Not sure of the reason but it was a planned stopover, meanwhile weather havoc again Horizon stuck in Holyhead, Adventurer still in Dublin, Stena Lagan and Mersey still at their berths, OW going nowhere and the Swift is still at Camell Laird. A day for dry land for sure.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Normandy on February 01, 2016, 01:37:44 PM
Yes looks like Ulysses and Stena Europe  are keeping things moving.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements re IOI
Post by: NathanBrady on February 01, 2016, 03:19:42 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on February 01, 2016, 11:42:42 AM
Not sure of the reason but it was a planned stopover, meanwhile weather havoc again Horizon stuck in Holyhead, Adventurer still in Dublin, Stena Lagan and Mersey still at their berths, OW going nowhere and the Swift is still at Camell Laird. A day for dry land for sure.

Stena Lagan and Stena Mersey layover during the day on a Monday.  This has always been the case!!!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on February 03, 2016, 08:08:47 PM
The OW is currently moored in Rosslare. Any ideas when she is going for her refit and if the epsilon is going for a refit?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 03, 2016, 08:20:35 PM
Oscar Wilde due in Falmouth soon, Stena Europe is due in after Oscar so better be on the way asap.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on February 03, 2016, 08:39:22 PM
I just looked at Falmouth arrivals and it says OW is due in tomorrow at 10:00 so she should be leaving rosslare soon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on February 03, 2016, 11:08:03 PM
Heard Epsilon got a ding.  Anyone heard anything?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loughro on February 04, 2016, 06:05:57 PM
Oscar Wilde's dry docking has been rescheduled. Due to all the delays with Ulysses and Inishmore she has missed her slot in Falmouth. She is now going to go to H&W in Belfast where she is due to arrive tomorrow morning at 0800.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 04, 2016, 07:16:36 PM
Quote from: Irish Sea on February 04, 2016, 06:05:57 PM
Oscar Wilde's dry docking has been rescheduled. Due to all the delays with Ulysses and Inishmore she has missed her slot in Falmouth. She is now going to go to H&W in Belfast where she is due to arrive tomorrow morning at 0800.
Just seen this on the harbour booking site.  Pleasant surprise!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on February 04, 2016, 09:29:04 PM
Hi,
Yes the OW is going to H&W. The swift was running today and was on time. Any ideas if and when the epsilon will be in dry dock and where.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on February 04, 2016, 09:48:54 PM
Probably before she goes back to her owners
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on February 05, 2016, 07:50:57 PM
Quote from: conor on February 04, 2016, 09:29:04 PM
Any ideas if and when the epsilon will be in dry dock and where.

I see Epsilon is not on the online booking system for 10 days in April. Last crossing Holyhead to Dublin at 08:00 9th April & first crossing 19th April Dublin  to Holyhead at 01:55. she is not doing a Cherbourg crossing both weekends.

Any idea where she is heading?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 05, 2016, 11:05:01 PM
Oscar Wilde is currently tied up at the Outfitting Quay, Harland and Wolff.  She will enter the building dock on Monday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on February 08, 2016, 07:17:13 PM
Epsilon makes the news...

http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/passengers-stranded-as-dublin-bound-ferry-forced-to-take-shelter-off-british-coast-719611.html
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on February 08, 2016, 08:51:20 PM
Quote from: HSS on February 08, 2016, 07:17:13 PM
Epsilon makes the news...

http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/passengers-stranded-as-dublin-bound-ferry-forced-to-take-shelter-off-british-coast-719611.html
Surely the 1000's of other people affected by the weather is more headline worthy than 100 people who are pretty safe (but probably uncomfortable).  I guess those 100 people also have access to heating, electricity, food, etc as well.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on February 09, 2016, 11:08:52 AM
Epsilon almost back to Dublin. She was making nearly 25kts all the way up the Irish Coast.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 09, 2016, 11:27:14 AM
I cannot understand what made the masters of either Epsilon or Stena Flavia take their vessels out in such bad weather, the forecasts were accurate and warnings were in place well in advance. Maybe pressure from management was an issue? I'd say there are several very disgruntled passengers disembarking this morning along with passengers and freight drivers who were left stranded in Dublin and Holyhead because of her (Epsilon) missed crossings.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 09, 2016, 07:30:55 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on February 09, 2016, 11:27:14 AM
I cannot understand what made the masters of either Epsilon or Stena Flavia take their vessels out in such bad weather, the forecasts were accurate and warnings were in place well in advance. Maybe pressure from management was an issue? I'd say there are several very disgruntled passengers disembarking this morning along with passengers and freight drivers who were left stranded in Dublin and Holyhead because of her (Epsilon) missed crossings.
As I've said elsewhere, staying at Cherbourg probably wasn't an option.  Given Bretagne couldn't get in to Cherbourg either, I'd imagine conditions at Cherbourg were not safe for a large ship to be tied up in the harbour.  Tying a large ship to a huge slab of concrete really isn't a good idea in those types of conditions.  Getting out of the harbour and to shelter was probably the best option at the time.  Whether the correct judgements were made or not none of us can really answer, as we don't know what data was available or what advice was given.  It also wouldn't be the first time a weather report proved to be inaccurate.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on February 09, 2016, 08:53:00 PM
Quote from: Steven on February 09, 2016, 07:30:55 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on February 09, 2016, 11:27:14 AM
I cannot understand what made the masters of either Epsilon or Stena Flavia take their vessels out in such bad weather, the forecasts were accurate and warnings were in place well in advance. Maybe pressure from management was an issue? I'd say there are several very disgruntled passengers disembarking this morning along with passengers and freight drivers who were left stranded in Dublin and Holyhead because of her (Epsilon) missed crossings.
As I've said elsewhere, staying at Cherbourg probably wasn't an option.  Given Bretagne couldn't get in to Cherbourg either, I'd imagine conditions at Cherbourg were not safe for a large ship to be tied up in the harbour.  Tying a large ship to a huge slab of concrete really isn't a good idea in those types of conditions.  Getting out of the harbour and to shelter was probably the best option at the time.  Whether the correct judgements were made or not none of us can really answer, as we don't know what data was available or what advice was given.  It also wouldn't be the first time a weather report proved to be inaccurate.

The weather reports were not consistent and I think it is rather disingenuous for some armchair enthusiasts to cast aspersions on the judgement of the Masters of these two vessels.  No Master would put his vessel in danger...comfort may be compromised if the customers require, as they would on the Sunday France - Ireland sailing but to suggest unprofessionalism is easy for keyboard warriors.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 09, 2016, 09:31:11 PM
Oscar Wilde appears to have moved into the building dock at H&W, cant wait to see some images from the usual suspects of the Oscar high and dry in Belfast.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: steven_shaw on February 09, 2016, 11:10:53 PM
Quote from: PaddyL on February 09, 2016, 08:53:00 PM
Quote from: Steven on February 09, 2016, 07:30:55 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on February 09, 2016, 11:27:14 AM
I cannot understand what made the masters of either Epsilon or Stena Flavia take their vessels out in such bad weather, the forecasts were accurate and warnings were in place well in advance. Maybe pressure from management was an issue? I'd say there are several very disgruntled passengers disembarking this morning along with passengers and freight drivers who were left stranded in Dublin and Holyhead because of her (Epsilon) missed crossings.
As I've said elsewhere, staying at Cherbourg probably wasn't an option.  Given Bretagne couldn't get in to Cherbourg either, I'd imagine conditions at Cherbourg were not safe for a large ship to be tied up in the harbour.  Tying a large ship to a huge slab of concrete really isn't a good idea in those types of conditions.  Getting out of the harbour and to shelter was probably the best option at the time.  Whether the correct judgements were made or not none of us can really answer, as we don't know what data was available or what advice was given.  It also wouldn't be the first time a weather report proved to be inaccurate.

The weather reports were not consistent and I think it is rather disingenuous for some armchair enthusiasts to cast aspersions on the judgement of the Masters of these two vessels.  No Master would put his vessel in danger...comfort may be compromised if the customers require, as they would on the Sunday France - Ireland sailing but to suggest unprofessionalism is easy for keyboard warriors.

PaddyL where have you been the weather was forecast days before so you are totally wrong in saying weather reports were not consistent

I also think pressure from management will be a huge factor

Steven's post is exactly right and you are way way of the mark......
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 09, 2016, 11:22:34 PM
I asked the question which is just a question and in case there is any confusion read this BBC article mentioning the cancellations of channel services due to the storm
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-35516407

I ain't no warrior!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on February 10, 2016, 10:28:16 AM
Quote from: ferryfan on February 09, 2016, 11:22:34 PM
I asked the question which is just a question and in case there is any confusion read this BBC article mentioning the cancellations of channel services due to the storm
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-35516407

I ain't no warrior!

Let's be clear.

Basically there was an accusation made that two Masters (specific real people) were unprofessional.

I don't know if you guys are Doctors, Lawyers, call centre workers, plumbers, salesmen, teachers, whatever - but how would you like your professional judgement to be questioned in public by people who aren't in your profession.

These guys are all professionals who make judgement calls based on the information they had, they would never deliberately put their ship in danger.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on February 10, 2016, 10:36:24 AM
Quote from: PaddyL on February 10, 2016, 10:28:16 AM
Quote from: ferryfan on February 09, 2016, 11:22:34 PM
I asked the question which is just a question and in case there is any confusion read this BBC article mentioning the cancellations of channel services due to the storm
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-35516407

I ain't no warrior!

Let's be clear.

Basically there was an accusation made that two Masters (specific real people) were unprofessional.

I don't know if you guys are Doctors, Lawyers, call centre workers, plumbers, salesmen, teachers, whatever - but how would you like your professional judgement to be questioned in public by people who aren't in your profession.

These guys are all professionals who make judgement calls based on the information they had, they would never deliberately put their ship in danger.
Exactly.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 10, 2016, 11:24:46 AM
PaddyL you obviously have a difficulty understanding the difference between a question and an accusation, look them up free dictionary online
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on February 10, 2016, 04:42:22 PM
A friend of mine traveled from Cherbourg  on the Epsilon on Sunday , His car and many others are write offs. ship still not sailing big clean up operation
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on February 10, 2016, 07:07:44 PM
Presumably the ferry company's insurance covers such an event?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on February 10, 2016, 07:49:46 PM
Here's some pics from the vehicle deck.

http://afloat.ie/port-news/port-and-shipping-news/item/31326-storm-damage-revealed-as-irish-ferries-ship-epsilon-docks-in-dublin-port

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on February 10, 2016, 07:51:36 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on February 10, 2016, 11:24:46 AM
PaddyL you obviously have a difficulty understanding the difference between a question and an accusation, look them up free dictionary online

How about another word - "insinuation"?

Things obviously didn't go to plan, but we must assume that all decisions were taken with the best of intentions.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on February 10, 2016, 07:58:42 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on February 09, 2016, 11:22:34 PM
I asked the question which is just a question and in case there is any confusion read this BBC article mentioning the cancellations of channel services due to the storm
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-35516407

I ain't no warrior!

I didn't realise that shipping companies used BBC news articles to base their decisions on!  Surely they'd have access to accurate weather reports? 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on February 10, 2016, 09:26:34 PM
i wonder had they any new cars aboard?? what a mess. Nuts.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 10, 2016, 10:20:50 PM
She was due to do a Dublin-Rosslare run on Monday afternoon and I think that is usually to offload new motors.
Translated article from todays ouest-france.fr
Party Cherbourg Sunday for Dublin, a ship of Irish Ferries was caught in the storm. Christophe Désilles, Rennes, 43, tells his galley 44 hours.

Christophe Désilles will long remember his crossing between Cherbourg and Dublin, on board the Epsilon. A cargo-passenger ship mixed 186 meters of Irish Ferries. He had "the fear of his life" . Embedded Sunday at 17 pm, Port Nord-Cotentin, for a trip with his girlfriend in Ireland, this Rennais 43 years came across the Channel with more than a day late, shocked and without vehicle.

The crossing, meant to be complete in 18 hours, lasted ... close to 44 hours for the hundreds of passengers on board. "The ferry sailed when the weather is bad and announced that other ships were sheltered bay Cotentin. Within hours, we were caught in a violent storm. "

The commander decided to take shelter in a bay north of the southwestern tip of England. "But he lost control. We were heckled in every way, in a constant din. We did not sleep, " says the forties before deplore the absence of crew information.

"We thought the finish against the rocks"

With winds at 150 km / h and a blocked horizon, pitching succeeded to roll. "The ferry sometimes bent at 45 degrees! " The Rennais also tells passengers screaming when a lorry broke away and crossed the bridge. " We all had the feeling of being lost. Moored a few kilometers from Bideford, north Cornwall, it was believed finish against the rocks. We expected to see happen tugs or helicopter. "

Arrived safely, "after a chaotic night" yesterday afternoon Christophe Désilles refused to disembark with twenty other passengers. Around 18 pm, the group was still kicking his heels on the ship. "We were denied access to our vehicles destroyed in the hold. We just wanted to see the damage for our insurance. We formed a group and we are ready to prosecute endangerment of others. " Several people were slightly injured.

Irish Ferries why she kept the departure despite calls for caution Maritime Prefecture of the Channel-North Sea? Contacted last night, the direction of the Irish company did not respond to our calls.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on February 10, 2016, 11:25:47 PM
Maybe Epsilon could have stayed with Stena Flavia around Exmouth Bay?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on February 10, 2016, 11:41:22 PM
Quote from: NathanBrady on February 10, 2016, 07:49:46 PM
Here's some pics from the vehicle deck.

http://afloat.ie/port-news/port-and-shipping-news/item/31326-storm-damage-revealed-as-irish-ferries-ship-epsilon-docks-in-dublin-port

OMG, that's a lot of damage.........
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: steven_shaw on February 11, 2016, 12:10:13 AM
Quote from: PaddyL on February 10, 2016, 10:28:16 AM
Quote from: ferryfan on February 09, 2016, 11:22:34 PM
I asked the question which is just a question and in case there is any confusion read this BBC article mentioning the cancellations of channel services due to the storm
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-35516407

I ain't no warrior!

Let's be clear.

Basically there was an accusation made that two Masters (specific real people) were unprofessional.

I don't know if you guys are Doctors, Lawyers, call centre workers, plumbers, salesmen, teachers, whatever - but how would you like your professional judgement to be questioned in public by people who aren't in your profession.

These guys are all professionals who make judgement calls based on the information they had, they would never deliberately put their ship in danger.

Having been the total mess on board the ships car deck how can you call the 2 masters of the ship professionals

They should at the very least be sacked immediately as put the ship in very great danger anyone with half a brain can see that

Totally disgraceful actions
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on February 11, 2016, 10:10:08 AM
Quote from: ste898 on February 11, 2016, 12:10:13 AM
Quote from: PaddyL on February 10, 2016, 10:28:16 AM
Quote from: ferryfan on February 09, 2016, 11:22:34 PM
I asked the question which is just a question and in case there is any confusion read this BBC article mentioning the cancellations of channel services due to the storm
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-35516407

I ain't no warrior!

Let's be clear.

Basically there was an accusation made that two Masters (specific real people) were unprofessional.

I don't know if you guys are Doctors, Lawyers, call centre workers, plumbers, salesmen, teachers, whatever - but how would you like your professional judgement to be questioned in public by people who aren't in your profession.

These guys are all professionals who make judgement calls based on the information they had, they would never deliberately put their ship in danger.

Having been the total mess on board the ships car deck how can you call the 2 masters of the ship professionals

They should at the very least be sacked immediately as put the ship in very great danger anyone with half a brain can see that

Totally disgraceful actions

To the best of my knowledge there was no damage on the Stena Flavia so I have no clue why you are including her in this discussion.

As for the Epsilon, it is wrong of us to speculate about something we know nothing of the bridge decisions about.  For sure. if the Master did act carelessly, his employer's internal inquiry and disciplinary decision will take care of it.   I do stress the "if" as until we know otherwise we must assume he acted in good faith.

I really find it appalling that in society today we are happy to call for people to be sacked based on only limited knowledge of facts.  Clearly we'd be happy to see ourselves discussed on an internet forum due to a problem at work.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on February 11, 2016, 12:19:50 PM
Quote from: ste898 on February 11, 2016, 12:10:13 AM
Having been the total mess on board the ships car deck how can you call the 2 masters of the ship professionals

They should at the very least be sacked immediately as put the ship in very great danger anyone with half a brain can see that

Totally disgraceful actions

MOD Warning: That's for ICG and the MCIB to decide after a full investigation, not anonymous forum members. Some of this is verging close to defamatory comments, if the thread continues to on that path, I will suspend users accounts. The forums have always been somewhere people have been able to discuss issues, but within reason. Keep in mind Irish Ferries staff and crews read the boards also.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on February 11, 2016, 01:25:50 PM
Kieran
thanks for your intervention and fully agreed ...I don't post much nor do I work on the ships but I ask everyone to please consider the crew members including Masters and officers on board who are without doubt traumatized and shocked over what happened thank God there was no fatalities injuries. definitely not for us to judge or cast dispersion's about anyone 
Sea .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on February 11, 2016, 02:50:54 PM
I don't want to get involved or launch theories, but I am wondering 'How well chained down / secured was the cargo?' Like many of the forum members, I have been on many rough crossings, both with P&O, Stena Line, and Irish Ferries, but I have never seen such a mess.

I recall once being on Liverpool Viking (Liverpool Seaways) and the ship was rolling so bad, the crew couldn't walk, and the beverages behind the barman all came crashing to the ground. Fortunately the barman just dived out of the way in time and the purser investigated and had to help him to his feet. He was very lucky.

However, back to my point, the trailers and lorries are secured down with chains, this is designed to stop them turning over, or listing. I see it all the time on P&O. So even in bad weather, which the latter nearly always ventures out in, and did on the day of Epsilons incident, there are no problems. I understand Norbay had to take shelter for a time, but went on to Dublin with no hitches.

Stena Flavia also didn't experience this level of damage and she is a half sister ship, following a similar route.

I don't want to speculate, but I am wondering how well secured the cargo was?

However I would also like to point out, Irish Ferries are a good company, with experienced crews and staff.



Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on February 11, 2016, 03:49:49 PM
Quote from: TC on February 11, 2016, 02:50:54 PM
I don't want to speculate, but I am wondering how well secured the cargo was?

I'm sure the MCIB and ICG will be looking into that...
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Normandy on February 11, 2016, 04:05:57 PM
While what happen was bad, for all involved. It must be remembered that it was the Master and crew who still got the vessel safely to Dublin.

As we are all aware investigations will be underway by the relevant authorities and we should avoid speculation as we are not in possession of any facts.

TC as regards your question as regards lashing, the requirements would be outlined within the vessels Cargo securing manual and this would have been approved by the Inspections by flag state and classification Society.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on February 11, 2016, 04:20:48 PM
I suspect weather forecasting will be at the heart of the investigation to come , no company on the Irish Sea or even the EU at large will operate in weather that puts the vessel , its crew , its passengers and freight at risk , I believe the storm in question accelerated off the Irish Coast and was moving much faster than expected in the shipping lanes , every company had ships at sea that day and all had to run for cover at short notice , that in itself suggests that no-one expected conditions to deteriorate as fast as they did , Epsilon suffered damage to her cargo , its rare these days but does happen within the industry , believe me their situation could have become far worse given the severity of the weather they encountered , other vessels on the day while not suffering much or any damage did suddenly find themselves in very dangerous situations , the reason there were not multiple disasters that day is down to the very high level of safety training that goes on within the industry these days.
From what I can see this is going to become an issue of accuracy of weather forecasts.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on February 11, 2016, 09:33:37 PM
Quote from: Kieran on February 11, 2016, 12:19:50 PM
Quote from: ste898 on February 11, 2016, 12:10:13 AM
Having been the total mess on board the ships car deck how can you call the 2 masters of the ship professionals

They should at the very least be sacked immediately as put the ship in very great danger anyone with half a brain can see that

Totally disgraceful actions

MOD Warning: That's for ICG and the MCIB to decide after a full investigation, not anonymous forum members. Some of this is verging close to defamatory comments, if the thread continues to on that path, I will suspend users accounts. The forums have always been somewhere people have been able to discuss issues, but within reason. Keep in mind Irish Ferries staff and crews read the boards also.

Thank you Moderator for this common sense post which I agree entirely with.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Epsilon Incident
Post by: ferryfan on February 11, 2016, 10:31:02 PM
IRHA President Verona Murphy is calling on Irish Ferries to accept liability for the damage caused  to trucks on board the ferry at the time of the incident.
"We are appreciative in this instance that there is no loss of life given the stories reported from  drivers and passengers. Unfortunately some drivers have vowed never to board a ship again which  will ultimately serve to increase the driver shortage we already face as it may mean leaving their  employment," Mrs Murphy said.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Epsilon damage
Post by: ferryfan on February 11, 2016, 11:25:21 PM
Quick update Epsilon not allowed to sail by authorities at Holyhead tonight after a crack was discovered on one of the lifeboats. A spokeperson for IF stated that they hoped to have the lifeboat repaired overnight following this the port authorities will carry out another inspection and make a decision on whether the ship can sail.
The MCIB will not be carrying out any investigation into the incident as the ship is registered in Italy and it is the responsibiity of the Italian authorities to carry out such enquiries.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 11, 2016, 11:28:21 PM
Epsilon sailing from Holyhead at 2000 pm cancelled.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 12, 2016, 12:45:42 AM
More on the cancellation due to the cracked lifeboat

http://www.rte.ie/news/2016/0211/767303-irish-ferries/

Hopefully the media won't sensationalise this given she has been in service since the storm (assuming thats when the crack happened) - not good for the industry as a whole.  Guessing Stena will be extra busy tonight!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on February 13, 2016, 01:07:47 AM
I wonder why Epsilon was not allowed to sail with a reduced passenger capacity in line with the capacity of the damaged lifeboat?  It wouldn't be the first time a ship was allowed to sail with such a restriction!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 16, 2016, 07:33:45 PM
Some interesting videos from Epsilon on the Barnstaple cruise crossing on post 36 of the link below


http://bfenthusiasts.com/forum/forum/other-ferry-operations/256566-irish-ferries-bad-weather-bad-decisions-epsilon-vissentini/page3
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on February 19, 2016, 08:58:18 AM
I too have noted the Oscar Wilde in the huge building dock at Harland and Wolff, Belfast. Isn't it great to see the yard getting plenty of work? Does anyone know when she is leaving?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 19, 2016, 11:32:40 AM
Swift docked at terminal 3 Holyhead this morning instead of Salt Island with Ulysses doing circles outside the port waiting for Swift to depart.
Anybody know whats happening at Holyhead this morning.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ac_freeman on February 19, 2016, 09:49:04 PM
Quote from: RorieLen on February 19, 2016, 08:58:18 AM
I too have noted the Oscar Wilde in the huge building dock at Harland and Wolff, Belfast. Isn't it great to see the yard getting plenty of work? Does anyone know when she is leaving?

I know that she will be staying there longer than originally planned as the sailing on the 24th has been cancelled due to "technical reasons"......thought it was a bit risky choosing the first sailing after planned refit, have been rebooked for the following week with a free cabin upgrade...nice gesture from IF.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: dan1985 on February 20, 2016, 05:15:33 PM
Oscar Wilde was originally due to dry dock Falmouth but had to provide Rosslare Pembroke route cover for longer than expected so lost her slot at Falmouth due to Ulysses tragic lift incident in Falmouth which saw Ulysses remain in dry dock for a substantial longer period meaning the Inishmore had to remain on Holyhead service longer which in turn saw Oscar Wilde remain on Rosslare Pembroke until Isle of Inshmore arrived back from its own Holyhead cover duties and its dry docking later than planned. Inishmore is the vessel that had the shortest dry dock.

Ulysses Falmouth
Inishmore & Swift Birkenhead
Oscar Wilde H&W Belfast.

Epsilon think goes for a refit two weeks in spring at some point.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on February 21, 2016, 03:53:44 PM
Quote from: dan1985 on February 20, 2016, 05:15:33 PM
Oscar Wilde was originally due to dry dock Falmouth but had to provide Rosslare Pembroke route cover for longer than expected so lost her slot at Falmouth due to Ulysses tragic lift incident in Falmouth which saw Ulysses remain in dry dock for a substantial longer period meaning the Inishmore had to remain on Holyhead service longer which in turn saw Oscar Wilde remain on Rosslare Pembroke until Isle of Inshmore arrived back from its own Holyhead cover duties and its dry docking later than planned. Inishmore is the vessel that had the shortest dry dock.

Ulysses Falmouth
Inishmore & Swift Birkenhead
Oscar Wilde H&W Belfast.

Epsilon think goes for a refit two weeks in spring at some point.

No. The Falmouth issue was reported as being due to Condor Liberation's drydock over-running.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ac_freeman on February 24, 2016, 06:30:35 PM
All of Oscar Wilde's sailings up until February 28th are cancelled - presumably she will sail direct to Cherbourg from Belfast to pick up the schedule from Cherbourg on March 1st.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 25, 2016, 02:11:15 PM
She will not sail to cherbourg empty,

The freight companies will be banging on the door for an uplift out of Dublin or Rosslare on 29th february.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on February 25, 2016, 06:57:33 PM
Quote from: ac_freeman on February 24, 2016, 06:30:35 PM
All of Oscar Wilde's sailings up until February 28th are cancelled - presumably she will sail direct to Cherbourg from Belfast to pick up the schedule from Cherbourg on March 1st.
Don't see why. Sure she has to pass both Dublin and Rosslare on the way!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 26, 2016, 10:07:26 AM
There is no shortage of freight companies who can save fuel costs taking the direct route to france and avoid the drive across england and wales,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries
Post by: ferryfan on February 26, 2016, 10:34:44 PM
20% off flash sale on fares to UK
Title: Re: Irish Ferries
Post by: Steven on February 27, 2016, 12:18:34 AM
Quote from: ferryfan on February 26, 2016, 10:34:44 PM
20% off flash sale on fares to UK

QuoteGet 20% off your next trip to Ireland with our flash sale on our Irish Sea routes! All you have to do is book by midnight on Monday and you can travel right up to December 18th at these great discount prices.

What better way to start off your 2016 travel plans! Explore Ireland in the comfort of your own car ... Hop across the water for an Easter shopping trip to Dublin, drive the Wild Atlantic Way or take the whole family for a leisurely cottage holiday this summer.

This offer is available for 3 days only so hurry and book now!
P&O and Stena have both had a 20% sale on the North Channel since the start of January.  Seems its spreading South now!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ac_freeman on February 28, 2016, 01:39:52 PM
Quote from: NathanBrady on February 25, 2016, 06:57:33 PM
Quote from: ac_freeman on February 24, 2016, 06:30:35 PM
All of Oscar Wilde's sailings up until February 28th are cancelled - presumably she will sail direct to Cherbourg from Belfast to pick up the schedule from Cherbourg on March 1st.
Don't see why. Sure she has to pass both Dublin and Rosslare on the way!

Well actually that sailing has now also been cancelled so it seems that she will go direct from Belfast to Rosslare for the sailing on the 2nd......hope so anyway as I'm booked on that sailing.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Year End Results
Post by: ferryfan on February 29, 2016, 11:32:11 AM
from ICG:

Irish Continental Group plc : Notice of Results Released : 26 Feb 2016

Irish Continental Group plc ("ICG" or the "Company")
Notice of Full Year Results for the year ended 31 December 2015
ICG will announce its results for the year ended 31 December 2015 on 7 March 2016. A copy of the results announcement will be posted on the Company's website www.icg.ie.

END Dublin26 February 2016
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on March 01, 2016, 06:47:27 AM
I heard from a friend in Belfast harbour that Oscar Wilde is leaving today.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ac_freeman on March 01, 2016, 09:38:10 AM
Quote from: RorieLen on March 01, 2016, 06:47:27 AM
I heard from a friend in Belfast harbour that Oscar Wilde is leaving today.

Phew! Thanks - was starting to get a bit nervous even though the sailing is showing "on time" on the IF site.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 01, 2016, 10:21:35 PM
Oscar Wilde left dry dock and due in Rosslare tomorrow morning.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LiverpoolIrishLiam on March 01, 2016, 10:27:29 PM
Someone has posted on the 'Ferries and Ships of the Irish Sea & Beyond' Facebook group, that the Jonathan Swift will be leaving Irish Ferries in September. She will apparently be going to Balleria in Ibiza on a full time charter.

Does anybody know if this is true?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 01, 2016, 10:46:57 PM
Quote from: LiverpoolIrishLiam on March 01, 2016, 10:27:29 PM
Someone has posted on the 'Ferries and Ships of the Irish Sea & Beyond' Facebook group, that the Jonathan Swift will be leaving Irish Ferries in September. She will apparently be going to Balleria in Ibiza on a full time charter.

Does anybody know if this is true?

Apparently Swift and Epsilon to be replaced by former Superfast VI the Bimini Superfast in Sept according to that Facebook thread, as a PLC would be amazed at IF letting this info sneak out ahead of any announcement, while it us possible would have thought unlikely As Superfast VI is a long distance ferry with way too many Berths and huge passenger capacity for the central corridor. Also would be replacing a fuel miser in the Epsilon with a fuel hungry Superfast.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DublinPeter on March 01, 2016, 11:10:58 PM
Don't think the fat lady has sung just yet for Cats on the Irish Sea. Apart from the fact that Swift does very well, particularly on her morning rotation and apparently operates at a profit she provides much needed capacity on the corridor, particularly seasonally. 

On the speed point, she passed the Kish lighthouse this morning at 39.5 knots so there's life in the old dog yet  :)

Pete
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 01, 2016, 11:25:22 PM
In actual Fleet news, Oscar Wilde due to leave Belfast in a few minutes and showing arrival into Rosslare around 9am tomorrow, images from Belfast indicate a partial repaint during refit, showing marks on starboard side of hull lowdown and shed structure behind funnel seems to have been missed.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on March 02, 2016, 06:11:18 AM
Quote from: LiverpoolIrishLiam on March 01, 2016, 10:27:29 PM
Someone has posted on the 'Ferries and Ships of the Irish Sea & Beyond' Facebook group, that the Jonathan Swift will be leaving Irish Ferries in September. She will apparently be going to Balleria in Ibiza on a full time charter.

Does anybody know if this is true?

Quote from: giftgrub on March 01, 2016, 10:46:57 PM
Quote from: LiverpoolIrishLiam on March 01, 2016, 10:27:29 PM
Someone has posted on the 'Ferries and Ships of the Irish Sea & Beyond' Facebook group, that the Jonathan Swift will be leaving Irish Ferries in September. She will apparently be going to Balleria in Ibiza on a full time charter.

Does anybody know if this is true?

Apparently Swift and Epsilon to be replaced by former Superfast VI the Bimini Superfast in Sept according to that Facebook thread, as a PLC would be amazed at IF letting this info sneak out ahead of any announcement, while it us possible would have thought unlikely As Superfast VI is a long distance ferry with way too many Berths and huge passenger capacity for the central corridor. Also would be replacing a fuel miser in the Epsilon with a fuel hungry Superfast.
Sounds like a load of b***ocks to me.  One of the reasons I don't much bother with that group is the amount of absolute c**p that gets posted on it!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 02, 2016, 07:48:38 AM
Oscar now due in Rosslare at 12.

Images of it being moved from drydock here

http://robert-stanley.wix.com/ferrycruiseshipping#!oscar-wilde-01-03-16/fhi9c

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on March 02, 2016, 11:53:53 AM
Ulysses still stuck in Dublin 11.52 am tech problems shore side I heard
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on March 02, 2016, 09:17:07 PM
Quote from: SEA on March 02, 2016, 11:53:53 AM
Ulysses still stuck in Dublin 11.52 am tech problems shore side I heard

Wow , dont think I can recall Ulysses ever missing a sailing for any reason.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on March 02, 2016, 09:32:25 PM
Quote from: SEA on March 02, 2016, 11:53:53 AM
Ulysses still stuck in Dublin 11.52 am tech problems shore side I heard


Lovely paint job!!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on March 02, 2016, 09:34:11 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on March 01, 2016, 10:46:57 PM
Quote from: LiverpoolIrishLiam on March 01, 2016, 10:27:29 PM
Someone has posted on the 'Ferries and Ships of the Irish Sea & Beyond' Facebook group, that the Jonathan Swift will be leaving Irish Ferries in September. She will apparently be going to Balleria in Ibiza on a full time charter.

Does anybody know if this is true?

Apparently Swift and Epsilon to be replaced by former Superfast VI the Bimini Superfast in Sept according to that Facebook thread, as a PLC would be amazed at IF letting this info sneak out ahead of any announcement, while it us possible would have thought unlikely As Superfast VI is a long distance ferry with way too many Berths and huge passenger capacity for the central corridor. Also would be replacing a fuel miser in the Epsilon with a fuel hungry Superfast.

Irish Ferries did look at other Superfast ships , but the ones they looked at were newer and had less overnight space than Superfast VI , realistically the only way I could see IF buying that ship is if they got it at a really knocked down price and plan to extensively modify it , I did also hear a story that Swift is to go on charter in the Med sometime in September and the reason given was that for an aluminium catamaran Swift is considered old and expensive to maintain , but as others have said I would be very surprised if this info was leaked through Facebook ahead of an official announcement , and Swift is profitable so if it was going to the Med the charter price would have to be high and fastcraft are not getting good rates on the charter market at the moment as demand for them has fallen sharply in recent years.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Fast Ferry Fan on March 02, 2016, 10:43:33 PM
Quote from: Collision-course on March 02, 2016, 09:17:07 PM
Wow , dont think I can recall Ulysses ever missing a sailing for any reason.

My recollection is that even IF will only claim it has never missed a sailing due to weather.

And even then, it's not to say it hasn't been very behind schedule.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet Epsilon problems
Post by: ferryfan on March 03, 2016, 04:14:28 PM
Epsilon left Holyhead at 0900 this morning got as far as the North Burford bouy at about 1230 and has circled around the outer bay all afternoon and just now at 1600 making her way into the port and it appears (from looking at ais) that she is being brought in under tow as the two port tugs Shackelton and Beaufort are along side her.
Can anybody shine any light on whats going on with her
Did she leave Holyhead empty? and Why did she not berth on arrival?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on March 03, 2016, 04:30:24 PM
More than likely a technical problem if you ask me, especially if she was being assisted by tugs.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on March 03, 2016, 09:12:05 PM
Problems with steering gear by all accounts.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on March 03, 2016, 09:24:54 PM
I heard a wee story about Ulysees from my IF pal, might explain her problems.  He also said Epsilon had to be helped on to the south bank by 2 tugs as her steering gear had failed, like collision course said.
Quote from: Fast Ferry Fan on March 02, 2016, 10:43:33 PM
Quote from: Collision-course on March 02, 2016, 09:17:07 PM
Wow , dont think I can recall Ulysses ever missing a sailing for any reason.

My recollection is that even IF will only claim it has never missed a sailing due to weather.

And even then, it's not to say it hasn't been very behind schedule.



It's a rather creative claim.  How late does a sailing have to be before is is considered cancelled or missed?  It's a bit like the largest car ferry in the world thing - by most measures Ulysees isn't, but the public are misled as they assume it means she's the biggest physically.  If what my pal said is true, the problem is definitely more technical in nature than related to the weather today.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on March 04, 2016, 12:31:38 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on March 01, 2016, 10:46:57 PM
Quote from: LiverpoolIrishLiam on March 01, 2016, 10:27:29 PM
Someone has posted on the 'Ferries and Ships of the Irish Sea & Beyond' Facebook group, that the Jonathan Swift will be leaving Irish Ferries in September. She will apparently be going to Balleria in Ibiza on a full time charter.

Does anybody know if this is true?

Apparently Swift and Epsilon to be replaced by former Superfast VI the Bimini Superfast in Sept according to that Facebook thread, as a PLC would be amazed at IF letting this info sneak out ahead of any announcement, while it us possible would have thought unlikely As Superfast VI is a long distance ferry with way too many Berths and huge passenger capacity for the central corridor. Also would be replacing a fuel miser in the Epsilon with a fuel hungry Superfast.

Definitely untrue - reported that Grimaldi are taking the Bimini Superfast.

Agree with our comments in this thread about that said Facebook group.  Full of poor quality news, debate and sometimes downright nasty comment. Makes me ashamed to be Irish.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 04, 2016, 06:10:54 PM
Also hearing Grimaldi have taken Bimini Superfast/Superfast VI.  Sounds to me like this was one of those rumours that started out as "X ship is available, why don't ICG take it" which has snowballed.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on March 05, 2016, 11:10:39 AM
Epsilon still at her second home - the south bank!  She hasn't been very lucky in her time here
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 05, 2016, 02:58:16 PM
My understanding was that Gotland might replace epsilon year round and Swift in Winter on Dublin Holyhead. She has the capacity and the speed to perform the service well when she is displaced by a new build at destination Gotland.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on March 05, 2016, 06:17:52 PM
Quote from: IFPete on March 05, 2016, 02:58:16 PM
My understanding was that Gotland might replace epsilon year round and Swift in Winter on Dublin Holyhead. She has the capacity and the speed to perform the service well when she is displaced by a new build at destination Gotland.
What, the whole island???  Bit extreme don't you think!!!!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 06, 2016, 12:29:59 PM
Oscar Wilde has gone technical, showing due into Falmouth tomorrow


http://www.falmouthport.co.uk/commercial/html/movement.php

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Normandy on March 06, 2016, 01:10:45 PM
irish ferries really not having much luck. I see Tuesdays sailing Ex cherbourg also cancelled. Seems time for better more reliable tonnage particular on continental routes.
Any idea what the problem is with Oscar?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on March 06, 2016, 01:50:30 PM
Epsilon late into Cherbourg showing as a delayed departure also for technical reasons. New departure now scheduled for 23:30 and arrival into Dublin @ 16:30.

http://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/sailing-update/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 06, 2016, 03:28:21 PM
Drydock number 2 in Falmouth booked for Oscar Wilde tomorrow, would imagine technical issue is related to something below the waterline, Prop or prop shaft, rudder, stabilisers or thrusters

http://www.falmouthport.co.uk/commercial/html/movement.php

OSCAR WILDE   Movement   166.3   0   BAY (? PILOT)   DRY DOCK NO2   07/03/2016 12:45:00

Should be visible on webcam

http://www.nmmc.co.uk/index.php?/justvisiting/webcams/falmouth_harbour_from_the_tower_out_to_sea
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 06, 2016, 10:43:37 PM
I wonder if the passengers and frieght scheduled to leave Cherbourg on OW tonight were all transfered to Epsilon which is now due to depart at 23.30 and arrive Dublin 16.30 Monday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 06, 2016, 10:53:51 PM
I guess so,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 06, 2016, 11:12:15 PM
Oscar approaching Falmouth, nothing wrong with speed on crossing from Cherbourg which possibly mean it's rudder, thruster or stabiliser issues. Hopefully nothing too serious
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 07, 2016, 03:37:38 AM
Quote from: Normandy on March 06, 2016, 01:10:45 PM
irish ferries really not having much luck. I see Tuesdays sailing Ex cherbourg also cancelled. Seems time for better more reliable tonnage particular on continental routes.
Any idea what the problem is with Oscar?
I imagine ICG have some sort of replacement strategy already.  To be fair, Oscar isn't all that unreliable.  Epsilon has been very unlucky to say the least!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Year End Trading Results
Post by: ferryfan on March 07, 2016, 11:09:09 AM
Very positive year ends from ICG with overall 10.5% increase in revenues and a small increase in passenger numbers over the year full details here;
http://otp.investis.com/clients/uk/icg1/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=500&newsid=679880
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 07, 2016, 11:13:35 AM
Oscar Wilde still holding station outside Falmouth harbour now with an eta in dry dock no.2 of 12.45. Still no details of what the issue is with her.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on March 07, 2016, 11:56:37 AM
Quote from: Steven on March 07, 2016, 03:37:38 AM
Quote from: Normandy on March 06, 2016, 01:10:45 PM
irish ferries really not having much luck. I see Tuesdays sailing Ex cherbourg also cancelled. Seems time for better more reliable tonnage particular on continental routes.
Any idea what the problem is with Oscar?
I imagine ICG have some sort of replacement strategy already.  To be fair, Oscar isn't all that unreliable.  Epsilon has been very unlucky to say the least!

Color Line looked after OW very well. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on March 07, 2016, 12:26:50 PM
According to the I.F. website Oscar Wilde cancelled up until the 9th . Dont want to spread gossip but I heard she has bow thrust issues.. I cannot confirm or deny this
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 07, 2016, 06:38:42 PM
Oscar in drydock Falmouth

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2420866
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on March 07, 2016, 09:42:29 PM
Looking at that picture, the bow thruster appears to be working ok.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 07, 2016, 09:57:47 PM
maybe she injested plastic, this happens.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 07, 2016, 10:11:25 PM
Superfast VI the Bimini Superfast has 1926 Lane Metres of Freight space , bow and stern doors. Can discharge over bow on two levels and has good internal ramps for loading and discharge. Passenger Capacity Daytime 1608 passengers, 842 berths , 712 cars.

Would be a good addition to Irish Ferries Fleet with some internal modifications including dual fuel installation.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 07, 2016, 10:36:12 PM
I thought Bimini SUperfast was heading off to Grimaldi, according to ship2shore.

It appears (on FB) that  some passengers who were due to travel on OW from Cherbourg on Sunday were given no notification of the cancellation andwere left to fend for themselves.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on March 08, 2016, 07:36:57 AM
Quote from: ferryfan on March 07, 2016, 10:36:12 PM
I thought Bimini SUperfast was heading off to Grimaldi, according to ship2shore.

It appears (on FB) that  some passengers who were due to travel on OW from Cherbourg on Sunday were given no notification of the cancellation andwere left to fend for themselves.

Superfast VI was reported further up this thread to be sold to Grimaldi, yes.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on March 08, 2016, 11:12:57 AM
Quote from: ferryfan on March 07, 2016, 10:36:12 PM
I thought Bimini SUperfast was heading off to Grimaldi, according to ship2shore.

It appears (on FB) that  some passengers who were due to travel on OW from Cherbourg on Sunday were given no notification of the cancellation andwere left to fend for themselves.
You'd think after de Epsilon disaster they'd be trying extra hard not to piss off people.  How hard is it to tell people that de boat is broken?    Beginning to think ferry companies don't care about passengers any more.  I bet they told the trucks!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 08, 2016, 12:18:11 PM
It is normal that IF text there passengers if there is a delay or a cancelation

Passengers in the past are given the option of going with Brittany Ferries through Pool or Portsmouth and driving to Pembroke Dock or Holyhead or waiting until the next sailing,

Last year when the Radar broke on the Oscar Wilde the majority of people elected to stay on board until the shipped sailed.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on March 08, 2016, 01:53:57 PM
After today's result announcement they should be able to afford to pay the compensation anyway.  Any news when de Oscar is coming back?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 08, 2016, 04:52:13 PM
ICG 2015 results are out

http://www.icg.ie/documents/2015/Full-Year-Results-2015.pdf
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 08, 2016, 07:44:03 PM
Did anyone here the reason for the drydocking of Oscar Wilde,

Was it due to an in service incident or warranty relating to the refit in Belfast.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on March 08, 2016, 08:03:53 PM
Drive shaft problems from what I hear.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chernel on March 08, 2016, 09:46:42 PM
Hi Guys,
I've just joined to you here, because I am wondering what happened with Oscar Wilde, because she has been cancelled again.
Any news? I've  booked a ticked and a premium cabin for my family on OW by 18th March, so I'd really like to know should I start to find another possibility to get France....or?
Thanks,
Tom
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 08, 2016, 09:51:49 PM
Quote from: Chernel on March 08, 2016, 09:46:42 PM
Hi Guys,
I've just joined to you here, because I am wondering what happened with Oscar Wilde, because she has been cancelled again.
Any news? I've  booked a ticked and a premium cabin for my family on OW by 18th March, so I'd really like to know should I start to find another possibility to get France....or?
Thanks,
Tom

Would advise you to contact Irish Ferries in relation to this, would be unlikely for the Oscar to still be off service by the 18th but you never know.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on March 08, 2016, 09:57:03 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on March 08, 2016, 09:51:49 PM
Quote from: Chernel on March 08, 2016, 09:46:42 PM
Hi Guys,
I've just joined to you here, because I am wondering what happened with Oscar Wilde, because she has been cancelled again.
Any news? I've  booked a ticked and a premium cabin for my family on OW by 18th March, so I'd really like to know should I start to find another possibility to get France....or?
Thanks,
Tom

Would advise you to contact Irish Ferries in relation to this, would be unlikely for the Oscar to still be off service by the 18th but you never know.

Irish Ferries are really the best people to ask. I'd imagine she'll be back in a few days, but give them a call in the morning and check when they expect her back in service.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 08, 2016, 10:13:43 PM
Quote from: Collision-course on March 08, 2016, 08:03:53 PM
Drive shaft problems from what I hear.
She seemed to make her way to Falmouth at good speed, surely driveshaft problems would mean she'd be taking it easy?  There was talk on Facebook a driveshaft issue is what detained her in Belfast.  Someone also said the latest problem was related to steering - but I guess that could be them getting confused with Epsilon's recent trouble as well.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on March 08, 2016, 10:41:40 PM
Quote from: Steven on March 08, 2016, 10:13:43 PM
Quote from: Collision-course on March 08, 2016, 08:03:53 PM
Drive shaft problems from what I hear.
She seemed to make her way to Falmouth at good speed, surely driveshaft problems would mean she'd be taking it easy?
I would have thought so also , not confirmed about the drive shaft , clearly it had not failed but was serious enough to head for the nearest drydock.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ac_freeman on March 09, 2016, 09:19:31 AM
IF site now showing an On Time departure for Oscar Wilde on the 11th and AP site shows that she is due to leave just before midnight tomorrow....although destination says "sea" so perhaps a test run first?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chernel on March 09, 2016, 10:59:26 AM
Yes, I've called them today morning to get some info, but automatic answer only...
I also checked the IF site, it shows that OW return back from 11th.
Hopefully she will be fine by 18th :-)

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ac_freeman on March 10, 2016, 09:50:59 AM
Oscar Wilde due to come out of dry dock at 16:00 this afternoon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chernel on March 10, 2016, 12:47:09 PM
COOL  :D
This gonna be our 6th travelling onboard OW, I love this ship, really comfortable and smooth crossing.
Thanks the info guys,
Best.
Tom
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 10, 2016, 07:58:21 PM
Oscar Is out of Falmouth and expected in Rosslare at 7am Friday
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 10, 2016, 10:06:45 PM
Has anyone got any real information as to exactly what caused OW to dry dock?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ac_freeman on March 11, 2016, 10:00:56 AM
Isle of Innishmore heavily delayed today due to "extraordinary circumstances" according to IF site....anybody know what these "extraordinary circumstances are? As far as I can tell the bad weather cleared away quite quickly yesterday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: dan1985 on March 11, 2016, 10:12:07 AM
Quite possibly very busy with Passenger and freight as she has had the Southern corridor to herself for the last month Stena are renting space currently on the route as Fishguard is closed with the Europe's dry docking which had been further delayed.  Stena unlike Irish Ferries dont cover the route very often during dry docking with their own vessel so the traffic on the route moves to the Inishmore.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cillian on March 11, 2016, 10:15:01 AM
Ulysses is also running about 90 mins late this morning
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ac_freeman on March 11, 2016, 11:30:02 AM
Thanks - most likely the case, actually I misread the timings and thought that she was running 4 hours late...but actually just over an hour.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 11, 2016, 11:47:31 PM
Quote from: dan1985 on March 11, 2016, 10:12:07 AM
Quite possibly very busy with Passenger and freight as she has had the Southern corridor to herself for the last month Stena are renting space currently on the route as Fishguard is closed with the Europe's dry docking which had been further delayed.  Stena unlike Irish Ferries dont cover the route very often during dry docking with their own vessel so the traffic on the route moves to the Inishmore.
To be fair, I find this doubtful.  Stena don't block book that much space to be honest, and its not THAT busy a route (particularly at this time of year) in any case.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ballyroon on March 12, 2016, 09:07:39 AM
Crossed over on the afternoon sailing from Pembroke last Thursday afternoon and actually the sailing was very busy with both cars and freight.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: dan1985 on March 12, 2016, 09:55:10 AM
Went on Inishmore during last years dry dock & my sailing was delayed  Captain Burns apologised due to heavy loads of freight because only one vessel on the south Wales route with Stena Europe in dry dock. Its certainly not a dead route with both combined this time of year. Pembroke is the busier freight route more geared towards it & has major work like Nolan New Ross & is covered all year round by IF with Oscar when Inishmore is away carrying out Holyhead duties or dry dock. Was great to see Inishmore remain at Rosslare busy Christmas period rather than at Dublin ensured reliability.

Stena are still open for bookings selling the route just not using their own vessel if you book on Stena website currently you book automatically onto the Pembroke route with March kicking in things are picking up. Europe now not due back to Tuesday over a month been away by then. 

Normally myself I use the Inishmore as is a different class better ship but will certainly be trying Europe on my next trip over to see what they done to the old girl as Stena are very clever with their refits. Think this refit tho last time Stena can refit Europe they will have to make some decisions or maybe have into future of the route which certainly needs an upgrade.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ac_freeman on March 12, 2016, 05:36:56 PM
Perhaps Isle of Innishmore has just been going through a bad few weeks but I have been keeping an eye on her timekeeping recently as I have booked on a 14:45 sailing from Pembroke to connect with an Oscar Wilde sailing to Cherbourg ( 3rd attempt...1st attempt was scuppered by Oscar Wilde's late return from dry dock, 2nd attempt was scuppered by the bad weather a couple of weeks ago...so I'm hoping for 3rd time lucky on April 6th ) - I originally thought that with an arrival into Rosslare of 18:46 and a departure to Cherbourg same evening at 21:30 connecting would be a doddle....but having seen the almost constant late running of Isle Of Innishmore I'm no longer so confident..........is she normally a good timekeeper? Certainly there does not seem to be much left in the tank to make up lost time when she is running late., difficult to make up time on a short crossing I know.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 12, 2016, 08:22:33 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on March 10, 2016, 10:06:45 PM
Has anyone got any real information as to exactly what caused OW to dry dock?


Damaged Rudder on Oscar Wilde was the cause of the Falmouth Dry Dock according to this report

http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/in_port/14335343.Irish_ferry_Oscar_Wilde_makes_unscheduled_stop_for_emergency_repairs/
Title: Re: Bimini Superfast
Post by: ferryfan on March 17, 2016, 11:06:47 PM
Now showing as "Cruise Olbia" on AIS with couse set in for Yalova, Turkey, which is where HSS Explorer (One World Karadeniz) is moored.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 19, 2016, 04:38:55 PM
Epsilon off service for a couple of weeks from 11th April, but not covered according to the IF web booking engine.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on March 19, 2016, 09:19:17 PM
Quote from: Steven on March 19, 2016, 04:38:55 PM
Epsilon off service for a couple of weeks from 11th April, but not covered according to the IF web booking engine.
Thats odd , I wonder what prompted that.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 19, 2016, 10:16:02 PM
Surely due a dry docking and what can they use to cover ??, Ulysses can take any additional freight and Oscar can take French traffic.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on March 20, 2016, 09:30:55 AM
If they bedded the Swift at Holyhead for the duration, they could run an extra trip morning (HLY>DUB) and evening (DUB>HLY) which would be broadly on Epsilons sailing times and should shift a few passengers and cars. Have to pay Stena more port costs though.

Alternatively, 4 full round trips for her. I think its been done before, Just hope the weather is good.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on March 20, 2016, 11:56:34 AM
My IF mate says she is going to de dry dock.  No need to cover her for passengers as she don't take too many anyway.  He doesn't think they are bringing in anything to take da freight though.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on March 20, 2016, 11:59:06 AM
Quote from: Davy Jones on March 20, 2016, 09:30:55 AM
If they bedded the Swift at Holyhead for the duration, they could run an extra trip morning (HLY>DUB) and evening (DUB>HLY) which would be broadly on Epsilons sailing times and should shift a few passengers and cars. Have to pay Stena more port costs though.

Alternatively, 4 full round trips for her. I think its been done before, Just hope the weather is good.
Epsilon' passenger capacity is tiny anyway. If dey needed that much capacity den Swift would already be on that timetable?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on March 20, 2016, 12:03:55 PM
I was on the Epsilon a couple of days ago and heard talk that she is definitely going to dry dock for two weeks. Falmouth was suggested but hadn't been confirmed. It was suggested there will be no cover with French sailings cancelled for two weekends (I think) and some sort of agreement with Stena to take some freight, presumably in the same way Stena buy space on the Rosslare route when Stena Europe is at refit.

I honesty can't think there would be any need for Swift to do any more trips as Epsilon primarily moves freight anyway and there is plenty of capacity left for tourist traffic on Ulysses and Swift for a couple of weeks.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 20, 2016, 08:25:54 PM
As already mentioned, there's no real need to provide passenger cover due to the already low volume of passengers carried by Epsilon, especially in comparison to her running mates.  As for the Swift covering, surely tickets would be on sale by now anyway!  Presumably France traffic will be moved to Oscar down at Rosslare.  It would still appear to hand a lot of traffic to Stena, Seatruck and P&O though if no freighter has been brought in.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 20, 2016, 08:34:44 PM
Not handing freight to other operators if they do a space charter with Stena for those that need to be carried at Epsilon time and Ulysses still has plenty of capacity for the rest, not many vessels available on short term charter market at this time of the year.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on March 20, 2016, 09:53:33 PM
If I recall correctly, Epsilon was brought in to provide an alternative to (at the time) Stena Nordica's schedule, which by all accounts was very popular and frequently full. However, if Superfast X capacity is only similar to the Nordica, then would she have capacity to charter space out? Even if she had, Stena could refuse an arrangement knowing that the clients wishing to travel around those sailing times could book directly onto the Superfast anyway. Why share the profits?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 20, 2016, 10:33:30 PM
Irish Ferries Lease on Epsilon finishes in November in its present form, Maybe Irish Ferries have decided to purchase her and the drydocking is pre purchase requirement.

Otherwise she would be drydocked in November prior to return to Cartour.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 20, 2016, 10:35:00 PM
She would make a long term ideal freight ship to Cherbourg and Saint Sebastian or Bilbao,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 21, 2016, 08:55:24 AM
Quote from: Davy Jones on March 20, 2016, 09:53:33 PM
If I recall correctly, Epsilon was brought in to provide an alternative to (at the time) Stena Nordica's schedule, which by all accounts was very popular and frequently full. However, if Superfast X capacity is only similar to the Nordica, then would she have capacity to charter space out? Even if she had, Stena could refuse an arrangement knowing that the clients wishing to travel around those sailing times could book directly onto the Superfast anyway. Why share the profits?
Presumably IF are paying Stena a rate which makes it worth their while.

Quote from: IFPete on March 20, 2016, 10:33:30 PM
Irish Ferries Lease on Epsilon finishes in November in its present form, Maybe Irish Ferries have decided to purchase her and the drydocking is pre purchase requirement.

Otherwise she would be drydocked in November prior to return to Cartour.
A look on the RINA website indicates Epsilon is due a lot of survey/certification work next month.  No idea what most of it means though.  I also wonder could a more permanent fix to her recent troubles be getting applied?  Word is that if ICG do want to take her on either an extended charter or purchase that it is not a decision that is in their hands.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on March 21, 2016, 10:13:45 AM
Mate says IF paying Stena a fortune for space on the Superfast boat.  Also said P&O getting something in to cover European Endeavour.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 21, 2016, 03:03:53 PM
The Stena Superfast X sailings attract good loads.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on March 21, 2016, 06:08:51 PM
Quote from: IFPete on March 21, 2016, 03:03:53 PM
The Stena Superfast X sailings attract good loads.
Aye, even better loads in them two weeks!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 26, 2016, 12:42:52 PM
Epsilon not sailiong to Cherbourg this weekend due to forecast poor weather (lessons learned?) Swift also cancelled with delays for Inishmore and Stena Horizons return from Cherbourg on Sunday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Epsilon dry dock
Post by: ferryfan on April 04, 2016, 01:33:13 PM
Has anybody heard where Epsilon will be going for her drydocking?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on April 04, 2016, 01:51:42 PM
I think somebody said Falmouth but I could be wrong?
Title: Re: Bimini Superfast/Cruise Olbia
Post by: ferryfan on April 05, 2016, 10:21:13 AM
Former Bimini SUperfast in dry dock at Besiktas Shipyard just a stones throw from HSS Explorer.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on April 06, 2016, 09:05:51 PM
What's up wit Epsilon?  Heard she had trouble docking at Holyhead tonight
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on April 06, 2016, 09:31:36 PM
Seems the Swift to Balearia rumour refuses to go away

(google translation, spanish link at the bottom)
QuoteA few days ago, did not know position so fleet that has Baleària, with ferries moored as the "Poet" and waiting for the incorporation of the Ship "Dénia Ciutat Creative" we are now seeing, with the latest opening of new routes Baleària, of the need to incorporate new units.
On May 31, is scheduled the first test of the new route between Valencia and Mostaganem in Algeria and everything looks to be the "Bahama Mama" in charge of covering the new service, the "Poet" is a daytime ferry and uncomfortable when journeys exceed four hours, perhaps another possibility for this line could be the "Nissos Chios"
To all this we must add the intention by Baleària, settling in Almeria, where so far, Trasmediterránea, has operated very quietly, which has the hours counted if Baleària finally comes to compete on the route Nador, which for the moment, there is no confirmation by the Dianense shipping company, like the Naviera Armas Canaria, which itself has already build in the Almeria port and also the possibility of the Italian Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV).
The Almeria-Nador route is one that has greater acceptance and movement of passenger and cargo lines from the mainland north of South Africa and the cake will have many more servings.
Baleària boat intended that this new option Almeria to Nador ?, if you skip the "Bahama" Strait for the Valencia-Mostaganem, the "Poet" It sure is relieved, but which reinforces the "Passio" during the OPE.
The "Creative Dénia Ciutat" "ex-Scandola" Ports IB is requested to perform primarily the direct route Barcelona-Ciutadella, with a stopover in Alcudia, for the summer, then in theory Barcelona Ibiza.
Besides all this, I am clear that the "Avemar Dos" will leave the Caribbean, probably once the OPE and where I think Baleària you may already have the substitute searched for September, which is none other than the well Austal "Jonathan Swift "but I have not confirmed it.
Interesting, very interesting the summer season is presented with new openings of several routes by Baleària, Weapons and to the Italian (CNG) can be encouraged to undertake new projects, the strange remains that in Baleares not between a third operator, this if it is rare, with the brutal provisions that exist for this year.
http://ferrybalear.blogspot.co.uk

To be fair to this blog they usually call things correctly, though they do stress that this hasn't been confirmed.  Read into it what you will, but with IF having done nothing that indicates the rumours Epsilon will not be getting her charter extended are untrue, it may be a good opportunity to freshen up the fleet a little with a single ship designed to do the job of two.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 06, 2016, 10:36:55 PM
One rumour before Christmas was that swift had been sold and IF had sourced a large ferry capable of travelling to Holyhead in 2 hours 30 minutes.

After that there was no further mention of it.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on April 07, 2016, 12:47:50 AM
Quote from: IFPete on April 06, 2016, 10:36:55 PM
One rumour before Christmas was that swift had been sold and IF had sourced a large ferry capable of travelling to Holyhead in 2 hours 30 minutes.

After that there was no further mention of it.
That ship is widely believed to be the MV Gotland , they supposedly have first refusal on MV Visby also , none of this is confirmed but seems to be turning up a lot on several channels now.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on April 07, 2016, 01:39:45 AM
Quote from: Collision-course on April 07, 2016, 12:47:50 AM
Quote from: IFPete on April 06, 2016, 10:36:55 PM
One rumour before Christmas was that swift had been sold and IF had sourced a large ferry capable of travelling to Holyhead in 2 hours 30 minutes.

After that there was no further mention of it.
That ship is widely believed to be the MV Gotland , they supposedly have first refusal on MV Visby also , none of this is confirmed but seems to be turning up a lot on several channels now.
Rederi AB Gotland's new builds won't be completed until 2017/8 though which would leave them with a bit of a problem surely.  1600lm also seems a bit small, especially by modern standards and compared to Epsilon.  Never mind when you add on Swifts vehicle capacity.  Regarding the operating speed of the Gotland vessel, Stena could easily counter that move by running Stena Superfast X at 27/28kts meaning neither operator is going to gain any advantage (but both will have their costs increase greatly). NWe'll see.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on April 07, 2016, 07:44:34 PM
I could see one of the Gotland pair being used on Rosslare - Pembroke with Isle of Innishmore moving north to Dublin , not sure how the other one would fit as a replacement for Oscar Wilde though.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 08, 2016, 03:30:36 PM
The intent was to replace the swift with a reliable fast craft that could take 1200  passengers , cars , vans and buses and the odd lorry in most sea conditons,

There was no mention of the ship replacing Oscar Wilde.

1600 lane metres is a bit short if it has to displace Epsilon on Holyhead route as well.



Title: Re: Irish Ferries Epsilon dry dock
Post by: ferryfan on April 08, 2016, 11:17:22 PM
Epsilon off to Falmouth for her dry dock due there tomorrow afternoon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on April 09, 2016, 07:03:16 PM
Quote from: Collision-course on April 07, 2016, 07:44:34 PM
I could see one of the Gotland pair being used on Rosslare - Pembroke with Isle of Innishmore moving north to Dublin
That would make more sense to me as well - could her length pose a problem at Pembroke though?
Anyway, we are moving away from fleet movements and into speculation land again :).

EDIT:  I've created a new Irish Ferries fleet discussion/rumour/speculation thread in the discussion section here http://www.irish-ferries-enthusiasts.com/forum/index.php/topic,1549.0.html
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on April 16, 2016, 10:37:25 PM
Epsilon in drydocking in Falmouth, reversed in drydock for some reason.

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2440439

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2440437


http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2440436

Thanks to Barrie Clark for posting these images.


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on April 23, 2016, 09:23:53 AM
Epsilon is currently enroute back from Falmouth at an impressive speed of in excess of 26kts if ais is to be believed.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on April 25, 2016, 01:15:24 PM
Truck fire on Ulysses this morning!

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/investigation-launched-holyhead-ferry-blaze-11237942
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 15, 2016, 06:02:51 PM
Epsilon lease appears to have been extended with sailings now showing to France and Holyhead up to 16th December 2016 as far as the Irish Ferries Timetable goes.


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on May 15, 2016, 09:10:37 PM
Possibly, though there should be an investor announcement to accompany any extension.  Could also be that they are testing demand as well of course.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 16, 2016, 02:20:51 AM
Could be a lease extention or purchase.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 18, 2016, 01:49:01 PM
Epsilon out of action technical issues all sailings upto and including Friday are cancelled.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on May 20, 2016, 08:33:34 AM
I did read online this morning that Epsilon's charter to Irish Ferries has been extended by 24 months. Surprised nobody on here had picked this up.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements epsilon charter
Post by: ferryfan on May 20, 2016, 11:27:52 AM
can you provide a link to the article about Epsilon charter extension please.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on May 20, 2016, 04:10:45 PM
I hope this link works:

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/5da582e7a43569a70ffcb0663/files/fixrep1604.pdf
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 20, 2016, 04:31:39 PM
Quote from: RorieLen on May 20, 2016, 04:10:45 PM
I hope this link works:

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/5da582e7a43569a70ffcb0663/files/fixrep1604.pdf
Thanks and well spotted the only thing I had come across was a report from Goodbody stockbrokers which had suggesssted that the cost of a new build could be recovered (at current trading volumes) in 2-3 years so that would of seemed to be the obvious choice.
In any case they seem to be keeping the charter extension fairly quiet with no announcement to the press or travel trade.
https://www.goodbody.ie/pdf/Morning_Wrap_29_Apr_2016.pdf
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements Epsilon
Post by: ferryfan on May 21, 2016, 10:34:12 PM
Epsilon has been out of action for days now and this afternoon she moved off berth and has been at anchor just off Dun Laoghaire (quadrant 1) all day. Has any member got any idea whats up with her?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements Epsilon
Post by: DublinPeter on May 21, 2016, 11:31:46 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on May 21, 2016, 10:34:12 PM
Epsilon has been out of action for days now and this afternoon she moved off berth and has been at anchor just off Dun Laoghaire (quadrant 1) all day. Has any member got any idea whats up with her?

Apologies in advance for me butchering the language of engineering but apparently it's a piece of kit that thins fuel that has packed up and there isn't one on shelf in Halfords :) New one will take weeks to arrive so they're doing their best to repair the current unit to get her back sailing until the new one arrives. 

Pete

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 22, 2016, 10:52:54 PM
thanks for the info Pete
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements Epsilon
Post by: ferryfan on May 25, 2016, 11:28:27 AM
Epsilon sailings now cancelled up to Friday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on May 28, 2016, 05:51:22 AM
Epsilon back on the run friday taking up her scheduled  afternoon sailing from Dublin to Holyhead. one wonders did Irish ferries pay cartour for her charter while the ship was out of action.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 28, 2016, 12:15:18 PM
Epsilon must of being running empty she left Holyhead around 7.00 am and has not yet berthed in Dublin she is circling the bay,Dublin to Cherbourg cancelled, Epsilon becoming a bit of a nightmare.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 28, 2016, 12:44:10 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on May 28, 2016, 12:15:18 PM
Epsilon must of being running empty she left Holyhead around 7.00 am and has not yet berthed in Dublin she is circling the bay,Dublin to Cherbourg cancelled, Epsilon becoming a bit of a nightmare.
She is now being towed into the harbour by port tugboat Beaufort. Brings back memories of the B+I.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on June 01, 2016, 10:23:37 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on May 20, 2016, 04:31:39 PM
Quote from: RorieLen on May 20, 2016, 04:10:45 PM
I hope this link works:

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/5da582e7a43569a70ffcb0663/files/fixrep1604.pdf
Thanks and well spotted the only thing I had come across was a report from Goodbody stockbrokers which had suggesssted that the cost of a new build could be recovered (at current trading volumes) in 2-3 years so that would of seemed to be the obvious choice.
In any case they seem to be keeping the charter extension fairly quiet with no announcement to the press or travel trade.
https://www.goodbody.ie/pdf/Morning_Wrap_29_Apr_2016.pdf

In a briefing note this morning, Goodbody analyst Jack Diskin said the new ferry would give the company scope to park its HSC Jonathan Swift fast ferry during the slow season and to replace the chartered MV Epsilon.

He said it would also give the company the ability to expand its shipping volumes beyond 2020, when it was expected current capacity would be tested.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on June 02, 2016, 01:11:13 AM
Quote from: ferryfan on June 01, 2016, 10:23:37 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on May 20, 2016, 04:31:39 PM
Quote from: RorieLen on May 20, 2016, 04:10:45 PM
I hope this link works:

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/5da582e7a43569a70ffcb0663/files/fixrep1604.pdf
Thanks and well spotted the only thing I had come across was a report from Goodbody stockbrokers which had suggesssted that the cost of a new build could be recovered (at current trading volumes) in 2-3 years so that would of seemed to be the obvious choice.
In any case they seem to be keeping the charter extension fairly quiet with no announcement to the press or travel trade.
https://www.goodbody.ie/pdf/Morning_Wrap_29_Apr_2016.pdf

In a briefing note this morning, Goodbody analyst Jack Diskin said the new ferry would give the company scope to park its HSC Jonathan Swift fast ferry during the slow season and to replace the chartered MV Epsilon.

He said it would also give the company the ability to expand its shipping volumes beyond 2020, when it was expected current capacity would be tested.
Makes total sense to me.  Such a move might also prolong the lifespan of Swift on the Irish Sea.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on June 22, 2016, 11:05:32 AM
Quoterish Continental Group PLC takes delivery "Westpac Express".
June 21, 2016
|
Irish Continental Group


Irish Continental Group PLC ("ICG") is pleased to announce that, further to the announcement issued on 15 April 2016, it took delivery of the High Speed Craft "Westpac Express" from BALI Westpac 2006, LLC on 1 June 2016.

The Vessel has been onward delivered by ICG to Sealift LLC who has in turn chartered the Vessel to Military Sealift Command, a U.S government organisation. The charter is subject to usual US government procurement regulations and is fixed for a firm 4 month period to 30 September, with charterer's options to extend the charter period to a maximum of 59 months in total.

The vessel was built in 2001 by Austal Ships, Australia. It has a gross tonnage of 8,403 tonne, passenger capacity of 900 and a car carrying capacity of 182 units.
http://www.maatsuyker.com/#!Irish-Continental-Group-PLC-takes-delivery-Westpac-Express/c1wkp/5768baa70cf240932ed181d9
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on June 26, 2016, 05:18:30 PM
When the new build arrives and presumably the westpac express will be here instead of swift would this be a sensible timetable?

Dublin-Holyhead
Ulysses(full time) westpac express(full time) and new build(Tuesday-Friday)

Rosslare-Pembroke
IOI(full time)

Rosslare-Cherbourg/Roscoff
OW(dep Sat arr Sun) (Return dep Sun arr Mon)
September-May Cherbourg only then May-September 1/4 sailings to Roscoff and 3/4 sailings to Cherbourg

Dublin to Cherbourg/Roscoff
New build to Cherbourg Saturday to Sunday then return Sunday to Monday.
OW on Mon to Roscoff and back in Dublin on Wednesday. Wednesday to Cherbourg and back in Dublin on Friday
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on June 26, 2016, 05:58:25 PM
Conor, I doubt Westpac Express will ever see service for Irish Ferries. For one thing she is 15 years old and would only have to be replaced after a short time. Jonathan Swift is on borrowed time and will become seasonal from September. However I expect Swift to be chartered out to the med later this year.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on June 26, 2016, 06:27:53 PM
Ok thanks.
What are your thoughts on Dublin to France?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on June 27, 2016, 01:47:33 PM
Quote from: Niall on June 26, 2016, 05:58:25 PM
Conor, I doubt Westpac Express will ever see service for Irish Ferries. For one thing she is 15 years old and would only have to be replaced after a short time. Jonathan Swift is on borrowed time and will become seasonal from September. However I expect Swift to be chartered out to the med later this year.
The experts at Goodbodystockbrokers think she may well be used in Dublin at some stage for the following reaon,

......."This makes the vessel larger and younger than the Jonathan Swift, the high speed craft
which ICG currently operates on its own network. Furthermore, the Westpac Express has
approximately two thirds of the machine running hours of the Jonathan Swift, which is the
key factor when determining the remaining useful life of fastcraft vessels."#

There has been no talk of Swift going anywhere at the moment as she is still attracting good loads.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on June 29, 2016, 01:12:20 PM
Leonora Christina will be available in September 2018 when the franchise it operates under expires. she would be more ideal replacement for Swift being bigger and more able to handle irish sea at higher wave heights.

I would expect Westpack Express to go into service with irish Navy as a utility vessel when she finishes her charter to the US goverment.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Fast Ferry Fan on June 30, 2016, 12:15:00 AM
I used the Swift last Sunday as a foot passenger on the 5.15pm sailing from Holyhead and counted around 200 foot passengers getting off the 2.30pm from Dublin and about 100 boarding the 5.15pm.  The ferry didn't leave Holyhead until around 5.50pm and the captain put this down to good loads during the day.

The HSS could start loading up new cars whilst the departing vehicles were still leaving, and turnaround in about 35 mins.  Even with its smaller loads, I don't think the Swift shares that luxury.

I'll be surprised if the Swift is going seasonal, as has been suggested above, from that anecdotal evidence.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 21, 2016, 10:34:26 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on June 27, 2016, 01:47:33 PM
Quote from: Niall on June 26, 2016, 05:58:25 PM
Conor, I doubt Westpac Express will ever see service for Irish Ferries. For one thing she is 15 years old and would only have to be replaced after a short time. Jonathan Swift is on borrowed time and will become seasonal from September. However I expect Swift to be chartered out to the med later this year.
The experts at Goodbodystockbrokers think she may well be used in Dublin at some stage for the following reaon,

......."This makes the vessel larger and younger than the Jonathan Swift, the high speed craft
which ICG currently operates on its own network. Furthermore, the Westpac Express has
approximately two thirds of the machine running hours of the Jonathan Swift, which is the
key factor when determining the remaining useful life of fastcraft vessels."#

There has been no talk of Swift going anywhere at the moment as she is still attracting good loads.
I'd hardly call Goodbodystockbrokers experts in the ferry industry.  The clue is in their name - they are stock brokers!

Quote from: Fast Ferry Fan on June 30, 2016, 12:15:00 AM
I used the Swift last Sunday as a foot passenger on the 5.15pm sailing from Holyhead and counted around 200 foot passengers getting off the 2.30pm from Dublin and about 100 boarding the 5.15pm.  The ferry didn't leave Holyhead until around 5.50pm and the captain put this down to good loads during the day.

The HSS could start loading up new cars whilst the departing vehicles were still leaving, and turnaround in about 35 mins.  Even with its smaller loads, I don't think the Swift shares that luxury.

I'll be surprised if the Swift is going seasonal, as has been suggested above, from that anecdotal evidence.

If she were to go seasonal then surely this is during the period she would be operating anyway!  100 passengers is hardly a huge load.  It all depends on what the economics are of operating her across all sailings.  No point having her full on some sailings and almost empty on many others.

Quote from: IFPete on June 29, 2016, 01:12:20 PM
Leonora Christina will be available in September 2018 when the franchise it operates under expires. she would be more ideal replacement for Swift being bigger and more able to handle irish sea at higher wave heights.

I would expect Westpack Express to go into service with irish Navy as a utility vessel when she finishes her charter to the US goverment.
There have been suggestions that Mols may take Leonora Christina on when they take over the tender due to an issue with foot passenger space on their new buildings.  Time will tell, but Leonora Christina may not be as available as was thought.  Of course, the price she is available for and operating costs will play a big factor, but with Mols promising to reduce ticket prices they may well need the extra space.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 22, 2016, 01:16:05 PM
Steven regarding Goodbody's they were engaged by ICG to advise on the purchase of Westpac Express ( and the container vessels) so I would be sure that they have the necessary expertise available to them.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on July 22, 2016, 05:32:54 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on July 22, 2016, 01:16:05 PM
Steven regarding Goodbody's they were engaged by ICG to advise on the purchase of Westpac Express ( and the container vessels) so I would be sure that they have the necessary expertise available to them.

Not so much that they themselves have the expertise but they most certainly engage the services of those who do. I know of a guy who regularly acts on behalf of institutional investors.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 24, 2016, 02:40:02 PM
Quote from: PaddyL on July 22, 2016, 05:32:54 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on July 22, 2016, 01:16:05 PM
Steven regarding Goodbody's they were engaged by ICG to advise on the purchase of Westpac Express ( and the container vessels) so I would be sure that they have the necessary expertise available to them.

Not so much that they themselves have the expertise but they most certainly engage the services of those who do. I know of a guy who regularly acts on behalf of institutional investors.

Exactly.  I expect that goodbody look at the more financial aspects of the deal and take advice from others more familiar with the industry and vessels, then weigh up that advice with their own findings.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 08, 2016, 10:48:31 AM
Irish Ferries Crew Schedule retains the Swift operation until the end of 2016.


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on August 29, 2016, 10:49:14 PM
Dublin Port very busy tonight. No room for Epsilon  so she has had to sail out into the bay and circle for a couple of hours until Ulysses departed.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on September 01, 2016, 05:20:27 PM
According to Irish Ferries Press Release yesterday, Epsilon has had her lease extended for 24 months to Nov 2018.

With the new ferry due to arrive in May 2018 this raises the question of further route or frequency expansion within the Irish Ferries Network,

I suspect Epsilon will operate an expanded Dublin / Rosslare - Cherbourg Frequency with the occasional visit to Holyhead between Dublin - Cherbourg sailings.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on September 01, 2016, 05:38:20 PM
Quote from: IFPete on September 01, 2016, 05:20:27 PM
According to Irish Ferries Press Release yesterday, Epsilon has had her lease extended for 24 months to Nov 2018.

With the new ferry due to arrive in May 2018 this raises the question of further route or frequency expansion within the Irish Ferries Network,

I suspect Epsilon will operate an expanded Dublin / Rosslare - Cherbourg Frequency with the occasional visit to Holyhead between Dublin - Cherbourg sailings.
We've known for a while that Epsilon was now with IF until Nov 2018 tbh.  Theres every possibility (especially given the short build time) that the new vessel will arrive late, though FSG are pretty prompt usually.  In any case it, is prudent to have backup to cover for any technical issues on introduction.  There may well be scope to terminate the agreement for Epsilon early for all any of us know.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on September 01, 2016, 07:45:19 PM
Both Epsilon and Stena Horizon daily charter rate costs $15,000 U.S. Dollars per day, (according to Ferry & Cruise Review) deals were recently renewed at same rate for each ship.

I think the IF new build is going to be the biggest passenger vessel built by FSG, it would not take much to cause delivery delays, as building passenger ships of this size is a complicated job.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on September 02, 2016, 12:26:09 PM
I agree it is prudent to have a back up when bringing a new ship or aircraft type into service. we kept three Boeing 747s flying in support of A330s when we introduced the A330 on the Atlantic at Aer Lingus in 1994. When the A330 settled down two Boeing 747s were retired and one was used for summer growth in 1995.

I doubt Epsilon will go back early. Oscar Wilde struggles to take freight during the summer due to high passenger and car numbers on Cherbourg and Rosscoff Routes. I would see Epsilon running freight into cherbourg and allowing Oscar Wilde to spend more time running to Rosscoff. The New Ferry could be very successful on France route at weekends and may end up being permanently on continental routes when the second new build comes on line.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on September 03, 2016, 09:40:10 PM
Latest image of the newbuild.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on September 04, 2016, 10:48:44 AM
Don't much like the turned down nose. The rest of her looks very Ulysses, which I think is good to continue the format.

I wish they would give some thought to putting the black window banding (as per Ulysses and Swift) on the Isle of Inishmore. She always looks "uncompleted" to me.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on September 04, 2016, 10:03:33 PM
I am looking forward to seeing the interior spec , keep in mind this is the first time ICG have built a cruise ferry , their ropax designs set standards when introduced so I am very curious to see what their concept for a cruise ferry is.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on September 07, 2016, 12:31:59 AM
Quote from: Collision-course on September 04, 2016, 10:03:33 PM
I am looking forward to seeing the interior spec , keep in mind this is the first time ICG have built a cruise ferry , their ropax designs set standards when introduced so I am very curious to see what their concept for a cruise ferry is.

It will be interesting to see how loosely the term "cruise ferry" is applied.  After all, depending on where she is sailing too Epsilon is termed as a cruise ferry by ICG!

Quote from: IFPete on September 02, 2016, 12:26:09 PM
I doubt Epsilon will go back early. Oscar Wilde struggles to take freight during the summer due to high passenger and car numbers on Cherbourg and Rosscoff Routes. I would see Epsilon running freight into cherbourg and allowing Oscar Wilde to spend more time running to Rosscoff. The New Ferry could be very successful on France route at weekends and may end up being permanently on continental routes when the second new build comes on line.
Personally I think the option will be Oscar's long term replacement.  The experience of operating the new build on the weekly France rotation could be very useful in tweaking the design for the longer route.  I wonder how quickly FSG could crank out a repeat given the quick build time of the initial vessel from scratch!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on September 07, 2016, 09:01:25 AM
I would say 90 % plus of the specification was agreed prior to contract.

Irish Ferries employ their own naval archictects and specified 80 % of the Ulysses prior to contract.

The Nose is a good idea to protect deck equipment and for fuel saving.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ac_freeman on September 08, 2016, 04:05:46 PM
Hi Guys,

Just wondering if anybody knows whether or not Isle Of Inishmore is having technical difficulties at the moment? Has been running around 30 - 40 minutes late per sailing over the last couple of days and the delay has reached about an hour today...weather seems to be ok?

thanks,

Andy
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ac_freeman on September 08, 2016, 04:13:47 PM
Quote from: ac_freeman on September 08, 2016, 04:05:46 PM
Hi Guys,

Just wondering if anybody knows whether or not Isle Of Inishmore is having technical difficulties at the moment? Has been running around 30 - 40 minutes late per sailing over the last couple of days and the delay has reached about an hour today...weather seems to be ok?

thanks,

Andy

Ok they just updated the website...."weather and technical."
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on September 11, 2016, 11:44:24 AM
Swift berthed at T3 Holyhead again this morning meaning Ulysses is not able to dock on time. I have noticed this before but have no idea as to the reason for it. Any ideas?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on September 28, 2016, 06:18:18 AM
Wednesday 28th sept at 6.17
Ulysses badly delayed still in Holyhead  believe the fingers on upper linkspan damaged 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on September 28, 2016, 10:32:14 AM
Quote from: SEA on September 28, 2016, 06:18:18 AM
Wednesday 28th sept at 6.17
Ulysses badly delayed still in Holyhead  believe upper ramp collapsed

Ulysses only left HH at about 0930 Epsilon is currently at Stena berth
Any idea why Swift hasn't sailed the weather isn't that poor?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on September 28, 2016, 11:01:01 AM
Quote from: ferryfan on September 28, 2016, 10:32:14 AM
Quote from: SEA on September 28, 2016, 06:18:18 AM
Wednesday 28th sept at 6.17
Ulysses badly delayed still in Holyhead  believe upper ramp collapsed

Ulysses only left HH at about 0930 Epsilon is currently at Stena berth
Any idea why Swift hasn't sailed the weather isn't that poor?

Have to answer my own question here about the Swift. She didn't sail because her staff sleep on Ulysses.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 11, 2016, 10:50:18 AM
ICG trading update will be published on their website next Monday 14th November.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 15, 2016, 10:46:55 AM
Oscar Wilde arriving in Dublin on Saturday to take up her seasonal role. She will be making one round trip a day ex Dublin at 10.45 returning ex Holyhead at 16.45.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 20, 2017, 04:17:01 PM
Epsilon has made an unscheduled crossing to Holyhead using Stena berth maybe a freight only run?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on March 20, 2017, 07:45:46 PM
Clear a backlog perhaps? Were there any cancellations over the weekend due to the nasty weather?

They uses to do that in the 'olden days' when there were spare ships hanging around Holyhead waiting for the Dry Dock etc.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on August 24, 2017, 12:25:00 PM
It would appear (from using the IF booking engine) that the Epsilon is to finish central corridor service at the end of the year she does not appear as a sailing option on any central corridor sailings after December. She does however remain as an option on the Dublin to France route until June 2018.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on August 24, 2017, 01:20:17 PM
Epsilon has been taken out of service on the Holyhead - Dublin route since her arrival over the Christmas / New year once one of the other vessels in the fleet Oscar this year arrives onto the route. She normally comes back onto the route during dry docking of Ulysses.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on August 24, 2017, 02:56:25 PM
Quote from: FerryMan on August 24, 2017, 01:20:17 PM
Epsilon has been taken out of service on the Holyhead - Dublin route since her arrival over the Christmas / New year once one of the other vessels in the fleet Oscar this year arrives onto the route. She normally comes back onto the route during dry docking of Ulysses.

No she is not down to return to the route at all next year.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on August 24, 2017, 03:30:12 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on August 24, 2017, 02:56:25 PM
Quote from: FerryMan on August 24, 2017, 01:20:17 PM
Epsilon has been taken out of service on the Holyhead - Dublin route since her arrival over the Christmas / New year once one of the other vessels in the fleet Oscar this year arrives onto the route. She normally comes back onto the route during dry docking of Ulysses.

No she is not down to return to the route at all next year.

Let's see what October brings. They are not going to keep a ship & crew for one round trip to France a week.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on August 25, 2017, 11:03:59 AM
New ship name and Dublin -Cherbourg timetable from June to be announced in October.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on August 25, 2017, 10:09:20 PM
Quote from: FerryMan on August 24, 2017, 03:30:12 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on August 24, 2017, 02:56:25 PM
Quote from: FerryMan on August 24, 2017, 01:20:17 PM
Epsilon has been taken out of service on the Holyhead - Dublin route since her arrival over the Christmas / New year once one of the other vessels in the fleet Oscar this year arrives onto the route. She normally comes back onto the route during dry docking of Ulysses.

No she is not down to return to the route at all next year.

Let's see what October brings. They are not going to keep a ship & crew for one round trip to France a week.
Yes,  lets see what October brings.  It wouldn't be the first time the vessel which turns up to operate a service wasn't the one on the booking engine after all!!!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on August 26, 2017, 01:20:29 PM
Quote from: FerryMan on August 24, 2017, 03:30:12 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on August 24, 2017, 02:56:25 PM
Quote from: FerryMan on August 24, 2017, 01:20:17 PM
Epsilon has been taken out of service on the Holyhead - Dublin route since her arrival over the Christmas / New year once one of the other vessels in the fleet Oscar this year arrives onto the route. She normally comes back onto the route during dry docking of Ulysses.

No she is not down to return to the route at all next year.

Let's see what October brings. They are not going to keep a ship & crew for one round trip to France a week.
Maybe dey will put her to France all week
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on August 30, 2017, 06:21:43 AM
Quote from: NathanBrady on August 26, 2017, 01:20:29 PM
Quote from: FerryMan on August 24, 2017, 03:30:12 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on August 24, 2017, 02:56:25 PM
Quote from: FerryMan on August 24, 2017, 01:20:17 PM
Epsilon has been taken out of service on the Holyhead - Dublin route since her arrival over the Christmas / New year once one of the other vessels in the fleet Oscar this year arrives onto the route. She normally comes back onto the route during dry docking of Ulysses.

No she is not down to return to the route at all next year.

Let's see what October brings. They are not going to keep a ship & crew for one round trip to France a week.
Maybe dey will put her to France all week
?

It's early days yet but I suspect we will see either Oscar or Inishmore replace her to increase capacity, as in previous years.  As for next year, the schedule hasn't been released yet so it's not surprising she doesn't appear on the booking engine.  If they removed the second ship on the Dublin service it would largely defeat the purpose of ordering a new build to improve the ship on that schedule!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on September 01, 2017, 08:27:03 PM
http://icg.ie/documents/2017/half_year_results_2017.pdf

http://icg.ie/documents/2017/half_year_results_presentation_2017.pdf

First internal pics of the new build near the end of the second link.  Speaking of which, the European Investment Bank loan to help pay for it has been granted.  There is a competition to name the vessel here http://www.bigshipbigname.com .  winner gets a lifetimes free travel.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ulysses17 on September 07, 2017, 09:32:22 AM
Going by the facts section of the bigshipneedsbigname.com site it would appear that the plan is to send the new ship mainly to France given its estimated she will travel 125,000 nautical miles per annum.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on September 08, 2017, 11:48:37 AM
I would agree with that accessment for 2019 onwards.

My guess is a sister ship will be ordered upon delivery of the first.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on September 10, 2017, 08:45:08 PM
Epsilon heading for the shelter of Torbay this evening. That makes sense when a northwesterly is blowing hard. However both Stena Horizon  [heading west towards Lands End] and Oscar Wilde [heading south about an hour and a half off the turn] are both braving the first storm of the autumn. Oscar is registering 33 knot winds and Windfinder is forecasting 4.2 metre waves for 10pm and 5.9 for 7am tomorrow morning. A good night to be on land.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ian Brazil on September 10, 2017, 08:48:59 PM
I Wonder a name  Saint  Patrick  the  Wicklow. Be a good name for a new ship.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on September 10, 2017, 10:56:23 PM
Quote from: A83 on September 10, 2017, 08:45:08 PM
Epsilon heading for the shelter of Torbay this evening. That makes sense when a northwesterly is blowing hard. However both Stena Horizon  [heading west towards Lands End] and Oscar Wilde [heading south about an hour and a half off the turn] are both braving the first storm of the autumn. Oscar is registering 33 knot winds and Windfinder is forecasting 4.2 metre waves for 10pm and 5.9 for 7am tomorrow morning. A good night to be on land.

Anchored off Exmouth better  to wait it out than get the bad press from the last storm she was caught out in.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on September 11, 2017, 10:17:14 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on September 10, 2017, 10:56:23 PM
Quote from: A83 on September 10, 2017, 08:45:08 PM
Epsilon heading for the shelter of Torbay this evening. That makes sense when a northwesterly is blowing hard. However both Stena Horizon  [heading west towards Lands End] and Oscar Wilde [heading south about an hour and a half off the turn] are both braving the first storm of the autumn. Oscar is registering 33 knot winds and Windfinder is forecasting 4.2 metre waves for 10pm and 5.9 for 7am tomorrow morning. A good night to be on land.

Anchored off Exmouth better  to wait it out than get the bad press from the last storm she was caught out in.

Slow progress Epsilon only now making her way up the Wexford coastline having left anchorage at 5.00 am. Not due in Dublin until after midnight making it about 30 hours at sea.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on September 13, 2017, 08:19:09 PM
It now appears the new ship will go into service in July 2018 according to media reports.

This makes a lot of sence. It will probably be delivered in June and be tested on a trial and error basis to make sure it beds in before its inaugral voyage to France.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on September 15, 2017, 08:24:41 PM
Was in France last week and spoke to a guy in the WBS warehouse in Roscoff. He'd done a wine tasting on the return trip Roscoff/Rosslare and said that the talk on the Oscar Wilde was that with the new build concentrating on Cherbourg  Oscar would be doing an extra 6/7 trips to Roscoff in 2018. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on September 16, 2017, 08:16:55 PM
That makes a lot of sence. I would not be surprised if the epsilon does three dublin - cherbourg trips per week allowing the oscar wide to focus on Rosslare and Dublin - Roscolf.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 01, 2017, 10:49:55 PM
Oscar Wilde was in Dublin this evening, due to the Irish Rail strike Rosslare was considered a risk. She arrived in Dublin from Cherbourg at about 15.20 today and departed for Cherbourg at about 18.50.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 13, 2017, 11:49:21 AM
No Ulysses sailing this morning due to annual EU inspection. No Swift sailing this afternoon due to bad weather and Swift has no sailing on Wednesday due to her inspection.
ICG will post a trading update tomorrow which may provide some details about their plans for next year. As of today sailings from Ireland to Uk are loaded in their search engine up to the end of August 2018 but no mention of Epsilon after June.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 14, 2017, 11:10:30 AM
Trading results on ICG website, growth for all divisions. Also noted the search engine has been updated to include Epsilon and Swift for sailings to UK up to end of August 2018.
Epsilon now free of her France duties will be operating her timetable 7/7.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 16, 2017, 04:14:23 PM
Swift running on 3 engines today crossings taking 2hours 30 minutes. onboard today smooth crossing light load.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marthyrarth on November 25, 2017, 10:19:12 PM
Can't see nay sight of the Swift in the timetables next few days.  For example wanted to go on her next Tuesday and she is not listed.


Also, any idea when Oscar Wilde in Holyhead over Christmas/New Year or will it be Inishmore?  Also will foot pax be carried?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: FerryMan on November 26, 2017, 09:27:14 AM
Oscar 1st sailing Dublin - Holyhead over the Christmas is Friday 22nd December at 10.45, like the last number of years she will only carry foot passengers if the Swift is cancelled.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marthyrarth on November 26, 2017, 01:10:26 PM
Appalling that Oscar Wilde will not carry foot passengers.

Foot pax facilities Holyhead are a disgrace.  You proceed through security and see a sign saying foot passengers and Annwyl arrow leading to stairs to what was the  HSS terminal - so onviously I follow the sign to be shouted at "that's not the way". 

Well why not take down the sign then??!!!!!

Then lead to a cold shed with white walls and dirty chairs.  Prison waiting rooms are nicer.  Quite simply not good enough.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on November 26, 2017, 05:40:44 PM
Yes, I have to agree. While the Irish Ferries terminal in Dublin port is quite ok, the arrangements in Holyhead are not up to par. Then again when I think of it Rosslare could be improved upon also. I sense that the coming of the budget airlines put a stop to any development of passenger facilities on the Irish sea, one of the consequences is that poor facilities do not help marketing the Sail Rail options, which when you consider the prices are generally pretty good.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 20knots on November 26, 2017, 11:46:03 PM
Quote from: marthyrarth on November 26, 2017, 01:10:26 PM
  You proceed through security and see a sign saying foot passengers and Annwyl arrow leading to stairs to what was the  HSS terminal - so onviously I follow the sign to be shouted at "that's not the way". 

Well why not take down the sign then??!!!!!

Then lead to a cold shed with white walls and dirty chairs.  Prison waiting rooms are nicer.  Quite simply not good enough.

Unless something has changed since I last passed through Holyhead in the Summer the HSS lounge upstairs is still in use.

Irish Ferries passengers always use the white room downstairs whereas the norm for Stena Line passengers is to head upstairs to wait and to be called to return downstairs (far side of lounge) when the shuttle bus is ready for boarding.

Sometimes (e.g. early hours when both companies are sailing close together) I've been asked after passing security whether I'm for Irish Ferries or Stena Line and directed accordingly.

Irish Ferries do have a building close to the berth which has a comfortable lounge and which I remember using a few years ago as a foot passenger but it seems it is rarely used these days for foot passengers anyway.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 27, 2017, 10:46:35 AM
Quote from: 20knots on November 26, 2017, 11:46:03 PM
Quote from: marthyrarth on November 26, 2017, 01:10:26 PM
  You proceed through security and see a sign saying foot passengers and Annwyl arrow leading to stairs to what was the  HSS terminal - so onviously I follow the sign to be shouted at "that's not the way". 

Well why not take down the sign then??!!!!!

Then lead to a cold shed with white walls and dirty chairs.  Prison waiting rooms are nicer.  Quite simply not good enough.

Unless something has changed since I last passed through Holyhead in the Summer the HSS lounge upstairs is still in use.

Irish Ferries passengers always use the white room downstairs whereas the norm for Stena Line passengers is to head upstairs to wait and to be called to return downstairs (far side of lounge) when the shuttle bus is ready for boarding.

Sometimes (e.g. early hours when both companies are sailing close together) I've been asked after passing security whether I'm for Irish Ferries or Stena Line and directed accordingly.

Irish Ferries do have a building close to the berth which has a comfortable lounge and which I remember using a few years ago as a foot passenger but it seems it is rarely used these days for foot passengers anyway.


Unfortunately the passenger gangway at the IF berth is no longer in use, it is falling apart there are sheets of metal missing from it and the stairway up to it has been removed.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marthyrarth on November 27, 2017, 11:40:35 AM
I've never seen the upstairs room used since the demise of the HSS, but I suppose it could when busy.

When I went for a daytrip last week the awful downstairs lounge was quite busy with a full bus of foot pax - lot on the £5.50 return I am guessing.

At least Stena do give this option, Irish Ferries offer nothing in terms of a day return.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 27, 2017, 01:25:09 PM
Swift gone technical sailings cancelled for the next few day. She was running on 3 engines last week so maybe that's the issue.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marthyrarth on November 27, 2017, 05:23:22 PM
Swift's problems are not very clearly indicated on their website
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 01, 2017, 11:14:47 AM
Swift expected back in service on Tuesday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 05, 2017, 10:41:05 AM
Swift's return has been delayed not due back in service until Saturday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 02, 2018, 07:58:49 AM


Irish Continental Group plc : Irish Continental Group plc invests €165.2 million to build a new cruise ferry for Dublin - Holyhead route

Released : 02 Jan 2018 07:00

Company Announcement

Irish Continental Group plc invests €165.2 million to build a new cruise ferry for Dublin - Holyhead route

Irish Continental Group plc ("ICG") has entered into an agreement, with the German company Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesselschaft & Co.KG ("FSG"), whereby FSG has agreed to build a cruise ferry for ICG at a contract price of €165.2 million.  Upon completion, it will be the largest cruise ferry in the world in terms of vehicle capacity.

The cruise ferry will accommodate 1,800 passengers and crew, with capacity for 5,610 freight lane metres, which provides the capability to carry 330 freight units per sailing.  Overall, it will effectively be a 50% increase in peak freight capacity compared to the MV Ulysses.

The Agreement between ICG and FSG provides that the cruise ferry is scheduled for delivery before Mid-2020. Twenty percent of the contract price will be paid in instalments during the construction period. The balance of 80% will be paid on delivery.  ICG intend to utilise credit facilities to finance the cruise ferry.  The pre-delivery instalment payments to FSG will be protected by means of bank guarantees.

This cruise ferry will be designed and built to the highest standards of cruise shipping, and equipped with efficiency, comfort and capacity in mind.  Emissions scrubber technology (included in the above price) and ballast water systems will meet current and known future environmental regulations and will deliver optimal fuel consumption while minimising related costs.  The cruise ferry will be powered by four main engines delivering 33,600 KW of power which will ensure a high degree of service reliability equal to the MV Ulysses which is currently the most reliable ship to ever operate on the Irish Sea.

The cruise ferry is being built specifically for Irish Ferries Dublin - Holyhead services.  It is expected to replace the schedule of the MV Ulysses, which in turn will replace the currently chartered vessel MV Epsilon in the fleet.  This will allow for the deployment of the W.B. Yeats (arriving Mid 2018) full-time on the direct Ireland - France route alongside the MV Oscar Wilde.  The cruise ferry will also adhere to Ice Class specification which allows for a wide geographic area of operation.

Freight capacity will be provided over five decks.  Uniquely, the vessel has been designed for three tier freight bow loading to allow for efficient loading/unloading and quick turnaround times.  Passenger facilities will be spread over three decks.  In addition to a superb choice of bars, restaurants (to include both á la carte and self-service options), special provision has been made for premium Club Class passengers, with a dedicated lounge featuring private access direct from the vehicle decks.  A choice of state-of -the-art entertainment options and cinemas, dedicated facilities for freight drivers, as well as many retail outlets will ensure that all passengers will be comfortable and engaged throughout their journey.

This new cruise ferry provides Irish Ferries with a significant increase in both its freight & tourism carrying capacity on the fast-growing Dublin - Holyhead route.

Cruise Ferry Particulars

  Cruise Ferry Details Ulysses
Gross tonnage (estimated) 67,300t 50,938t
Deck capacity
Trucks (maximum)
Trucks (effective peak capacity)
or
Cars (maximum) 

330
300



1,500 

241
200



1,342
Passenger Capacity 1,800 1,850
Passenger Cabins 152 96
Engine/output (4 engines) 33,600 KW 31,200 KW
Speed 22.8 knots 22.0 knots
Referring to the announcement Eamonn Rothwell, Chief Executive Officer, commented that;

"This investment underpins the confidence the Group has in the markets in which we operate. Alongside the recent investment in the MV W.B. Yeats, it brings our total investment to €315m for these two vessels designed for our operations on the Irish Sea.  The construction of a cruise ferry of this size will offer both additional capacity and an enhanced experience for both our tourism and freight customers.  This infrastructural investment enhances "the bridge" to the UK & Continental Europe that is a vital part of the continued success of Ireland's open economy."

02 January 2018

END

http://otp.investis.com/clients/uk/icg1/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=500&newsid=962216
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 02, 2018, 11:04:59 PM
Irish Ferries regrets to advise that due to adverse weather conditions on the Irish Sea, the 20:55hrs Ulysses sailing is cancelled.

https://www.irishferries.com/ie-en/sailing-updates/dublin-holyhead/

Don't see that very often

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on January 06, 2018, 08:29:39 PM
Can anyone explain why epsilon is not sailing at the moment? Thanks
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on January 06, 2018, 09:52:52 PM
Quote from: conor on January 06, 2018, 08:29:39 PM
Can anyone explain why epsilon is not sailing at the moment? Thanks

I don't the exact reason but the last couple of years it has been parked up most of the time over Christmas/New Year. it did 1 or 2 freight clearing sailings 1 year I remember. She returns to schedule on Tuesday 01.55 ex Dublin.

Inishmore returns from Birkenhead dry dock on 18/01/18 with 20.45 ex Rosslare.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on January 06, 2018, 11:44:01 PM
Quote from: jgf on January 06, 2018, 09:52:52 PM
Quote from: conor on January 06, 2018, 08:29:39 PM
Can anyone explain why epsilon is not sailing at the moment? Thanks

I don't the exact reason but the last couple of years it has been parked up most of the time over Christmas/New Year. it did 1 or 2 freight clearing sailings 1 year I remember. She returns to schedule on Tuesday 01.55 ex Dublin.

Inishmore returns from Birkenhead dry dock on 18/01/18 with 20.45 ex Rosslare.


Ok thanks for your reply.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Fast Ferry Fan on January 07, 2018, 02:08:32 AM
Quote from: giftgrub on January 02, 2018, 11:04:59 PM
Irish Ferries regrets to advise that due to adverse weather conditions on the Irish Sea, the 20:55hrs Ulysses sailing is cancelled.

https://www.irishferries.com/ie-en/sailing-updates/dublin-holyhead/

Don't see that very often

Not often, but not the first time this year.

No more claims of it "never having lost a sailing due to weather" anymore.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on January 07, 2018, 08:49:36 PM
I've heard comments that the issue is that the Ulysses has damaged some of the support on her berth and that's why she has had to cancel a few times in the most extreme conditions.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 08, 2018, 11:55:26 AM
The issue Ulysses and other ferries have at holyhead has is related to the direction of the wind and the Berth.

While Ulysses has three forward Thrust unts sometimes she needs a tug to assist her onto the berth.

Unfortunately Oscar Wilde stuggles in bad weather berthing due to lack of adequet Thruster Power hence her cancelations
over the Christmas on the Holyhead route, She is a great ship but not every ship will work succesfully in the port of Holyhead.

If Terminal 4 Berth were introduced this would solve this problem in extream weather conditions,

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 09, 2018, 01:19:05 PM
In a presentation last Friday ICG confirm that following the arrival of the WB Yeats, there will be a summer only fast craft service, they further say that it is still to be decided which craft (Swift or Westpac) will be operating the service, Westpac Express having 20% more capacity than the Swift i.e 100 extra passengers and 51 extra cars.
The presentation also showed that there was a surprising increase in passenger traffic from the UK despite poor sterling value and Brexit ,
here is the link
http://www.icg.ie/documents/2018/icg_company_presentation_05_january_2018.pdf
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 09, 2018, 02:35:48 PM
The withdrawal of the swift service is likely to lead to negative customer reaction. A lot of people use the service
as it is only two hours compared to 3.5 hour cruise ferry service.

Aer Lingus suffered the same reaction over taking out Shannon London Heathrouw operation to free up slots for Belfast in the past and had to reverse the decision.

I note Oscar Wilde will be kept in warm lay-up during the winter months unless a winter leasse is secured for her in Florida or Mediteranian.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: PaddyL on January 09, 2018, 08:17:32 PM
Quote from: IFPete on January 09, 2018, 02:35:48 PM
The withdrawal of the swift service is likely to lead to negative customer reaction. A lot of people use the service
as it is only two hours compared to 3.5 hour cruise ferry service.

Aer Lingus suffered the same reaction over taking out Shannon London Heathrouw operation to free up slots for Belfast in the past and had to reverse the decision.

I note Oscar Wilde will be kept in warm lay-up during the winter months unless a winter leasse is secured for her in Florida or Mediteranian.

There isn't going to be a winter charter in the Med as that's very much low season there too.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on January 09, 2018, 09:53:46 PM
 - or she could be made available for short term lease to other companies to cover refits etc.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on January 11, 2018, 07:20:50 AM
Quote from: IFPete on January 09, 2018, 02:35:48 PM
The withdrawal of the swift service is likely to lead to negative customer reaction. A lot of people use the service
as it is only two hours compared to 3.5 hour cruise ferry service.

Aer Lingus suffered the same reaction over taking out Shannon London Heathrouw operation to free up slots for Belfast in the past and had to reverse the decision.

I note Oscar Wilde will be kept in warm lay-up during the winter months unless a winter leasse is secured for her in Florida or Mediteranian.
It's not like der is a competing ferry for them to go on though.  Like when Stena took off the HSS a lot of people will moan a bit then get on the normal ferry anyway
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 11, 2018, 01:33:31 PM
Same problem in Shannon, a lot of people complained and CEO almost lost his job,

Swift numbers justify operation 9 months a year provided the weather holds up,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on January 19, 2018, 08:34:52 AM
All,
Nothing official yet I Heard today from a reliable source the Jonathan Swift is Sold
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 19, 2018, 11:10:35 AM
Quote from: SEA on January 19, 2018, 08:34:52 AM
All,
Nothing official yet I Heard today from a reliable source the Jonathan Swift is Sold

Swift is off for dry dock tomorrow. Any sale of craft has to be announced to shareholders and will appear on icg.com as soon as it is done.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 20, 2018, 11:17:56 AM
Swift arrived at Cammell Laird this morning and Superfast vii went into dry dock at H&W.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: pdnr777 on January 20, 2018, 08:20:47 PM
Anybody know what is going on with the sailings of Oscar Wilde on the Rosslare-Pembroke route; either major delays or cancellations
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 20, 2018, 08:43:25 PM
Oscar Wilde and Stena Europe have had a lot of delays on the Southern corridor since the New Year, would imagine it has been a perfect storm of the wind coming from the wrong direction affecting berthing in either Rosslare or Fishguard / Pembroke. The weather has not been particularly bad on shore but the winds at sea seem to have led to a lot of cancellations.

Of course we do not know if both ferries have technical issues which could exacerbate the problems they are having.

In the meantime Inishmore seems to be taking an extended time in drydock and as mentioned in above post J Swift has now arrived in Liverpool, link below to images of Swift arriving in Liverpool

https://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/25924170738/

Just in case we have forgotten what the Inishmore looks like, some great images of its arrival in Liverpool/ Birkenhead.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/38625149505/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/39490808242/in/photostream/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/24653266417/in/photostream/


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on January 21, 2018, 04:33:22 PM
Oscar Wilde cancelled this morning ex Rosslare will sale tonight as per schedule. 

Ulysses still not left Holyhead @ 16.30 sailing update says 'Due to a Technical problem the Ulysses is still on the Berth in Holyhead. More information to follow.'
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on January 21, 2018, 08:31:53 PM
 'Due to technical problems the Ulysses sailed from Holyhead at 19.45 and is due in Dublin at 23.00'

will have a bit of time to make up. what happened I wonder?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 22, 2018, 04:02:42 PM
IOI left Birkenhead at lunch time and has being doing some fancy circles in the mouth of the river mersey since then. Take a look at her AIS
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bissiere on January 22, 2018, 07:54:19 PM
why epsilon is in rosslare today
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on January 22, 2018, 09:04:03 PM
Inishmore on its way to Dublin.  anything to do with Ulysses technical problem yesterday?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: loch garman on January 22, 2018, 09:34:28 PM
Epsilon....delivering new French made cars to the port..... Bissiere..... it does this a lot.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 22, 2018, 10:03:22 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on January 22, 2018, 04:02:42 PM
IOI left Birkenhead at lunch time and has being doing some fancy circles in the mouth of the river mersey since then. Take a look at her AIS

Well spotted, looks good, must have been testing systems, giving the rudders, thrusters a workout.

According to IF sailing update, taking the 02.45 ex Pembroke, unless they have found extra speed, would imagine Oscar will take that sailing.




Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on January 23, 2018, 07:59:50 AM
Isle of Inishmore In Dublin now with Technical  issues
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 23, 2018, 12:46:49 PM
Swift will be withdrawn from service for the winter (at least) from the 8th October.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 23, 2018, 07:58:16 PM
Oscar heading North, just passed Curracloe, ais destination is Milford Haven, probably on way to Liverpool.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 23, 2018, 08:43:57 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on January 23, 2018, 07:58:16 PM
Oscar heading North, just passed Curracloe, ais destination is Milford Haven, probably on way to Liverpool.

Destination now Birkenhead
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 24, 2018, 11:28:03 PM
When the ships come out of liverpool drydock they have to wait a while while the bunders heat up before they can proceed on full power. IOI was in Dublin for Stocking prior to traveling to Rosslare overnight.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on January 27, 2018, 08:32:19 PM
Quote from: IFPete on January 24, 2018, 11:28:03 PM
When the ships come out of liverpool drydock they have to wait a while while the bunders heat up before they can proceed on full power. IOI was in Dublin for Stocking prior to traveling to Rosslare overnight.

Does she not normally take on stores at Rosslare and/or Pembroke? Why would she go to Dublin for this?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 28, 2018, 04:04:18 PM
Crewing is easier from Dublin Port. She normally takes on stores in Rosslare,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ulysses17 on January 30, 2018, 09:33:27 AM
Announcement this morning from ICG;

"Sale of Jonathan Swift

ICG announces that it has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement ("MOA") for the sale of the High Speed Craft "Jonathan Swift" to Balearia Eurolineas Maritimas S.A.

The agreed consideration of €15.5 million less brokers commission is payable in cash on delivery less a 10% deposit to be held in escrow. The vessel is to be delivered by the end of April 2018.

The "Jonathan Swift" which was commissioned by and delivered to ICG in 1999 and has since operated on the company's Dublin – Holyhead route. This vessel will be replaced in our fleet by the 2001 built High Speed Craft "Westpac Express", which was recently redelivered following a period of twenty months on external charter. She is currently undergoing a refurbishment programme to bring her up to Irish Ferries passenger service standards.

The "Jonathan Swift" was delivered to the group in 1999 at a cost of €38.8m. The disposal will generate a book profit for ICG of approximately €14.0m.

The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes."
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LiverpoolIrishLiam on January 30, 2018, 06:25:47 PM
I've written a blog about the sale of Jonathan Swift. Please read it and tell me your thoughts? Thanks! https://liamfjournalist.wordpress.com/2018/01/30/a-swift-exit/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 30, 2018, 07:26:36 PM
Now didn't they do well, they actually replaced the Swift with Westpac Express and it cost them nothing, in fact they have made money on the transaction, fair play Irish Ferries /ICG.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 30, 2018, 07:28:20 PM
Quote from: LiverpoolIrishLiam on January 30, 2018, 06:25:47 PM
I've written a blog about the sale of Jonathan Swift. Please read it and tell me your thoughts? Thanks! https://liamfjournalist.wordpress.com/2018/01/30/a-swift-exit/

Nice one, to the point and nice images.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 30, 2018, 08:33:24 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on January 30, 2018, 07:26:36 PM
Now didn't they do well, they actually replaced the Swift with Westpac Express and it cost them nothing, in fact they have made money on the transaction, fair play Irish Ferries /ICG.

This is how well they did

The High Speed Craft 'Westpac Express' (built 2001) was purchased by the Group for $13.25 million. The Vessel was delivered to ICG in June 2016 and immediately chartered to the third party, Sealift Inc. This Charter continued until November 2017, resulting in total earned charter revenue of €6 million or approximately 54% of the purchase price of the Vessel. The Group is currently finalising its fleet operational requirements for 2018 and a decision on whether to charter externally or deploy this Vessel within the Group's Irish Ferries services, in lieu of the existing Vessel, 'Jonathan Swift', will be announced in due course. The Westpac Express offers the Group 20% additional capacity over the Group's current fast craft, Jonathan Swift

Page 10 on link below


http://icg.ie/documents/2018/icg_company_presentation_05_january_2018.pdf

Good business for any firm, to sell a valuable asset and replace with a newer bigger vessel and have cash in the bank, happy days.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on January 31, 2018, 07:33:30 PM
Anybody know what is up with Ulysses this evening, only coming into Dublin now from Holyhead and tonight's sailing is in doubt?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ulysses17 on January 31, 2018, 10:41:29 PM
Must be fairly serious 2055, 0240, 0805, 1410 all cancelled!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on February 01, 2018, 09:10:05 PM
Epsilon is late and can't dock in Holyhead. Ulysses cancelled tonight also rudder problems reported on another thread.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 03, 2018, 12:18:50 AM
Looks Like Irish Ferries schedule on Dublin - Holyhead has colapsed with Ulysses out of action now three days.

Epsilon appears to be operating Ulysses roster effectively handling freight before being drydocked next week. Her sailing to Cherbourg tomorrow is cancelled

Cars and passengers are being booked on stena

Swift is due back on Monday weather permitting and Oscar wild is due out of dry dock on Tuesday

No sign of Isle of Inishmore coming to the Dublin yet, but i would not be surprised if she heads to Holyhead tomorrow
if Ulysses is not repaired succesfully by tomorrow evening.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 03, 2018, 08:41:33 AM
Quote from: IFPete on February 03, 2018, 12:18:50 AM
Looks Like Irish Ferries schedule on Dublin - Holyhead has colapsed with Ulysses out of action now three days.

Epsilon appears to be operating Ulysses roster effectively handling freight before being drydocked next week. Her sailing to Cherbourg tomorrow is cancelled

Cars and passengers are being booked on stena

Swift is due back on Monday weather permitting and Oscar wild is due out of dry dock on Tuesday

No sign of Isle of Inishmore coming to the Dublin yet, but i would not be surprised if she heads to Holyhead tomorrow
if Ulysses is not repaired succesfully by tomorrow evening.
I'd have thought it unlikely that Inishmore would go North considering that Stena Europe goes to dry dock tomorrow night.  If anything I'd have thought Ulysses would be sent to dry dock to sort the issue as its obviously not getting fixed very well by divers.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 03, 2018, 09:37:57 AM
I forgot about stena Europe

It's an interesting challenge

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 03, 2018, 11:24:12 AM
Quote from: IFPete on February 03, 2018, 09:37:57 AM
I forgot about stena Europe

It's an interesting challenge
On that note, how long is Oscar in for?  She's not on the schedule until Saturday.

Edit:  Just remembered she's covering Epsilon
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 03, 2018, 01:47:45 PM
Swift on her way back due in Dublin at 5.00 pm. She might be called into service a day early to help shift any backlog.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on February 03, 2018, 02:00:46 PM
. I believe the ulysses rudder was completely ceased up and couldn't be moved
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on February 03, 2018, 04:34:38 PM
Ulysses moving again, departed Dublin Port 16.25. Marine traffic is showing destination Holyhead.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on February 03, 2018, 06:35:19 PM
Looks like she was doing trials - wonder is the problem sorted?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on February 03, 2018, 10:39:44 PM
Must be sorted now as she is on the way across the Irish Sea towards Holyhead departed at 21.20 after 2 hour spin around Dublin Bay and off Howth.  Epsilon arrived in Dublin form Holyhead after 17.30 makes me wonder were IF rash to cancel the service[ to Cherbourg she could have made the trip departing 5 or 6hrs late?, I suppose they were not sure if the U would be fixed in time?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 06, 2018, 09:25:54 PM
Images of the Oscar Wilde leaving drydock on the link below. Click right for more great images.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/39222053215/in/dateposted/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on February 06, 2018, 09:31:34 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on February 06, 2018, 09:25:54 PM
Images of the Oscar Wilde leaving drydock on the link below. Click right for more great images.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/das_boot_160/39222053215/in/dateposted/

Great pics. I especially like the one with the tug at the bow of the Oscar.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 06, 2018, 10:07:32 PM
Yes, they are very good images, the photographer is very consistent, always takes very good photos and nearly on a daily basis, credit where credit is due a great record of shipping on the Mersey, and they are available for free on Flickr ! win win for us enthusiasts.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 08, 2018, 08:18:51 AM
EPSILON arrived in Belfast yesterday morning, a couple of days later than we originally expected as she had to continue on the Holyhead route as Oscar was still in dry dock! 

I have a few pics on my Flickr page at https://flic.kr/p/22LYp4H for those interested.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 10, 2018, 01:49:19 PM
Oscar Wilde making her first crossing of the year to Cherbourg but from Dublin. The OW must be the only ship that has/can serve all IF routes.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 12, 2018, 10:59:27 AM
Ulysses made her usual crossing last night then moved to the Rio Tinto jetty (think it has been renamed) where she remains with both the 024 ex Holyhead and the 0805 from Dublin cancelled. She is due to take up her 1410 sailing. Does anybody know what has happened or is it still something to do with her rudder problems last week?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ulysses17 on February 12, 2018, 12:12:02 PM
This was a scheduled cancellation - to allow for an underwater survey I believe. OW is going to take up an extra 1415 ex DUB & 2000 ex HHD to help shift any backlog
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 15, 2018, 11:06:13 PM
Unconfirmed reports on the Facebook that the Inishmore has a technical issue with one of its engines.

As it is currently the only vessel on the Southern Corridor also providing cover for the Stena Europe with Stena taking spaces on board, a cancellation is not good news.

Hopefully the Inishmore can carry on until the Europe returns on Monday night (assuming refit is to schedule)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on February 16, 2018, 11:40:40 AM
Interesting,
Inishmore is constantly late at the moment but I just put that down to the weather and having extra load due to Europe being off. it wasn't showing on Marine Traffic for me for a few days but that now is fixed.

Epsilon is still in Belfast and is cancelled today. Its Trip to Cherbourg tomorrow is still showing on time.

Oscar should be shortly making its way to Rosslare to resume Rossslare - Cherbourg tonight.

Also ULysses schedule is amended to run around 2.5 hours late due to work on her berth in Holyhead.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: pdnr777 on February 17, 2018, 06:07:53 PM
What are the links/pages on Facebook or twitter where you are getting news from??
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on February 26, 2018, 09:10:16 PM
 Today Oscar Wilde was late docking in Cherbourg due to winds had not seen this happen before.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 13, 2018, 10:57:35 AM
Ulysses had more tech issues this morning and is running about 2 hours late. She has, unusually, had a lot of reliability issues over the winter.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on March 14, 2018, 02:21:32 PM
Ulysses still 2 hours, Inishmore Cancelled this morning, and Oscar Wilde doing a cruise of the Irish Sea. Epsilon is sailing even though Stena have cancelled.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 16, 2018, 09:39:00 AM
Quote from: jgf on March 14, 2018, 02:21:32 PM
Ulysses still 2 hours, Inishmore Cancelled this morning, and Oscar Wilde doing a cruise of the Irish Sea. Epsilon is sailing even though Stena have cancelled.
Ulysses seems to be having an issue with bow loading as shes been operating as a stern loader
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 16, 2018, 11:28:36 AM
The Ireland France schedule shows Epsilon as the sole ship for IF operating Dublin to Cherbourg from October- December.
Irish Ferries original charter of Epsilon ends in November 2018 but they do have an option to extend the charter for 2 years so if they are running Epsilon after that date you would have to assume that they intend to exercise the option to extend the charter.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 16, 2018, 11:36:06 AM
Epsilons Charter will be extended until July 2020 when the 2nd new build arrives and possibly November 2020

Its possible Epsilon will be too small for Holyhead route in Summer 2019 if WB Yeats grows the business successfully.

Even so i would suspect Epsilon would be used to grow Ireland - France freight volume and i would not be surprised if Irish Ferries purchase her prior to end of the next lease extension.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 16, 2018, 01:06:18 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on March 16, 2018, 11:28:36 AM
The Ireland France schedule shows Epsilon as the sole ship for IF operating Dublin to Cherbourg from October- December.
Irish Ferries original charter of Epsilon ends in November 2018 but they do have an option to extend the charter for 2 years so if they are running Epsilon after that date you would have to assume that they intend to exercise the option to extend the charter.
The option is for 1 year + 1 year rather than 2 years according to ICG themselves

Quote from: IFPete on March 16, 2018, 11:36:06 AM
Epsilons Charter will be extended until July 2020 when the 2nd new build arrives and possibly November 2020

Its possible Epsilon will be too small for Holyhead route in Summer 2019 if WB Yeats grows the business successfully.

Where did you see this?  Surely if the charter was extended they would have announced it in the results presentation.  I would have thought given its a 1yr +1yr option they would of had to keep her until November rather than July anyway (perhaps not a bad idea anyway incase there is a technical issue).  As for Epsilon being too small, what are they going to do when DUBLIN SWIFT moves on then with newbuild 2 effectively replacing her capacity as well as that of EPSILON?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 20, 2018, 02:22:22 PM
Shameless plug! W.B. YEATS is the second of the new-builds currently under construction (the first was the E-Flexer class) featured ion NI Ferry Site's New-build feature.  New-build is basically a compilation of what is known so far about current new buildings for European ferry operators.  If anyone is interested you can view the page here: https://www.niferry.co.uk/nb-wb-yeats/ (https://www.niferry.co.uk/nb-wb-yeats/)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 20, 2018, 08:37:05 PM
Nice one, thanks for gathering all the info and images on one easy to access page.

I am amazed at how quickly this build has come together, only a few months to go until the new ferry begins service.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 21, 2018, 07:18:51 PM
Quote from: Steven on March 16, 2018, 01:06:18 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on March 16, 2018, 11:28:36 AM
The Ireland France schedule shows Epsilon as the sole ship for IF operating Dublin to Cherbourg from October- December.
Irish Ferries original charter of Epsilon ends in November 2018 but they do have an option to extend the charter for 2 years so if they are running Epsilon after that date you would have to assume that they intend to exercise the option to extend the charter.
The option is for 1 year + 1 year rather than 2 years according to ICG themselves

Quote from: IFPete on March 16, 2018, 11:36:06 AM
Epsilons Charter will be extended until July 2020 when the 2nd new build arrives and possibly November 2020

Its possible Epsilon will be too small for Holyhead route in Summer 2019 if WB Yeats grows the business successfully.

Where did you see this?  Surely if the charter was extended they would have announced it in the results presentation.  I would have thought given its a 1yr +1yr option they would of had to keep her until November rather than July anyway (perhaps not a bad idea anyway incase there is a technical issue).  As for Epsilon being too small, what are they going to do when DUBLIN SWIFT moves on then with newbuild 2 effectively replacing her capacity as well as that of EPSILON?

This was stated on announcement of the order for the 2nd build on 2nd Jan 2018.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 22, 2018, 09:42:00 AM
Quote from: IFPete on March 21, 2018, 07:18:51 PM
Quote from: Steven on March 16, 2018, 01:06:18 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on March 16, 2018, 11:28:36 AM
The Ireland France schedule shows Epsilon as the sole ship for IF operating Dublin to Cherbourg from October- December.
Irish Ferries original charter of Epsilon ends in November 2018 but they do have an option to extend the charter for 2 years so if they are running Epsilon after that date you would have to assume that they intend to exercise the option to extend the charter.
The option is for 1 year + 1 year rather than 2 years according to ICG themselves

Quote from: IFPete on March 16, 2018, 11:36:06 AM
Epsilons Charter will be extended until July 2020 when the 2nd new build arrives and possibly November 2020

Its possible Epsilon will be too small for Holyhead route in Summer 2019 if WB Yeats grows the business successfully.

Where did you see this?  Surely if the charter was extended they would have announced it in the results presentation.  I would have thought given its a 1yr +1yr option they would of had to keep her until November rather than July anyway (perhaps not a bad idea anyway incase there is a technical issue).  As for Epsilon being too small, what are they going to do when DUBLIN SWIFT moves on then with newbuild 2 effectively replacing her capacity as well as that of EPSILON?

This was stated on announcement of the order for the 2nd build on 2nd Jan 2018.

Am I missing something? 

http://otp.investis.com/clients/uk/icg1/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=500&newsid=962216

I don't see any reference to it in either results presentation either.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 22, 2018, 07:11:47 PM
"The cruise ferry is being built specifically for Irish Ferries Dublin - Holyhead services.  It is expected to replace the schedule of the MV Ulysses, which in turn will replace the currently chartered vessel MV Epsilon in the fleet".
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 22, 2018, 07:13:02 PM
Quote from: Steven on March 20, 2018, 02:22:22 PM
Shameless plug! W.B. YEATS is the second of the new-builds currently under construction (the first was the E-Flexer class) featured ion NI Ferry Site's New-build feature.  New-build is basically a compilation of what is known so far about current new buildings for European ferry operators.  If anyone is interested you can view the page here: https://www.niferry.co.uk/nb-wb-yeats/ (https://www.niferry.co.uk/nb-wb-yeats/)

Nice Summary.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LongTimeReader on March 22, 2018, 10:56:54 PM
One burning question to ask here, when WB Yeats goes into service does anyone know how IF will accommodate three ferries in two terminals when WB Yeats is in Dublin?

As the timetable stands WB Yeats will be in Dublin 11:00 - 16:00; Epsilon will be there 11:15 - 14:15 and Dublin Swift will be there 13:30 - 14:30. Seems strange when there's only two terminals and a lot of loading / unloading to be done. Even if they retimetabled Epsilon it would be very tight and I can't imagine they'll move WB Yeats across the harbour for an hour each time to accommodate Dublin Swift. Or is there something I'm not thinking of?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 23, 2018, 08:51:37 AM
Quote from: IFPete on March 22, 2018, 07:11:47 PM
"The cruise ferry is being built specifically for Irish Ferries Dublin - Holyhead services.  It is expected to replace the schedule of the MV Ulysses, which in turn will replace the currently chartered vessel MV Epsilon in the fleet".
Doesn't say anything about a charter being extended until July 2020.  It's implied it will happen, but that's not the same as confirming it has.  There's also the assumption that W.B. YEATS will be in service without any issues in July - the delivery date has been pushed back already a few times and she's a first for the yard as well.  For all we know there could be a plan to retain Epsilon and use her elsewhere or sub-charter her out
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 23, 2018, 08:54:02 AM
Quote from: IFPete on March 22, 2018, 07:13:02 PM
Quote from: Steven on March 20, 2018, 02:22:22 PM
Shameless plug! W.B. YEATS is the second of the new-builds currently under construction (the first was the E-Flexer class) featured ion NI Ferry Site's New-build feature.  New-build is basically a compilation of what is known so far about current new buildings for European ferry operators.  If anyone is interested you can view the page here: https://www.niferry.co.uk/nb-wb-yeats/ (https://www.niferry.co.uk/nb-wb-yeats/)

Nice Summary.
Thanks, it should have been published similar but I was to busy with the site rebuild to check it all before going live with it.  I plan to do similar with the other new build.  Strange there hasn't been any engine supplier announcement yet!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 23, 2018, 10:19:12 AM
Quote from: giftgrub on March 20, 2018, 08:37:05 PM
Nice one, thanks for gathering all the info and images on one easy to access page.

I am amazed at how quickly this build has come together, only a few months to go until the new ferry begins service.

No problem.  I had all the info together for my own reference so it was really just a case of putting it in an easier to read format.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 29, 2018, 04:43:50 PM
Some pics of DUBLIN SWIFT in Dry dock yesterday with her new livery nearing completion here, with a bit of an update.

https://www.niferry.co.uk/dublin-swift-ex-westpac-express-update/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 29, 2018, 06:57:06 PM
Nice pictures. Looks like some more paint required on bow door.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 03, 2018, 07:02:18 PM
Lets see how successful WB Yeats is next winter on Dublin Holyhead Route.

Irish Ferries have been focussing on accompanied freight.

If successful it might be more appropriate to move Isle of Innismore onto Dublin - Holyhead for summer 2019 and bring in some leased tonnage onto Rosslare - Pembroke for the summer to allow WB Yeats go back on Dublin Cherbourg route.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on April 04, 2018, 11:43:47 PM
Todays big news from Belfast today is the arrival of Azamara Pursuit, however Dublin Swift is out of dry dock and alongside the ship repair quay again as of yesterday.  At present she looks set to depart on the 9th (according to the harbour movements) for extensive trials, but this is subject to change (she was previously shown to be moving from the DD about a week ago but it was put back).  Expect a different look inside (unfortunately can't share the in-progress pics I've been shown as they aren't mine and I don't have them!).

Couple of pics on the link to NI Ferry Site (as well as some info about the arrival of Azamara Pursuit for a "world first" conversion.

https://wp.me/p8Bfsp-2xe
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on April 24, 2018, 09:29:09 PM
According to Matrix Ship Management on Facebook DUBLIN SWIFT passed her host nation inspection today and so is cleared for service.  Swift is cancelled tomorrow so looks like a possible debut on Thursday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: St Columba on May 01, 2018, 05:56:57 PM
Ulysses running at reduced speed this afternoon. Slowed down about 8nm from Holyhead and now at about 11knots and probably an hour from Dublin at that speed. Anyone know a reason? For the first time in years she didn't refit in January, maybe IF regret that decision.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: The insider on May 01, 2018, 06:35:45 PM
Rudder  problems  again   and tonight's sailing is cancelled
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LongTimeReader on May 01, 2018, 06:51:44 PM
8:05 and 14:10 sailings tomorrow cancelled too.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 01, 2018, 10:23:41 PM
This afternoon's departure from Holyhead left about an hour earlier than usual and this was flagged on the website. She has now been moved to ocean pier 33 to allow Epsilon use the berth tonight.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on May 01, 2018, 11:02:53 PM
Maybe skipping the drydock period this year is not paying off.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Leeman on May 02, 2018, 06:06:27 PM
With Ulysses out of action surely there is a case for Dublin Swift to do at least three round trips a day to Holyhead rather than just two which sees it lying idle in Dublin from 7.30 each evening until 8.30 the following morning ?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 02, 2018, 06:50:38 PM
Swift Crew lives on Ulysses.

They have a Skeleton Crew to carry out deep cleaning and scheduled maintenance at night.

not sure they would have sufficient trained crew to run a 2nd shift but i could be wrong.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on May 03, 2018, 01:49:08 AM
At the height of popularity of the fast craft, Explorer used to do 4 round trips a day and I'm sure the Swift used to do at least 3.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on May 03, 2018, 06:08:37 AM
Quote from: Davy Jones on May 03, 2018, 01:49:08 AM
At the height of popularity of the fast craft, Explorer used to do 4 round trips a day and I'm sure the Swift used to do at least 3.

Stena Explorer actually did five round trips a day for the first few years.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on May 03, 2018, 02:27:59 PM
Ulysses will be taking up the 8.05 Dublin to Holyhead run tomorrow 4th May
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on May 03, 2018, 04:33:17 PM
Quote from: RorieLen on May 03, 2018, 06:08:37 AM
Quote from: Davy Jones on May 03, 2018, 01:49:08 AM
At the height of popularity of the fast craft, Explorer used to do 4 round trips a day and I'm sure the Swift used to do at least 3.

Stena Explorer actually did five round trips a day for the first few years.

Wow! never knew that! 10 trips at 99 minutes plus half-hour turn-rounds. Doesn't leave much time for a flat tyre!

I miss the old girl.

Whoops, wrong thread! Sorry!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cillian on May 03, 2018, 05:07:04 PM
Quote from: Davy Jones on May 03, 2018, 01:49:08 AM
At the height of popularity of the fast craft, Explorer used to do 4 round trips a day and I'm sure the Swift used to do at least 3.
Swift did 4 at weekends in summer, for the first year
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 03, 2018, 05:28:39 PM
Irish Ferries reduced the additional sailings to save money on crewing when they tranfered to Cypriot flag and employed eastern european crew.

It would be nice to see Swift operate extra sailings at weekends , however it would be very difficult to justify.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LongTimeReader on May 06, 2018, 12:25:10 PM
The Big U is cancelled again on the 8:05 / 14:10 sailings. Docked Stern first in Dublin.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 30, 2018, 12:09:32 PM
Ulysses docked stern first in Dublin last week. I was on SFX and from what I could make  out only one of Ulysses lower stern ramps can be deployed with the current linkspan at Dublin.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on June 12, 2018, 03:51:29 PM

12 JUN 2018
Press Release 12th June 2018 3pm 

Irish Ferries Regrets to Announce Further Delay to W.B. Yeats

German shipbuilder, Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft & Co.KG (FSG), has advised Irish Ferries of a further delay to the delivery of the W.B. Yeats

New ship was due to commence sailings between Ireland and France from the 30th July 2018

Irish Ferries regrets to announce that, due to extraordinary circumstances beyond its control, the delivery of the W.B. Yeats has been further delayed by FSG. Because of the uncertainty caused by this additional delay, Irish Ferries has no option but to cancel all the planned sailings to France for W.B. Yeats this Summer, with the ship now likely to commence sailing with Irish Ferries on Dublin / Holyhead as scheduled in September. Irish Ferries is contacting affected customers this afternoon to inform them of the cancellations, offer them alternative travel options, and apologise for the disruption to their travel arrangements.

Approximately 6,000 bookings will be impacted by this issue.  Customers affected are being offered a number of alternative travel options e.g. alternative direct sailings on the Oscar Wilde, or a 'land-bridge' option i.e. sailing to the UK (from either Dublin or Rosslare) and then to France (Customers who choose the land-bridge option, will also be reimbursed the cost of their fuel requirements from the port of arrival in the UK to the port of arrival in France).If alternative travel arrangements do not suit, customers will, of course, be entitled to a full and immediate refund of all monies paid.

Irish Ferries was previously forced to cancel July sailings for the W.B. Yeats when they were informed in April by FSG, of the initial delay.  Approximately 2,500 bookings were impacted by the earlier cancellation, however, 95% of those chose to switch to Irish Ferries' other cruise ferry, the Oscar Wilde.

Irish Ferries very much regrets the inconvenience these cancellations cause our customers and hopes that as many as possible will choose to be accommodated via the company's alternative arrangements and continue with their holiday plans. As valued customers of Irish Ferries, we are offering each affected customer a €150 voucher which can be used on any of our Ireland-France routes next year.

Irish Ferries is contacting customers directly, however, any customers who wish to contact Irish Ferries can call +353 (0) 818 300 400 or email customersupport@irishferries.com.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on June 12, 2018, 08:41:35 PM
As I've detailed on NI Ferry Site, W.B. YEATS is now off the booking engine.  Totally.  Oscar is doing some Dublin to France sailings at the start of October by the looks of things with Swift still coming off the schedule on October 8th.  Strangely just Ulysses on the Dublin - Holyhead route from then forward at the moment!

https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-cancels-all-sailings-of-wb-yeats/ (https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-cancels-all-sailings-of-wb-yeats/)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on June 12, 2018, 09:53:35 PM
The Holyhead time table has not yet been updated.

Epsilon is not showing after 18th September and Swift is not showing after 8th October.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on June 14, 2018, 08:23:26 PM
Quote from: IFPete on June 12, 2018, 09:53:35 PM
The Holyhead time table has not yet been updated.

Epsilon is not showing after 18th September and Swift is not showing after 8th October.

Swift wont do since shes going seasonal.  I imagine mid-September is sensible for Yeats possibly to enter service but they wont want to take a chance.  3rd time lucky!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on June 14, 2018, 08:26:24 PM
I would say the shipyard is paying out big time.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on June 14, 2018, 08:27:39 PM
Quote from: IFPete on June 14, 2018, 08:26:24 PM
I would say the shipyard is paying out big time.
Depends on what was negotiated in the contract.  Could even be a case of arbitration.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on June 17, 2018, 03:23:38 PM
The delays now are not excusable. Hopefully the missing parts particularly for the electrical system will arrive before the end of june.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on June 18, 2018, 01:26:29 AM
Quote from: IFPete on June 17, 2018, 03:23:38 PM
The delays now are not excusable. Hopefully the missing parts particularly for the electrical system will arrive before the end of june.
That depends on the cause of the delay.  Has the specification changed mid-build for example (not saying it has, but it wouldn't be the first time)?  3 months isn't really all that long to be honest in the grand scheme of things (heck, pride of Kent was out for about 6 months for repairs!).  It's seems longer because the build time was so short in the first place, something that was no doubt dictated by commercial pressure from the purchaser (who for all we know were warned at the time things might slip due to the rather optimistic schedule - a schedule that experienced builders of large RoPax ferries would struggle with.  That FSG say they are paying suppliers directly indicates a third party or middle man is at fault.  It could happen to any yard in the world. 

It's easy for us to sit behind our keyboards or touch screen and say this is unacceptable, but in reality we know very little.  The nature of shipbuilding and certification means that what seems to be a relatively trivial component can cause a major knock on delay if it is delayed or even faulty.  I doubt a lot of this stuff is sitting around on shelves gathering dust either.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on June 18, 2018, 08:58:07 AM
For bespoke interior parts this is a risk, however the electrical system is hardly bespoke.

I agree the build time was ambitious, however FSG did a very good job building and launching in four month,

I am just wondering if they would have been better to contract a cruise ship interiors specialist for the fittout.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on June 20, 2018, 11:21:11 PM
Quote from: IFPete on June 18, 2018, 08:58:07 AM
For bespoke interior parts this is a risk, however the electrical system is hardly bespoke.

I agree the build time was ambitious, however FSG did a very good job building and launching in four month,

I am just wondering if they would have been better to contract a cruise ship interiors specialist for the fittout.
Any ship is effectively a mobile power plant, and needs to be able to provide a stable voltage in both AC and DC.  For example the Superfast VII class output around 5,400kW from their diesel generators alone. Providing 1000kW + for each transverse thruster on-demand puts a huge strain on the electrical system of a ship for example.  Add the demands of all the other essential onboard systems plus those from lighting, heating, onboard entertainment, and supplying power to refrigerated vehicles and you have a huge electrical demand.  To put that into perspective, the average UK household draws a max of around 700w at peak (thats watts, not kilowatts).  You cant just go down to your local hardware store or electrical wholesaler and by the electrical components and cabling for a 54,000 ton ferry.  If you could I'm sure FSG would have done so!

Like many industrial systems, electrical components for large vessels have lead times.  Given the cost of things like bridge systems there aren't large stocks of the specific items needed sitting around on shelves somewhere.  As with plumbing, the design of the electrical system will be largely bespoke to the class (its one of the economies gained by building multiple units to the same design).  In the case of FSG a 12 driver RoRo will require a very different electrical system to W.B YEATS as the demands on the system will be very different. 

With regard to fit-out, I'm not 100% on who is doing the interior fit out if I'm honest.  However, given the names of the suppliers we DO know I doubt they've just brought in the local handyman to do the work.  However what I can say is that procurement and installation for items consisting from shaft generators to bridge systems (including all cabling and installation) WAS outsourced to a very well known name in the maritime sector.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ulysses17 on June 24, 2018, 06:14:20 AM
Ulysses 0240 and 0805 sailings cancelled. Quoting technical. The price seems fairly high this year for not sending to dry dock?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cillian on June 24, 2018, 09:19:05 AM
Travelled back on the superfast X last night and i thought Ulysses was moving very slow.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on June 24, 2018, 08:02:46 PM
Ulysses delayed again tonight and tomorrow passengers transferred to 'alternative' 0230 and 1400 Holyhead sailings (Stena?). Looks like Ulysses maybe docked in Holyhead for repairs or taken out of service to go to be repaired.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on June 24, 2018, 08:20:22 PM
how do shifts work on Ulysses? 1 crew working the 0805 DUB-HOL until the 2055 DUB-HOL when the 2nd crew take over? Captain always seems to be present announcing on the 0805 DUB and 1410 HOL at-least.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on June 25, 2018, 11:33:56 AM
Ulysses running a few hours behind schedule with further cancellations. All passengers for today's 14.10 ex Holyhead have been transferred onto Stena Adventurer at 14.00. Tomorrow's  (26th June)02.40 from Holyhead also cancelled with passengers transferred to Stena at 02.30 and the 008.05 ex Dublin also cancelled with passengers transferred onto the Swift.
The phrase "almighty cock-up" seems to suit the terrible decisions made by the management of Irish Ferries this year.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ulysses17 on June 26, 2018, 03:23:40 PM
According to Irish ferries freight website all Ulysses sailings are cancelled until further notice, and epsilon will move schedules to cover Ulysses from Saturday until the Ulysses returns from dry dock. Yet passenger website still shows as on Time?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on June 26, 2018, 04:20:24 PM
Quote from: Ulysses17 on June 26, 2018, 03:23:40 PM
According to Irish ferries freight website all Ulysses sailings are cancelled until further notice, and epsilon will move schedules to cover Ulysses from Saturday until the Ulysses returns from dry dock. Yet passenger website still shows as on Time?

She is on her way to Belfast for repairs. Epsilon is sticking to her own timetable but no Dublin-Cherbourg this weekend.
How to loose customers by the "boat load".
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LongTimeReader on June 26, 2018, 06:18:48 PM
I think the fact it's appearing on RTE demonstrates how badly wrong this has gone for them. It's been a bad season of publicity for IF.

https://www.rte.ie/news/2018/0626/973383-irish-ferries-cancels-ulysses-journeys-due-to-fault/

There's certainly going to be a lack of capacity on the Irish Sea it seems.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on June 26, 2018, 08:54:09 PM
Not been a great year publicly for Irish Ferries, with hindsight they should have done this earlier in the year when the Stena Carrier was sitting idle in DL, they could have covered unaccompanied freight and used Epsilon, or brought Inishmore up and used Carrier for excess freight.

Stena RoRo were only a phone call way !

Would not be surprised to see Inishmore and Epsilon swap if this goes on longer than expected, with excess pax transfer to Stena.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ulysses17 on June 26, 2018, 10:53:30 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on June 26, 2018, 08:54:09 PM
Not been a great year publicly for Irish Ferries, with hindsight they should have done this earlier in the year when the Stena Carrier was sitting idle in DL, they could have covered unaccompanied freight and used Epsilon, or brought Inishmore up and used Carrier for excess freight.

Stena RoRo were only a phone call way !

Would not be surprised to see Inishmore and Epsilon swap if this goes on longer than expected, with excess pax transfer to Stena.

As far as I am aware there are issues with the Epsilon being able to berth in Pembrooke so a change over isn't possible.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on June 26, 2018, 11:48:54 PM
ULYSSES is currently at anchor at Belfast Anchorage (off Bangor) and is expected to remain so until at least Thursday Morning.  She is not expected back in service until at least mid-next week.

https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-ulysses-belfast-tonight/

To be honest it is not uncommon for ferries to be dry docked bi-annually.  Both Stena and Brittany Ferries have done so in the past without any major issues.  Irish Ferries have been caught out here, but there's no guarantee that this issue wouldn't have happened anyway had she been dry docked earlier in the year!  Still, on top of her well documented rudder issues earlier in the year it doesn't look good.  2018 hasn't been kind to Irish Ferries.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: awaityourreply on June 27, 2018, 12:50:47 AM
Re: "Irish Ferries cancels Dublin to Holyhead sailings until middle of next week"

Other media outlets who compiled reports on this latest issue to effect Irish Ferries sailing schedule this Summer is below here:

https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/irish-ferries-ship-ulysses-taken-out-of-service-due-to-technical-issue-37053407.html

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/irish-ferries-cancels-ulysses-sailings-due-to-technical-issue-1.3544801

https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/irish-ferries-cancels-dublin-to-holyhead-sailings-until-middle-of-next-week-851325.html

http://www.thejournal.ie/irish-ferries-dublin-holyhead-cancelled-4093773-Jun2018/

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on June 27, 2018, 11:16:02 PM
Extra Swift sailings over the weekend, as expected, departing Dublin at 20:30 arriving back from Holyhead at 01:40 first sailing at this time on Friday. Also noted that no new bookings are being taken for some sailings on Dublin-Holyhead route, this quote from IF.

"Due to a technical issue with our cruise ferry Ulysses, some sailings on the Dublin to Holyhead route are currently not accepting new bookings. If you have an existing booking and wish to amend it, please call us. Passengers on affected Ulysses sailings are currently being contacted and offered an alternative sailing. Please be patient. We apologise for this inconvenience."
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on June 29, 2018, 11:09:58 AM
Epsilon has now taken over Ulysses roster with passengers affected by her cancellations being transferred onto Stena Superfast X.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on June 29, 2018, 11:26:10 AM
Have we heard what is actually wrong with Ulysses? I'm sure this must be more than rudder problems again - especially given her recent lack of speed.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on June 29, 2018, 10:07:11 PM
Quote from: Davy Jones on June 29, 2018, 11:26:10 AM
Have we heard what is actually wrong with Ulysses? I'm sure this must be more than rudder problems again - especially given her recent lack of speed.
One of her propeller shafts needs replaced.  Not a quick job I'm afraid, so much so I personally wouldn't be surprised to see her back even later than currently expected.

https://www.niferry.co.uk/ulysses-dry-dock-friday/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on June 30, 2018, 11:35:32 AM
I would not be surprised if this shaft has been in storage for such a rainy day event, its too critical an item not to have ready to go just like having a spare engine for an aircraft.

I too questioned IOI not coming to the rescue, however at this time of year passenger , coach and car loads are at Premium and the Swift is well suited to this especially with the weather break we are having. If this happened in spring or winter i believe a different decision would have been made.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on June 30, 2018, 12:16:52 PM
Any update on the progress? dry dock been drained or any work started?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on June 30, 2018, 06:03:30 PM
Quote from: ferryman972411 on June 30, 2018, 12:16:52 PM
Any update on the progress? dry dock been drained or any work started?
Dry dock definitely drained.  No point bringing her in unless they are starting work - dry docking costs money.

Quote from: IFPete on June 30, 2018, 11:35:32 AM
I too questioned IOI not coming to the rescue, however at this time of year passenger , coach and car loads are at Premium and the Swift is well suited to this especially with the weather break we are having. If this happened in spring or winter i believe a different decision would have been made.
I wouldn't be surprised if she did should Ulysses be away longer than expected.  What that would mean for Rosslare is anyones guess.  They could certainly do with retaining Epsilons freight capacity at Dublin, but they are down 4000lm - thats two Inishmore's!  Those important (year-round) freight customers will only tolerate so much.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out which is the more important route - Holyhead has 3 vessels (carrying the best part of 7000lm of freight per trip) versus Pembroke's one!  Its a horrible situation for them, but it could be worse - it could have been mid-July or August.  Of course it doesn't help that they are already a ship down from what they envisioned.

Unfortunately its one of those things, and it could have happened regardless if Ulysses had been dry docked earlier in the year or not.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on June 30, 2018, 06:08:58 PM
Here she is arriving in Belfast.

More here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tarbyonline/albums/72157662816041384

and here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/scottmackey/albums/72157624023002901

(unfortunately a size limit on this forum so unable to upload more/better quality)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on June 30, 2018, 10:16:15 PM
I cannot see Ulysses being back in action for 10 days or more to be honest.

I am sure they will do some painting and other repairs in parrallel.

Monday and Tuesday are normally quieter days for traffic.

If Ulysses is not back in service by wednesday morning IOI will most likely move north to cover the freight.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on June 30, 2018, 10:58:16 PM
Dont think it has been posted here, but this is what Irish Ferries said to freight customers

QuoteIrish Ferries Freight is acutely aware and sincerely apologetic for the disruption that we know our service failure is going to cause to your business and to that of your customers over the next number of days in the absence of Ulysses from the Irish Sea. The vessel has to go to into dry dock immediately. At this point our best estimate for a full return to service is next Wednesday, 4th July. All Ulysses sailings are cancelled until further notice.

The freight website says mid next week at present, and I note she's back on the 4th according to the live schedule on the site, but of course that will depend on what happens at the yard.  One of the problems with replacing a shaft is it needs to be aligned perfectly, even a mm or two off isn't good enough.  As for other work being carried out, that will depend on whether ICG are going to pay for it to be done and whether it could delay her return in any way (such as waiting for contractors). 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 01, 2018, 12:35:39 AM
Praying all goes well and Ulysses is back in service as planned. Booked to travel Friday as foot passenger on her and cannot stand Epsilon so they only other alternative would be ask for a transfer to Adventurer. Suppose we'll have to wait till Mon/Tues and see if there's any update.

Tbh don't think they'll even risk the delay and start fixing other minor issues/painting. The hassle Ulysses being out of service has caused them and the delays to other services because of the increased loads has been huge. Heard some stories of passengers booked on orginal Epsilon schedule sailings even being transferred to P&O on the Liverpool-Dublin. It's just costing them too much and creating so much bad press, alongside the already delayed Yeats which was bad enough
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 01, 2018, 11:40:44 AM
All bookings for Epsilons Ulysses sailings are blocked out.

Some Swift Sailings are available including the addtional evening sailing to Holyhead,

I assume most passengers and cars are being transfered to Swift or Stena.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 01, 2018, 02:27:43 PM
Anyone know whats happened to the crew? Are they still aboard during dry dock or were they put up in hotels in Dublin with the Swift crew before the ship left for Belfast?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 01, 2018, 02:35:18 PM
I am sure some hotels in the IFSC got a block booking from Irish Ferries for the period,

This is a high season in Dublin so i would say it was not cheap,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Dart on July 01, 2018, 09:01:19 PM
Quote from: IFPete on July 01, 2018, 02:35:18 PM
I am sure some hotels in the IFSC got a block booking from Irish Ferries for the period,

This is a high season in Dublin so i would say it was not cheap,

If only they employed more local crew, wouldn't need to pay for hotels  :D
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: The insider on July 01, 2018, 09:57:15 PM
Irish Ferries. ..what a joke.Nothing Irish about them.They shouldn't  be allowed  call themselves  that
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 01, 2018, 10:23:54 PM
Quote from: ferryman972411 on July 01, 2018, 12:35:39 AM
Praying all goes well and Ulysses is back in service as planned. Booked to travel Friday as foot passenger on her and cannot stand Epsilon so they only other alternative would be ask for a transfer to Adventurer. Suppose we'll have to wait till Mon/Tues and see if there's any update.

Tbh don't think they'll even risk the delay and start fixing other minor issues/painting. The hassle Ulysses being out of service has caused them and the delays to other services because of the increased loads has been huge. Heard some stories of passengers booked on orginal Epsilon schedule sailings even being transferred to P&O on the Liverpool-Dublin. It's just costing them too much and creating so much bad press, alongside the already delayed Yeats which was bad enough

Ulysses is due back on the 4th if it is delayed you will be contacted and transferred onto the Swift Epsilond oes not and has never taken foot pax.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 01, 2018, 10:26:39 PM
Quote from: IFPete on July 01, 2018, 02:35:18 PM
I am sure some hotels in the IFSC got a block booking from Irish Ferries for the period,

This is a high season in Dublin so i would say it was not cheap,
No chance of Irish Ferries paying for hotels, for one the staff are not Irish Ferries employees, they are agency staff, secondly some of them will have been deployed to operate the extra Swift sailing and some may have remained on-board Ulysses.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 01, 2018, 10:43:24 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on July 01, 2018, 10:23:54 PM
Quote from: ferryman972411 on July 01, 2018, 12:35:39 AM
Praying all goes well and Ulysses is back in service as planned. Booked to travel Friday as foot passenger on her and cannot stand Epsilon so they only other alternative would be ask for a transfer to Adventurer. Suppose we'll have to wait till Mon/Tues and see if there's any update.

Tbh don't think they'll even risk the delay and start fixing other minor issues/painting. The hassle Ulysses being out of service has caused them and the delays to other services because of the increased loads has been huge. Heard some stories of passengers booked on orginal Epsilon schedule sailings even being transferred to P&O on the Liverpool-Dublin. It's just costing them too much and creating so much bad press, alongside the already delayed Yeats which was bad enough

Ulysses is due back on the 4th if it is delayed you will be contacted and transferred onto the Swift Epsilond oes not and has never taken foot pax.

I thought Epsilon used to take foot passengers when the swift was cancelled over xmas? Reckon theres any chance of transfer onto Adventurer as a foot pax?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 01, 2018, 10:47:57 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on July 01, 2018, 10:26:39 PM
Quote from: IFPete on July 01, 2018, 02:35:18 PM
I am sure some hotels in the IFSC got a block booking from Irish Ferries for the period,

This is a high season in Dublin so i would say it was not cheap,
No chance of Irish Ferries paying for hotels, for one the staff are not Irish Ferries employees, they are agency staff, secondly some of them will have been deployed to operate the extra Swift sailing and some may have remained on-board Ulysses.

Where are the Swift crew staying while Ulysses is in belfast then?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 01, 2018, 10:50:28 PM
Quote from: ferryman972411 on July 01, 2018, 10:47:57 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on July 01, 2018, 10:26:39 PM
Quote from: IFPete on July 01, 2018, 02:35:18 PM
I am sure some hotels in the IFSC got a block booking from Irish Ferries for the period,

This is a high season in Dublin so i would say it was not cheap,
No chance of Irish Ferries paying for hotels, for one the staff are not Irish Ferries employees, they are agency staff, secondly some of them will have been deployed to operate the extra Swift sailing and some may have remained on-board Ulysses.


Where are the Swift crew staying while Ulysses is in belfast then?

On Epsilon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Fast Ferry Fan on July 02, 2018, 12:13:35 AM
Must be the first time the Swift (or "a Swift") has run thrice daily for well over 10 years.

What are the loadings like on the extra sailing?

For those passengers transferred to Stena, what payments from IF would be expected to apply - ie will it be at a discount or surcharge to the passenger fares received?

Given what has happened over the summer, IF might be better served by starting to do to their customers what Ryanair have long done with regards to shareholders - under-promise and over-deliver.

Were there changes at board level in the last 12 months or so which mean that there has been less oversight than before which could have lead to the issues experienced by passengers?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 02, 2018, 06:38:14 PM
Just read an update on fb that IF have advised freight companies return is now Friday. Ulysses also taken off booking engine till friday
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 02, 2018, 07:23:41 PM
Quote from: ferryman972411 on July 02, 2018, 06:38:14 PM
Just read an update on fb that IF have advised freight companies return is now Friday. Ulysses also taken off booking engine till friday
According to the freight timetable she's back with the 08:05 ex Dub.  However she's not currently expected to leave Belfast until Thursday night.  Even then that's unconfirmed, so it's a case of wait and see I suppose.  It's not a job that can be rushed.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 02, 2018, 07:27:41 PM
Quote from: Steven on July 02, 2018, 07:23:41 PM
Quote from: ferryman972411 on July 02, 2018, 06:38:14 PM
Just read an update on fb that IF have advised freight companies return is now Friday. Ulysses also taken off booking engine till friday
According to the freight timetable she's back with the 08:05 ex Dub.  However she's not currently expected to leave Belfast until Thursday night.  Even then that's unconfirmed, so it's a case of wait and see I suppose.  It's not a job that can be rushed.

wheres the info for when she's destined to leave belfast?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 03, 2018, 08:12:57 AM
Quote from: Steven on June 12, 2018, 08:41:35 PM
As I've detailed on NI Ferry Site, W.B. YEATS is now off the booking engine.  Totally.  Oscar is doing some Dublin to France sailings at the start of October by the looks of things with Swift still coming off the schedule on October 8th.  Strangely just Ulysses on the Dublin - Holyhead route from then forward at the moment!

https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-cancels-all-sailings-of-wb-yeats/ (https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-cancels-all-sailings-of-wb-yeats/)

All sorts of speculation flying around as to what the exact delay is and who is responsible.

W.B. YEATS place as second ship has been taken by...  OSCAR WILDE.  Could be an issue for freight if things stay that way. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 03, 2018, 11:27:27 AM
At that rate Irish Continental Group would have shares in Sian Industies.

My feeling is Irish Ferries will not publish anything until after the sea trials.

It seams so strange that after all the good work the shipyard did they could end up is such a bad place on this build.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 03, 2018, 06:29:16 PM
Ulysses undertaking sea trials thursday for service on friday ex dub 0805
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: pdnr777 on July 03, 2018, 07:28:07 PM
Does anybody know what is wrong with Isle of Inishmore. My parents currently travelling on it today from Pembroke to Rosslare. They were told when they checked in at Pembroke that the ship would dock in Rosslare at least 45 mins late due to engine troubles
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 03, 2018, 07:50:16 PM
Maybe she is going to Drydock after Ulysses
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on July 04, 2018, 08:04:47 AM
Quote from: pdnr777 on July 03, 2018, 07:28:07 PM
Does anybody know what is wrong with Isle of Inishmore. My parents currently travelling on it today from Pembroke to Rosslare. They were told when they checked in at Pembroke that the ship would dock in Rosslare at least 45 mins late due to engine troubles
She's emotional over Ulysses ha ha.  You said it was engine so why ask
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 04, 2018, 06:13:10 PM
Anyone got anymore info on ulysses?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on July 04, 2018, 07:00:48 PM
May explain why they didn't bring her North to cover Ulysses' hospitalisation.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 05, 2018, 12:49:03 AM
Quote from: ferryman972411 on July 04, 2018, 06:13:10 PM
Anyone got anymore info on ulysses?

Due to leave dry dock around midday last I heard (and no she doesn't appear to have been painted or anything incase anyone is wondering).  She'll probably need trials given the nature of the problem, so hopefully those go well.  Still scheduled to be back on the 08:05 on Friday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 05, 2018, 10:52:38 AM
Ulysses due to take the 0240 ex Holyhead on the 6th July.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 05, 2018, 11:22:55 AM
Epsilon scheduled to take 2055 Dublin- Holyhead and Ulysses due to take 0240 Holyhead - Dublin  and Epsilon 0830 Holyhead - Dublin
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 05, 2018, 12:56:25 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on July 05, 2018, 10:52:38 AM
Ulysses due to take the 0240 ex Holyhead on the 6th July.
Not any more.  Now lot leaving Belfast Dry Dock until this Saturday 7th
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on July 05, 2018, 01:02:28 PM
Ulysses put back until Saturday 8.05
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 05, 2018, 01:24:14 PM
Quote from: Steven on July 05, 2018, 12:56:25 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on July 05, 2018, 10:52:38 AM
Ulysses due to take the 0240 ex Holyhead on the 6th July.
Not any more.  Now lot leaving Belfast Dry Dock until this Saturday 7th

How'd you know
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 05, 2018, 04:03:56 PM
Irish Ferries sailing updates show her on the 0240 on Friday morning here
https://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/sailing-updates/dublin-holyhead/
and Dublin Port show her arriving in Dublin at 0530 here
http://dublinport.ie/transfer/letter.html

but all are subject to change of course.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 05, 2018, 05:11:56 PM
no one said this repair would be easy
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 05, 2018, 05:53:26 PM
Quote from: SEA on July 05, 2018, 01:02:28 PM
Ulysses put back until Saturday 8.05

Timetable now shows Ulysses first Sailing 0240 Holyhead - Dublin
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 05, 2018, 09:15:16 PM
Just been confirmed been moved from ulysses to adventurer tomorrow on the 2pm ex holyhead. how does it compare with regards to space and seating? Are foot passengers bussed at both ends? any tips appreciated
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Liam on July 05, 2018, 09:45:04 PM
Quote from: ferryman972411 on July 05, 2018, 09:15:16 PM
Just been confirmed been moved from ulysses to adventurer tomorrow on the 2pm ex holyhead. how does it compare with regards to space and seating? Are foot passengers bussed at both ends? any tips appreciated
Foot passangers are bussed at both ends. There is plenty of space and seating. Try get a seat in the living room lounge beside the Bar :)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 05, 2018, 10:06:52 PM
Quote from: Liam on July 05, 2018, 09:45:04 PM
Quote from: ferryman972411 on July 05, 2018, 09:15:16 PM
Just been confirmed been moved from ulysses to adventurer tomorrow on the 2pm ex holyhead. how does it compare with regards to space and seating? Are foot passengers bussed at both ends? any tips appreciated
Foot passangers are bussed at both ends. There is plenty of space and seating. Try get a seat in the living room lounge beside the Bar :)

thanks! reckon we'd be ok drinking own alcohol? is security more tight on the stena side than IF?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Liam on July 05, 2018, 10:15:37 PM
you will be fine no security at Dublin port and the staff are relaxed on the boat you will be fine. enjoy :)
Quote from: ferryman972411 on July 05, 2018, 10:06:52 PM
Quote from: Liam on July 05, 2018, 09:45:04 PM
Quote from: ferryman972411 on July 05, 2018, 09:15:16 PM
Just been confirmed been moved from ulysses to adventurer tomorrow on the 2pm ex holyhead. how does it compare with regards to space and seating? Are foot passengers bussed at both ends? any tips appreciated
Foot passangers are bussed at both ends. There is plenty of space and seating. Try get a seat in the living room lounge beside the Bar :)

thanks! reckon we'd be ok drinking own alcohol? is security more tight on the stena side than IF?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 05, 2018, 10:18:37 PM
Quote from: Liam on July 05, 2018, 10:15:37 PM
you will be fine no security at Dublin port and the staff are relaxed on the boat you will be fine. enjoy :)
Quote from: ferryman972411 on July 05, 2018, 10:06:52 PM
Quote from: Liam on July 05, 2018, 09:45:04 PM
Quote from: ferryman972411 on July 05, 2018, 09:15:16 PM
Just been confirmed been moved from ulysses to adventurer tomorrow on the 2pm ex holyhead. how does it compare with regards to space and seating? Are foot passengers bussed at both ends? any tips appreciated
Foot passangers are bussed at both ends. There is plenty of space and seating. Try get a seat in the living room lounge beside the Bar :)



thanks! reckon we'd be ok drinking own alcohol? is security more tight on the stena side than IF?

cheers, is security at holyhead though isn't there?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Liam on July 05, 2018, 10:31:55 PM
yes there is but i have seen people with it boarding the the boat that security seen at holyhead they just let them pass. Any updates on ulysses is she out of dry dock.
Quote from: ferryman972411 on July 05, 2018, 10:18:37 PM
Quote from: Liam on July 05, 2018, 10:15:37 PM
you will be fine no security at Dublin port and the staff are relaxed on the boat you will be fine. enjoy :)
Quote from: ferryman972411 on July 05, 2018, 10:06:52 PM
Quote from: Liam on July 05, 2018, 09:45:04 PM
Quote from: ferryman972411 on July 05, 2018, 09:15:16 PM
Just been confirmed been moved from ulysses to adventurer tomorrow on the 2pm ex holyhead. how does it compare with regards to space and seating? Are foot passengers bussed at both ends? any tips appreciated
Foot passangers are bussed at both ends. There is plenty of space and seating. Try get a seat in the living room lounge beside the Bar :)



thanks! reckon we'd be ok drinking own alcohol? is security more tight on the stena side than IF?

cheers, is security at holyhead though isn't there?
you will be fine . :)                                                       
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 05, 2018, 10:37:47 PM
As I said earlier, subject to change, Ulysses is back to the 0805 ex Dub on Saturday. Meanwhile Swift has made an extra unscheduled crossing tonight.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 06, 2018, 12:29:37 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on July 05, 2018, 10:37:47 PM
As I said earlier, subject to change, Ulysses is back to the 0805 ex Dub on Saturday. Meanwhile Swift has made an extra unscheduled crossing tonight.

Irish Ferries ULYSSES departure from H&W Belfast has been pushed back again.  Currently no indication of when she is leaving.  Irish Ferries appear to be taking her off the schedule as I type.  It appears her issues are much more serious than thought though, with no current indication of how long this will last.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on July 06, 2018, 12:54:03 PM
According to IF website  the 0200 sailing of Epsilon tomorrow is cancelled due to technical reasons
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 06, 2018, 01:14:33 PM
At this stage I wouldn't rely on any information on their website, it is not being updated in real time. No Dublin to Cherbourg again this weekend putting even more pressure on Rosslare services. No Dublin-Holyhead bookings being taken for Monday and Ulysses atm only reappearing on Tuesday for the evening crossing.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 06, 2018, 01:25:19 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on July 06, 2018, 01:14:33 PM
At this stage I wouldn't rely on any information on their website, it is not being updated in real time. No Dublin to Cherbourg again this weekend putting even more pressure on Rosslare services. No Dublin-Holyhead bookings being taken for Monday and Ulysses atm only reappearing on Tuesday for the evening crossing.

I wouldn't at all be surprised to see it go on longer than that unfortunately.  The timing is terrible as well.  No time is a good time for these things to happen, but summer is surely one of the worst
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 06, 2018, 01:35:09 PM
Same thing happened to Aer lingus with three longhaul A330 aircraft all going tech in july and August simultaniously.

Its just the luck of the draw. Its a real pity Epsilon does not not have the ability to operate out of pembroke dock.

The real hero to come out of this is the Swift. She has performed very well helped by the good weather and last night took the passengers, cars and possibly the eurolines coaches to holyhead on an additional 0830 - 2230 DUB - HLY and 2330 - 0120 HYL - DUB Sailing.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on July 06, 2018, 01:38:29 PM
I hear Ulysses is definitely  off  the run until at least Monday or Tuesday, as Stephen said its getting serious .;
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 06, 2018, 02:58:07 PM
Quote from: SEA on July 06, 2018, 01:38:29 PM
I hear Ulysses is definitely  off  the run until at least Monday or Tuesday, as Stephen said its getting serious .;
She's already off the timetable until Tuesday, though as ferryfan says you can't really trust she'll be back then either

Not sure how Epsilon being able to operate out of Pembroke would help?  Freight is already backed up and she has more lane metres than Inishmore (though at least they should get a lot of drops cleared over the weekend).  Doubt Europe could cope alone out of Rosslare at this time of year either, though perhaps Holyhead Js the greater need now.  In any case, it's a no-win situation.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 06, 2018, 03:51:24 PM
Just beeen posted on Facebook that expected departure from dry dock for Ulysses is 17th July.  I expect she'll need trials after that too.....
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 06, 2018, 05:52:21 PM
If Ulysses is delayed to 17th July IOI will have to come north, Irish Ferries and Stena cannot cope for that length of time with Ulysses out of action.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: The insider on July 06, 2018, 06:12:23 PM
Stena can cope ...they are full every sailing  and laughing  all the way to the bank
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 06, 2018, 07:38:17 PM
Quote from: IFPete on July 06, 2018, 05:52:21 PM
If Ulysses is delayed to 17th July IOI will have to come north, Irish Ferries and Stena cannot cope for that length of time with Ulysses out of action.
It's still a no win situation though - Europe on her own in mid-July?  Maybe Inishmore could manage without Europe but not the other way round.  Can't think of anything that might be available on the charter market either - for freight OR passengers.  They could really be doing with WB YEATS right now, that's for sure!

Given the comments I'm having to delete on the NI Ferry Site Facebook page, I really feel for all the staff involved.  Both at IF and Stena!  At the end of the day they are the ones having to take the abuse.  Don't think I'd much fancy a crossing on Epsilon operating with her PC maxed out either :s.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 06, 2018, 08:01:19 PM
The real unknown factor is how close WB Yeats is to serviceablity. It was originally due to enter service next Friday.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 06, 2018, 08:41:51 PM
Quote from: IFPete on July 06, 2018, 08:01:19 PM
The real unknown factor is how close WB Yeats is to serviceablity. It was originally due to enter service next Friday.
Given they've cleared her off the timetable totally now I'm minded to say pretty far off!  Certainly not close enough to cover Ulysses next week anyway ;).
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: sgraIRL on July 06, 2018, 09:23:16 PM
Quote from: SEA on July 06, 2018, 12:54:03 PM
According to IF website  the 0200 sailing of Epsilon tomorrow is cancelled due to technical reasons

What is going on with the Epsilon now?  2 out of 3 daily sailings by the Epsilon listed as cancelled on the IF website due to 'Operational Reasons' for yesterday & today..


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 06, 2018, 09:51:11 PM
Epsilon is covering Ulysses Schedule.

Swift did not travel to Holyhead tonight so Epsilons load must be manageable.

I wonder if there is any spare freight tonnage in North sea or Baltic due to summer industry closures.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: The insider on July 06, 2018, 10:58:25 PM
Stena  are the only winners here let's be honest
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 07, 2018, 02:30:31 AM
Quote from: IFPete on July 06, 2018, 09:51:11 PM
Epsilon is covering Ulysses Schedule.

Swift did not travel to Holyhead tonight so Epsilons load must be manageable.

I wonder if there is any spare freight tonnage in North sea or Baltic due to summer industry closures.
Freight loads are low over the weekend so they can clear any backlog (and the IS a backlog I hear at Holyhead).  By they I mean both operators.  Freight will always find a way.  Problem for IF is when it comes to renewal time, how long are their memories!?  They've built their reputation on having the "most reliable ferry in the world" but this year that's been far from the truth.

Only reason to deploy swift realistically is pax.  Her freight capacity isn't zero, but it isn't significant either in the grand scheme of things.  Of course the further in to summer we get the more pax demand there will be.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on July 07, 2018, 10:45:43 AM
On the Europe this morning  [8am out of Rosslare]. It is probably about a third full. While this is a wholly random snapshot it does suggest that at the moment she has a fair bit of unused capacity. One other point; we are told that it is running slow [due in 10 minutes late].
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 07, 2018, 11:48:57 AM
Quote from: Steven on July 07, 2018, 02:30:31 AM
Quote from: IFPete on July 06, 2018, 09:51:11 PM
Epsilon is covering Ulysses Schedule.

Swift did not travel to Holyhead tonight so Epsilons load must be manageable.

I wonder if there is any spare freight tonnage in North sea or Baltic due to summer industry closures.
Freight loads are low over the weekend so they can clear any backlog (and the IS a backlog I hear at Holyhead).  By they I mean both operators.  Freight will always find a way.  Problem for IF is when it comes to renewal time, how long are their memories!?  They've built their reputation on having the "most reliable ferry in the world" but this year that's been far from the truth.

Only reason to deploy swift realistically is pax.  Her freight capacity isn't zero, but it isn't significant either in the grand scheme of things.  Of course the further in to summer we get the more pax demand there will be.
Deploying Swift frees up freight space for Epsilon and takes pressure off Stena. I wonder if the pressure really came on would Seatruck be leased to take unaccompanied freight to and from Holyhead.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 07, 2018, 01:40:36 PM
Anyone know is the 17th July now the earliest possible completion date for Ulysses or is this just a rumour?

I wonder if they have balance problems with new propeller shaft requiring it to be re-balanced in the machine workshop or did the problem with the Rudder re-materialise.

The booking engine is now taking bookings for Ulysses at 0240 AM Tuesday morning with no bookings being taken for 0805 or 1410 sailings Tuesday to and from Holyhead presumably cancelled to get her shipshape again.

WB Yeats is looking pretty in Flemsberg with little or know activity on her with plastic sheeting blowing in the breeze below her bridge deck, the next launch looks about two weeks away so i guess WB Yeats will be moved to the Quayside in Flemsburg town until her missing parts arrive.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on July 07, 2018, 05:56:04 PM
This is the date now given by Belfast Harbour for her departure so it must be based on more than a rumour...
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 07, 2018, 06:21:38 PM
Quote from: IFPete on July 07, 2018, 01:40:36 PM
Anyone know is the 17th July now the earliest possible completion date for Ulysses or is this just a rumour?

I wonder if they have balance problems with new propeller shaft requiring it to be re-balanced in the machine workshop or did the problem with the Rudder re-materialise.

The booking engine is now taking bookings for Ulysses at 0240 AM Tuesday morning with no bookings being taken for 0805 or 1410 sailings Tuesday to and from Holyhead presumably cancelled to get her shipshape again.

WB Yeats is looking pretty in Flemsberg with little or know activity on her with plastic sheeting blowing in the breeze below her bridge deck, the next launch looks about two weeks away so i guess WB Yeats will be moved to the Quayside in Flemsburg town until her missing parts arrive.
To be blunt they need more than 16 trucks per sailing, and running her wouldn't pay.  If Irish Ferries are that quiet that a 16 unit fast craft can substitute for Ulysses I would be very concerned if I was a shareholder given what they have on order! 

The 17th was posted publicly by someone who would have no problem accessing the Belfast ship movements listing to know.  I would take the Irish Ferries booking system with a large pinch of salt tbh - we've already seen what happens when they cancel a couple of weeks sailings at once!  That was for a vessel making one round trip every 2 days as well...
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 07, 2018, 10:25:36 PM
Then the situation is very serious and IOI will have to move north early next week
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 08, 2018, 02:57:53 AM
Quote from: IFPete on July 07, 2018, 10:25:36 PM
Then the situation is very serious and IOI will have to move north early next week
Problem is, what do you do with IOI's pax?  Especially with Irish Ferries already getting it in the press with regard to Yeats and this latest technical problem with Ulysses.  People have also realised now Rosslare to France is going seasonal (they took their time), so would IF be prepared to piss off another group of people?  Its hardly going to do their reputation any good is it?   Inishmore is not taking huge amounts of freight (certainly not what she would if she moved to Dublin - remember she's only half the freight capacity of Ulysses and a good bit less than Epsilon), but can Europe hold the central corridor on her own at this time of year?  If so then thats very concerning for Rosslare I'd say.  If it was winter then it would not be such an issue given the differences in seasonal demand, and they could juggle Oscar about a bit perhaps to release Inishmore (or use her as a super sub if it had been when she's gone seasonal), but its summer holiday time.

The only possible partial solution I can think of is if they can get a ro-ro from somewhere at short notice on a short-term charter to move freight (Arrow might have been an option, albeit not a very big one, was she not already sub-chartered out to condor).  That will only move drops of course but its better than nothing and might free up a bit of space.  The chances of finding a suitable passenger vessel at this time are very slim I would have thought.  Stena are taking everything they can and to be frank the other central corridor operators are busy with their own routes and taking the overspill were thats an option.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 08, 2018, 12:16:24 PM
My point about the use of the swift was it was freeing up freight space on espsilon by taking the eurolines coaches, vans cars and passengers. I agree they are down 1300 lane meters on the ulysses sailings alone plus what ever epsilon was carrying on her own roster. As you say there are not many passenger ferries out there available that can carry in excess of 2800 lane metres. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 09, 2018, 06:28:42 AM
Quote from: IFPete on July 08, 2018, 12:16:24 PM
My point about the use of the swift was it was freeing up freight space on espsilon by taking the eurolines coaches, vans cars and passengers. I agree they are down 1300 lane meters on the ulysses sailings alone plus what ever epsilon was carrying on her own roster. As you say there are not many passenger ferries out there available that can carry in excess of 2800 lane metres.
Again, passenger demand is low at night.  If it wasn't then there would always be a swift sailing then. Dublin Swift is an expensive craft to operate, even more so if there isn't much in the way of passengers.  Does Epsilon not have a lower hold for cars?  The Visentini series generally do for around 70 cars up to around 1.8m high but I'm not too familiar with Epsilon's unique layout if I'm honest (Stena superfast X also has a car hold of course).  There's also the crew and other operational considerations to think about as well - if they aren't getting in to Dublin until almost 2am can they be expected to sail out again at 8:30 for another full days schedule?  Operating the odd extra sailing isn't the same as doing it for a few weeks.

In any case there is a backlog of freight so obviously they are not coping!  Swift and the two Stena ships will be taking the bulk of the passenger traffic of course.  At the end of the day freight carriers using Irish Ferries have their arrangement with Irish Ferries, so who could blame Stena for prioritising their own customers?  If Irish Ferries want to shift more freight then they need another ship, not just a few transfers to an extra (expensive to operate) Dublin Swift sailing.  Of course it won't just be Stena taking more traffic either, P&O and Seatruck should be busier than usual as well.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 09, 2018, 08:55:27 AM
It's official, Ulysses is out for up to a further 2 weeks.  Swift to do extra sailings but no detail of when or how often (this is a stock market announcement btw).

Irish Continental Group Plc (ICG)

Disruption to the vessel Ulysses

ICG announces that the Ulysses, operated by ICG's subsidiary Irish Ferries on the Dublin / Holyhead route, reported technical difficulties with its Starboard Controllable Pitch Propeller on the 24th June.  The vessel entered drydock in Belfast on the 28th June. The investigation and repairs to the vessel were expected to take no longer than 5 days allowing her to resume service on the 4th July. We have now been informed by service engineers that the issue is more serious than originally anticipated and they expect the vessel will be out of service for a further period of 1 to 2 weeks.

In advance of her return to service, we will adjust the schedules of our other vessels to minimise the disruption to our customers as much as possible. The Dublin / Holyhead route will operate with the Epsilon on the Ulysses schedule alongside the Dublin Swift which will operate additional evening sailings.

Irish Ferries would like to apologise to all our passenger and freight customers for this technical disruption. Despite our best efforts we can find no replacement tonnage in what is now the peak tourism season. It is the first major disruption on the Ulysses since her deployment on the Dublin Holyhead service in 2001.
https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/07/09/1534379/0/en/Disruption-to-the-vessel-Ulysses.html
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 09, 2018, 09:13:42 AM
Quote from: Steven on July 09, 2018, 06:28:42 AM
Quote from: IFPete on July 08, 2018, 12:16:24 PM
My point about the use of the swift was it was freeing up freight space on espsilon by taking the eurolines coaches, vans cars and passengers. I agree they are down 1300 lane meters on the ulysses sailings alone plus what ever epsilon was carrying on her own roster. As you say there are not many passenger ferries out there available that can carry in excess of 2800 lane metres.
Again, passenger demand is low at night.  If it wasn't then there would always be a swift sailing then. Dublin Swift is an expensive craft to operate, even more so if there isn't much in the way of passengers.  Does Epsilon not have a lower hold for cars?  The Visentini series generally do for around 70 cars up to around 1.8m high but I'm not too familiar with Epsilon's unique layout if I'm honest (Stena superfast X also has a car hold of course).  There's also the crew and other operational considerations to think about as well - if they aren't getting in to Dublin until almost 2am can they be expected to sail out again at 8:30 for another full days schedule?  Operating the odd extra sailing isn't the same as doing it for a few weeks.

In any case there is a backlog of freight so obviously they are not coping!  Swift and the two Stena ships will be taking the bulk of the passenger traffic of course.  At the end of the day freight carriers using Irish Ferries have their arrangement with Irish Ferries, so who could blame Stena for prioritising their own customers?  If Irish Ferries want to shift more freight then they need another ship, not just a few transfers to an extra (expensive to operate) Dublin Swift sailing.  Of course it won't just be Stena taking more traffic either, P&O and Seatruck should be busier than usual as well.

I understand Epsilon has two lower car decks which it uses to carry new cars from France.

Given the announcement this morning, they obviously decided they needed to keep IOI where she is. No doubt freight is being encouraged to use Rosslare - Pembroke to keep disruption to a minimum.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 09, 2018, 11:01:28 AM
I bet the top brass in IF are praying to the weather gods to keep the winds slack. Swapping  IOI with Epsilon would be pointless as Epsilon has about 260 more lane metres. Car and foot pax will be easier to deal with the extra Swift sailing can cater for over  800 passengers and 250 cars which is probably more than the Ulysses would of carried on the night time return crossing. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 09, 2018, 01:55:28 PM
Irish Sea Service


Ulysses update 09-07-2018


Owing to technical difficulties Ulysses will be out of service for a further period of 1 to 2 weeks
Irish Ferries Freight Notice update

Epsilon will continue to operate on Ulysses schedule


Depart Dublin 08.05 hours and 20.55 hours daily

Depart Holyhead 02.40 hours and 14.10 hours daily


Isle of Inishmore


The Isle of Inishmore is fully operational on the Rosslare/Pembroke/Rosslare route


Depart Rosslare 08.45 hours and 20.45 hours

Depart Pembroke 02.45 hours and 14.45 hours
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 09, 2018, 01:59:37 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on July 09, 2018, 11:01:28 AM
I bet the top brass in IF are praying to the weather gods to keep the winds slack. Swapping  IOI with Epsilon would be pointless as Epsilon has about 260 more lane metres. Car and foot pax will be easier to deal with the extra Swift sailing can cater for over  800 passengers and 250 cars which is probably more than the Ulysses would of carried on the night time return crossing.

We are lucky the weather is holding at least to next weekend, I bet Irish Ferries management are using the opportunity to apply more pressure on FSG. IOI freight space is been utilised as well from Rosslare - Pembroke.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Dart on July 09, 2018, 08:13:43 PM
A busy Epsilon would not be pleasant to travel on.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 10, 2018, 08:22:46 AM
Something we haven't touched on is that we now have a situation were already inconvenienced passengers which transferred to EPSILON's France sailing are now being cancelled at quite short notice.  Those opting for the land bridge instead are also potentially affected as well of course.

While there may be space at Rosslare, it's still a lot of inconvenience for those affected to have to travel to Rosslare, especially those who are travelling to Wales who find themselves literally the other side of Wales to where they intended to be!  It also strikes me that if people are still simply able to be switched to Rosslare to France then the future doesn't look great for that route if there is so much space available in mid-July!!  After all, Oscar is now taking the traffic from the cancelled sailings of two other vessels!  Of course we don't know that they are being simply switched to Oscar, but if they aren't then IF's competitors are getting a great opportunity to poach their future repeat custom.  One cancellation is one thing, having it done twice (or in the case of some, more) is quite another.  At the end of the day people want to get to their destination when planned first and foremost.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 10, 2018, 10:58:33 AM
The construction of WB Yeats was to fill the gap where by hauliers had to use the landbridge to go to europe.

The traffic on the cancelled Epsilon sailings would have gone landbridge or possibly the trailers went to Antwerp or Rotterdam on Dephine and Celine. Given the choice the freight comminity will go direct to France if they get the opportunity especially if the freight is destined for France, Switzerland, Spain or Italy. The hauliers in the south east
have been putting pressure on irish ferries for years to keep the service to france open in the winter months and were looking forward to the additional freight capacity Epsilon and WB Yeats provided during the summer months that was not available when Oscar Wilde was traveling full of passengers and cars.  Not everything is lost. 

When WB Yeats is finally delivered i could see her running weekend visits to France with Epsilon running to Holyhead as and when required.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: sgraIRL on July 10, 2018, 12:30:45 PM
Stephen,

You are right to focus on that - We are one of the people who have been rescheduled twice now as a result of all this

1) Outbound Dublin -> Cherbourg changed to Rosslare
2) Entire trip swapped to Land bridge

Not looking forward to any further changes!

S
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: The insider on July 10, 2018, 01:30:10 PM
A lot people  seem to be of the opinion  that Irish Ferries  deserve  all the bad luck they get and I agree
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 10, 2018, 03:08:11 PM
They have to a certain extent created their own bad luck.

Lets see what happens in the coming weeks.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 10, 2018, 03:42:34 PM
Quote from: The insider on July 10, 2018, 01:30:10 PM
A lot people  seem to be of the opinion  that Irish Ferries  deserve  all the bad luck they get and I agree

It certainly is my opinion, I think they are an arrogant, greedy, mean spirited company with very little regard to staff or customers. It's all about making the rich shareholders much richer.
I wonder how much effort they put into seeking "alternative tonnage" when the WB Yeats went tits up? Not a lot I'd guess.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: sgraIRL on July 10, 2018, 04:01:59 PM
As a company director (albeit of a LTD, not a traded PLC) I understand that company law is important and to be adhered to.  But the fact I am finding out information about my families holiday and my custom with Irish Ferries via a stock market submission is crazy.

I booked with IF because its part of a package with our campsite in France.  I am actually very happy with this as it provides protection for 3.5k campsite price as well as the 1k ferry payment if things all go pear shaped.

But over the last 18 years my preference has always been for Stena - they just out shine IF in everyway.  As an example, the derisory €150 voucher for 2019 that IF offered its customers...  Stena have me one of those a few years ago, for a 1 hour delay (along with €25 on-board spend vouchers).  And I didn't have to wait a year for the €150 voucher to be used!

I am not a huge fan of the Stena Super Fasts..  I was a fan of the HSS vessels and on evening sailings I think the Stena Adventurer is a perfect ship.  The Europe is a bit old but still better than the IF alternative. 

Anyway, appreciate all the updates I am getting and I will keep people updated.  I will happily do a Trip Report if people are interested.

Simon
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Dart on July 10, 2018, 07:40:35 PM
Quote from: The insider on July 10, 2018, 01:30:10 PM
A lot people  seem to be of the opinion  that Irish Ferries  deserve  all the bad luck they get and I agree

Couldn't have happened to a nicer bunch.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Dart on July 10, 2018, 07:47:08 PM
Irish Times quoting brokers that the Ulysses out of action results in up to  €2m lower revenue per week.

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/irish-continental-group-needs-to-steady-the-ship-1.3559207

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/irish-ferries-warns-of-further-disruption-on-dublin-holyhead-route-1.3558794


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on July 10, 2018, 09:56:45 PM
The media reports continue and it's not good PR

Hundreds affected as Irish Ferries cancels rescheduled sailings

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/hundreds-affected-as-irish-ferries-cancels-rescheduled-sailings-1.3560533?localLinksEnabled=false
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 11, 2018, 03:23:43 PM
Quote from: IFPete on July 10, 2018, 10:58:33 AM
The construction of WB Yeats was to fill the gap where by hauliers had to use the landbridge to go to europe.

The traffic on the cancelled Epsilon sailings would have gone landbridge or possibly the trailers went to Antwerp or Rotterdam on Dephine and Celine. Given the choice the freight comminity will go direct to France if they get the opportunity especially if the freight is destined for France, Switzerland, Spain or Italy. The hauliers in the south east
have been putting pressure on irish ferries for years to keep the service to france open in the winter months and were looking forward to the additional freight capacity Epsilon and WB Yeats provided during the summer months that was not available when Oscar Wilde was traveling full of passengers and cars.  Not everything is lost. 

When WB Yeats is finally delivered i could see her running weekend visits to France with Epsilon running to Holyhead as and when required.
I'm sure I've covered this before, but many hauliers PREFER to use the land bridge rather than direct for the simple reason it means they have the opportunity to pick up and drop off additional goods enroute.  Direct isn't always best.  Demand can't be that high if Irish Ferries are totally pulling their Rosslare to France winter sailings - do remember Brittany Ferries have added more capacity at Cork, something that doesn't appear to be going particularly well at present given the figures I've been hearing!  As for drops switching to Belgian routes, if they were going there in the first place in all likeliehood they would have taken that route anyway - why pay someone to drive a trailer from the wrong side of France to Belgium?  Accompanied may well do but if it's accompanied it was probably for a reason, for instance dropping part of the load in the U.K. or France.

Meanwhile Irish Continental Group is worth €160m less than it was last October according to the Irish times.

Things like this aren't helping the reputation either!  From their Facebook page
"So today, ironically while shopping for a family holiday to France I get this rather curt text. I was so sure it was a spam or prank I actually googled the number before ringing it, just in case. I get through (after long hold times and being disconnected) and your "customer care" rep had anything but customer care on her mind. She was borderline rude. No apology for the inconvenience, no even attempt to be sympathetic or halfway pleasant. We have been offered a sailing from rosslare (Not dublin) either the day before or day after. No provision or offer of compensation for either the nonrefundable day's accommodation we will now miss at our destination, or for the extra day we would have to incur to arrive on our planned day. I was told because it's a CANCELLATION and not a delay there is no provision of compensation. I am completely incensed by your company's lack of care. This is the second time our sailing has been disrupted. The main reason we booked with irish ferries was because you had a sailing from Dublin on a nice new ship. That ship wasn't available so we were moved to a much lesser vessel, but at least also from Dublin and at least on the same day. No compensation was offered there either, apart from a token amount off next years sailings which I assure you we won't be using after our treatment this year.
NOW we are told that the second ship isn't available either and neither are sailings on our planned day of departure!

So to sum up. We now have to travel several hours further in the car to rosslare. We will be travelling a full day later and missing therefore a full day of our holiday plus accommodation we have paid for for that day / night. And your customer care team informed me that because it's not a delay we get offered NOTHING to compensate us for this fairly major inconvenience?! This is extremely poor form Irish Ferries."

The text message says "Your sailing to France has been cancelled (technical).  Call us" (lists phone numbers). Not even a we are sorry or similar!

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 11, 2018, 03:46:01 PM
Quote from: sgraIRL on July 10, 2018, 12:30:45 PM
Stephen,

You are right to focus on that - We are one of the people who have been rescheduled twice now as a result of all this

1) Outbound Dublin -> Cherbourg changed to Rosslare
2) Entire trip swapped to Land bridge

Not looking forward to any further changes!

S
Take a look at this.  Might be worth a try

https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/ship/index_en.htm
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 12, 2018, 12:24:43 AM
Hi Steven. Have you heard any update on the Ulysses. Are they waiting delivery of parts now.

Enjoy your time off tomorrow.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 13, 2018, 04:14:19 PM
The Oscar Wilde is scheduled to take over from Epsilon on the 9th October on the central corridor, she is on the search engine right up to the 18th December, after which the schedule is blank. I wonder if she has been just penciled in as the exact arrival of the WB is still not finalised or will they be using the OW on the route?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on July 13, 2018, 05:31:57 PM
I might regret this but here are my thoughts on the Ulysses issues, firstly I have never seen a ship in the last 30 years having such a catastrophic Failure as Ulysses has had. For example P&O Norbay and Norbank are on more or less the same Irish sea route a lot longer and to the best of my knowledge never missed a sailing through Mechanical issues or indeed  the Stena Adventurer (I must admit had some issues in her first or second year and missed a week) has being faultless ever since. Inishmore much the same story,  many other ships can be mentioned on Northern and southern crossings  but there are too to many to mention. .  for certain Ulysses has had a great reputation up until last year, SO WHATS GONE WRONG  ?. Can it be irish ferries have compromised on spending on her Maintenance and her upkeep ? can it be some failures on board on her Maintanaince ? . can it be the Quality of her build (very Unlikely) . There is something not right and I can only speculate  .

Sea .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 13, 2018, 08:13:41 PM
Anyone know whats happenings to the officers and crew during dry dock? they been left on ship paid/unpaid or flown back home for a while?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on July 13, 2018, 09:53:29 PM
Quote from: SEA on July 13, 2018, 05:31:57 PM
I might regret this but here are my thoughts on the Ulysses issues, firstly I have never seen a ship in the last 30 years having such a catastrophic Failure as Ulysses has had. For example P&O Norbay and Norbank are on more or less the same Irish sea route a lot longer and to the best of my knowledge never missed a sailing through Mechanical issues or indeed  the Stena Adventurer (I must admit had some issues in her first or second year and missed a week) has being faultless ever since. Inishmore much the same story,  many other ships can be mentioned on Northern and southern crossings  but there are too to many to mention. .  for certain Ulysses has had a great reputation up until last year, SO WHATS GONE WRONG  ?. Can it be irish ferries have compromised on spending on her Maintenance and her upkeep ? can it be some failures on board on her Maintanaince ? . can it be the Quality of her build (very Unlikely) . There is something not right and I can only speculate  .

Sea .

Unfortunately any major mechanical items can break down, with the knowledge that IF have now, the U Might have been left in service at half speed and operated a different timetable while waiting for the required parts.

The timing could not have been worse and had this happened out of season, it would not have been as noticeable, other vessels could have been moved/chartered in.

this has been a horrible year for Irish Ferries after many good years of great results and reliable operations.

They are not the only ferry to be out of service with issues for a few weeks.

Tallinks Baltic Princess was out of service for several weeks this year with gearbox issues, also built in Finland.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 14, 2018, 08:22:26 AM
Quote from: IFPete on July 12, 2018, 12:24:43 AM
Hi Steven. Have you heard any update on the Ulysses. Are they waiting delivery of parts now.

Enjoy your time off tomorrow.
Provisionally leaving DD on the 17th as earlier advised (told you the info was good 😉 ), but that is subject to change and she'll most likely need trials before heading south (not to mention any corrective action).  I posted a bit of an update here but nothing really that hasn't already been posted on here
https://www.niferry.co.uk/ulysses-possibly-leave-belfast-next-week/


Also, remember those extra swift sailings?  They aren't happening.  Crewing issues?

I don't get days off unfortunately 😂

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 14, 2018, 08:34:35 AM
Quote from: giftgrub on July 13, 2018, 09:53:29 PM
Quote from: SEA on July 13, 2018, 05:31:57 PM
I might regret this but here are my thoughts on the Ulysses issues, firstly I have never seen a ship in the last 30 years having such a catastrophic Failure as Ulysses has had. For example P&O Norbay and Norbank are on more or less the same Irish sea route a lot longer and to the best of my knowledge never missed a sailing through Mechanical issues or indeed  the Stena Adventurer (I must admit had some issues in her first or second year and missed a week) has being faultless ever since. Inishmore much the same story,  many other ships can be mentioned on Northern and southern crossings  but there are too to many to mention. .  for certain Ulysses has had a great reputation up until last year, SO WHATS GONE WRONG  ?. Can it be irish ferries have compromised on spending on her Maintenance and her upkeep ? can it be some failures on board on her Maintanaince ? . can it be the Quality of her build (very Unlikely) . There is something not right and I can only speculate  .

Sea .

Unfortunately any major mechanical items can break down, with the knowledge that IF have now, the U Might have been left in service at half speed and operated a different timetable while waiting for the required parts.

The timing could not have been worse and had this happened out of season, it would not have been as noticeable, other vessels could have been moved/chartered in.

this has been a horrible year for Irish Ferries after many good years of great results and reliable operations.

They are not the only ferry to be out of service with issues for a few weeks.

Tallinks Baltic Princess was out of service for several weeks this year with gearbox issues, also built in Finland.
The problem with BALTIC PRINCESS was related to the fact that her gearboxes were something of a prototype and not really supposed to be matched to her engines I believe.  That's what was specified though.

That NORBAY and NORBANK are on a longer route actually reduces wear and tear believe it or not.  It's the starting, stopping and manoeuvring that often causes components to fail as it places additional stress on them.  It's one of the reasons cross-channel ferries get so much maintenance for example.

Of course the longer crossing means that more can be done alongside by missing a round trip.  As I said above though, for me the question is not that the shaft needed replaced (it happens) but why it needed replaced outside of the normal maintenance schedule?

All sorts of rumours as to what the additional holdup is - basically start at the propeller and work back!  All quite possible of course.

Look at it this way, ULYSSES reliability for her first 16 years was legendary.  She's just taking all the time she would have had off over those 16 years now 😜
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on July 14, 2018, 11:46:28 AM
Remember, Norbank and Norbay are 8 years older than Ulysses! From 1993 - 2001, the Norbank and Norbay operated from Hull - Rotterdam Europoort, and the berthing etc requires tight maneuvers. Likewise in Liverpool, they have to do quite elaborate maneuvers going into the docks.

The real issue is how Irish Ferries has handled this whole scenario. The issue with Ulysses has been causing problems for months, yet the latter decided to push out repair work until W.B. Yeats had arrived. It was quite reckless given the importance of Ulysses to the whole Irish Sea operation. Surely they could have chartered a vessel (even a freighter) for a few weeks while this problem was sorted? P&O seemed to have no problem chartering from Stena RoRo during refits, and if I recall correctly, Stena Carrier was berthed in Dun Laoghaire for about two weeks...

You could blame Flensburger to a degree. If W.B. Yeats had been here, could she not have provided cover for Ulysses? But then you could argue putting that much dependence on a brand new vessel, which could have potential tech problems or be delayed is highly reckless.

I personally think a substitute vessel could have been brought in to cover for Isle of Inishmore. The latter could cover for Ulysses, true she is much smaller, but at least it would be something.







Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: sgraIRL on July 16, 2018, 02:57:34 PM
Well colour me surprised!

https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-ulysses-further-delayed/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 16, 2018, 08:38:11 PM
Quote from: sgraIRL on July 16, 2018, 02:57:34 PM
Well colour me surprised!

https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-ulysses-further-delayed/
To be fair to them, and I try to make the point in the article (thanks for the share btw), she could still make it within the up to  2 weeks they said in their statement.  However at the moment it looks as though it will be the 24th (as already posted on FB by the same person who posted the 17th which turned out to be true) or even later.  I imagine some sort of sea trials will need to take place, then there's the trip back to Dublin.  We are probably looking at the 25th or 26th for back in service I would have thought.

I genuinely feel for the Irish Ferries staff who are having to take the brunt of people's frustration and anger.  It can't be easy given they are really down by two vessels for much of July!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 17, 2018, 02:11:37 PM
I've been updating the NIFS article as things become clearer https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-ulysses-further-delayed/ .  Irish Ferries put out a statement yesterday for freight customers.

Quote
"Work continues on Ulysses in dry-dock and it is expected that the repairs are going to take the full two week period as advised. This being the case the Dublin/Cherbourg/Dublin service will likely be cancelled on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd July.

Without question I understand that the absence of Ulysses from the Dublin/Holyhead/Dublin route is causing huge frustration and pressure on your business, your customers business, your teams in offices and professional drivers on the road. Be assured that Ulysses return to service is a top priority for Irish Ferries and my commercial team is heavily focused on trying to assist with your daily requirements although I know we are not giving you the service you either require or deserve. For that I apologise unreservedly and I thank you for your genuine tolerance of us at this time. Ulysses has been a champion in our industry for going on two decades and I am confident that her dependable service and relentless reliability will be proven again before long."

Irish Ferries Freight Manager
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on July 18, 2018, 06:05:28 AM
I hear The Delay is because they are waiting for a Bespoke part to be delivered ,once that arrives they will have a better idea of here departure date
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: sgraIRL on July 18, 2018, 09:09:07 AM
Quote from: Steven on July 16, 2018, 08:38:11 PM
Quote from: sgraIRL on July 16, 2018, 02:57:34 PM
Well colour me surprised!

https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-ulysses-further-delayed/
To be fair to them, and I try to make the point in the article (thanks for the share btw), she could still make it within the up to  2 weeks they said in their statement.  However at the moment it looks as though it will be the 24th (as already posted on FB by the same person who posted the 17th which turned out to be true) or even later.  I imagine some sort of sea trials will need to take place, then there's the trip back to Dublin.  We are probably looking at the 25th or 26th for back in service I would have thought.

I genuinely feel for the Irish Ferries staff who are having to take the brunt of people's frustration and anger.  It can't be easy given they are really down by two vessels for much of July!

So much of the frustration and anger that people feel would be eliminated if Irish Ferries management cared about its customers and understood how to communicate with them.  I have found out information from 3 sources;

1) Here and NI Ferries, both excellent resources, thanks!
2) The Irish Stock Exchange (as a plc they must report significant issues)
3) Reports here of information provided to Irish Ferries trucking customers, via their own channels.

NONE of this has been targeted to me, as a car / tourist customer, or even to the broader public who may be customers in the past future - or who have an interest in a large Irish brand.

The one thing, communication, that is entirely within Irish Ferries' control, they have failed at totally and utterly.  That is what is so unacceptable. A golden opportunity existed here to make customers warn to Irish Ferries, has been lost.  We understand that new ships might not be built to schedule and we understand that existing ships break.  We feel very upset and concerned when these things coincide, especially at peak season.  But when the operator hides in a corner and refuses to deal with it customers - that's utterly inexcusable.

Technical blog. 
Irish Ferries should have their engineers, in conjunction with Harland & Wolff telling us what is going on with the ship.  It would be interesting for those of us with a technical bent.  Regardless of your technical skill, information is always good.  Information helps calm people and it would definitely give the sense that all effort that can be brought to be bear is being put into the Ulysses work.  A simple blog site - updated daily - explain the issue, explain to people who don't know what dry docking is.  Information, information, information, you cannot have too much! A YouTube channel. An engineering Twitter account

Media
No one was available from Irish ferries to appear on Six-One, the radio or anywhere else.  I haven't seen a single bit of footage of anyone!.  Compare this to the opening of Terminal 5 in London Heathrow.  An absolute balls up of monumental proportions - people separated from their luggage, at times for weeks.  The BA CEO at time, Willie Walsh literally camped in T5 and jumped in front of any and every TV camera he could find.  By day 3 you could actually see the man was haggard and looked like he hadn't slept at all.  Guess what?  He looked like he cared - like BA cared and that no how bad things were - he was there, doing everything he could.  It wasn't pretty, people still moaned - but people like Willie Walsh stood there - and said "I'm to blame" and took it.

Irish Ferries management could learn a lot - but I genuinely must believe at this stage that they don't give a toss about customers.  They certainly don't care for their staff.  Anger festers, lack of information makes people feel powerless and that just leads to frustration - and it boils over.  The management should be out front and centre. Not leaving their staff, who appear to be equally uninformed, doing the dirty work.

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat!



Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 18, 2018, 11:09:34 AM
To be honest, the only reason I've been covering this on NI Ferry Site (thanks for the compliments btw) is that she's in Belfast.  Had she gone to Birkenhead or Falmouth for example she'd only have got a passing mention rather than the coverage she's been getting.  It's a shame there hasn't been more information, though I suppose they might have one eye on their shareholders.  Still it's no excuse for not keeping customers up to date.  Most wont care what is actually wrong with the vessel but will care about getting short notice on a change to their plans, or insensitive handing of such.  Not for the first time this year it appears ICG have valuable lessons to learn. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 18, 2018, 11:51:48 AM
From IF Freight website out of action until at least the 23rd July

"Irish Sea Service

Ulysses update 16-07-2018

Owing to technical difficulties Ulysses will be out of service for a further period of 1 week.

Epsilon will continue to operate on Ulysses schedule

Depart Dublin 08.05 hours and 20.55 hours daily

Depart Holyhead 02.40 hours and 14.10 hours daily

Isle of Inishmore

The Isle of Inishmore is fully operational on the Rosslare/Pembroke/Rosslare route

Depart Rosslare 08.45 hours and 20.45 hours daily

Depart Pembroke 02.45 hours and 14.45 hours daily

Dublin/Cherbourg/Dublin Service

From Dublin to Cherbourg – Saturday 21-07-2018 – cancelled

From Cherbourg to Dublin – Sunday 22-07-2018 - cancelled"
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: The insider on July 18, 2018, 01:10:28 PM
Adventurer  and Sfx  stuffed and making  a killing  and also holding  on to a lot of Irish  Ferries  customers 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on July 18, 2018, 10:34:17 PM
Press reports continue to slam IF

https://amp.independent.ie/irish-news/its-cost-us-a-mortgage-payment-irish-ferries-leave-family-of-four-stranded-in-france-37132700.html

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 19, 2018, 12:28:00 AM
Quote from: giftgrub on July 18, 2018, 10:34:17 PM
Press reports continue to slam IF

https://amp.independent.ie/irish-news/its-cost-us-a-mortgage-payment-irish-ferries-leave-family-of-four-stranded-in-france-37132700.html
The Independent seems to have taken a particular dislike to ICG this year.  Just saying
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Dart on July 19, 2018, 12:40:18 AM
Very good point that sgraIRL is making that no Irish Ferries representative has went on camera or behind a microphone during any of this. They don't seem to want to face the music, which puts fuel on the fire. The communication/PR is a disaster and I can see how it would really annoy people. It's very different to how other travel companies operate. For example, Ryanair are facing disruption at the moment due to IR issues and they go on TV/radio to communicate with their customers and the public. Even CIE companies like Dublin Bus and Irish Rail face the music when things go wrong and they do PR quite well.

Then again, if you recall from previous times when IF have been in the news, I don't think they do communications well when they go before the cameras. Maybe that's why they don't do it anymore.  They could hire third party professional PR firms to do a communications plan for them. Would make sense.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on July 19, 2018, 07:45:33 AM
Have to agree that article in the irish Independent is a disgrace my Heart goes out for that family
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 19, 2018, 03:25:04 PM
Was just reading an article from "The Phoenix" which someone kindly shared about Eamonn Rothwell.  The gist is questions are being asked about the decision making at the top.  In particular not only the decision to bring Yeats into service in July and take bookings before it was clear the vessel would be ready without any contingency plan, but also the decision to add so much capacity when ICG's market share isn't growing with competitors also adding capacity (not just Stena but also Cobelfret).  They argue that the result of all this extra capacity is going to be a price war, a price war that ICG are bound to lose against much larger competitors.  They say a very positive spin was put on last years results which in reality were rather disappointing.

Is his 15% stake enough to save him given his extremely generous remuneration package should these new builds be a step too far?  The Ulysses issue wasn't mentioned (I assume the article was written before it emerged) but if questions weren't already being asked by shareholders they surely are now, especially given the company is in the news basically daily now.

Quote from: SEA on July 19, 2018, 07:45:33 AM
Have to agree that article in the irish Independent is a disgrace my Heart goes out for that family
I agree.  It sounds as if they have been effectively screwed over by ICG with the company having no consideration at all for their customers.  Such press will not be helping their reputation (and lets face it, that of the industry as a whole), though as I say the independent do appear, rightly or wrongly,  to have a bit of a vendetta against ICG.  Hopefully the family eventually get compensated appropriately in some way.  I believe under EU legislation ICG should have been liable for the costs, but they seem to be wriggling out of their obligations in any way they can.  Perhaps it will take someone to take court action?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 21, 2018, 12:46:22 PM
Epsilon had some technical issue in Dublin this morning and is running about 2 hours behind schedule. Ulysses provisionally expected back on Wednesday the 25th.
On another note the Queen Elizabeth is expected in Dublin on Wednesday morning and has requested some assistance from shipping agents as some Hot Work will be carried out on her.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 21, 2018, 04:16:14 PM
Irish Ferries management are keeping quiet and not even informing their staff except on a need to know basis.

The Flemsburg fiasco has damaged irish ferries reputation in the short term , although the cause of the delay has nothing to do with Irish Ferries. Irish Ferries have had a smooth run with all their previous deliveries so this has been a lesson learned for everyone. The delivery of WB Yeats in high summer was driven by the build slot at the shipyard which
actually made things worse than a delivery in February or March. I wonder will Brittany Ferrys suffer a similar faite
next April.

Ulysses removal from service due to prop shaft and gearbox problem has made things worse, however if she goes back in to service next wednesday as is currently forecast this will soon be forgotten about.

The Irish Independant article failed to point out how the family came home. If the family were transfered to Oscar Wilde or Brittany Ferries they would have had a better customer experience on their way home. Bad news sells papers.

For someone who regularly travels on the Swift or Oscar Wilde in winter these text messages are a fact of life. The booking staff in both Liverpool and Dublin are very freindly when you ring up, however as you can imagine at the moment they are a little overworked.

I was in Holyhead last night travelling back on Stena Adventurer. Swift made an appearance in Holyhead departing at 2330 PM. She was full leaving Holyhead and light load arriving from Dublin. A few buses cars and three rigs. She is only deployed on the extra sailing when Epsilons passenger capacity is going to be exceeded which has not happened since the weekend before last.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 21, 2018, 07:29:26 PM
Quote from: IFPete on July 21, 2018, 04:16:14 PM
Irish Ferries management are keeping quiet and not even informing their staff except on a need to know basis.

The Flemsburg fiasco has damaged irish ferries reputation in the short term , although the cause of the delay has nothing to do with Irish Ferries. Irish Ferries have had a smooth run with all their previous deliveries so this has been a lesson learned for everyone. The delivery of WB Yeats in high summer was driven by the build slot at the shipyard which
actually made things worse than a delivery in February or March. I wonder will Brittany Ferrys suffer a similar faite
next April.

Ulysses removal from service due to prop shaft and gearbox problem has made things worse, however if she goes back in to service next wednesday as is currently forecast this will soon be forgotten about.

The Irish Independant article failed to point out how the family came home. If the family were transfered to Oscar Wilde or Brittany Ferries they would have had a better customer experience on their way home. Bad news sells papers.

For someone who regularly travels on the Swift or Oscar Wilde in winter these text messages are a fact of life. The booking staff in both Liverpool and Dublin are very freindly when you ring up, however as you can imagine at the moment they are a little overworked.

I was in Holyhead last night travelling back on Stena Adventurer. Swift made an appearance in Holyhead departing at 2330 PM. She was full leaving Holyhead and light load arriving from Dublin. A few buses cars and three rigs. She is only deployed on the extra sailing when Epsilons passenger capacity is going to be exceeded which has not happened since the weekend before last.
The reason Epsilon's passenger capacity hasn't been exceeded is Stena are taking a lot of transfers!  ::). If Stena can accommodate the passengers it isn't worth Irish Ferries while running the Swift.  At present Stena have more passenger capacity than Irish Ferries and to put it into the language of one member of crew are "getting slaughtered".  If Irish Ferries are only taking enough bookings to occupy a couple of Swift round trips and the capacity of Epsilon every day at the end of July their shareholders should be extremely concerned given what is on order!

Irish Ferries seem to be doing anything they can to dodge compensation both in the case of Ireland to France and Ireland to Wales.  Its been a case of the absolute minimum in terms of customer service as well - why cant they phone people rather than putting the onus on their customers to contact themselves?  Speaking as someone who has worked in customer service management I'd have been out of a job if we just texted customers when there was a problem (many of the texts don't even have any contact details on them either).  It seems to be a case of Irish Ferries saying "it isn't our problem so deal with it" to passengers. 

To say Epsilon's France sailings are cancelled due to technical difficulties is an outright lie.  Its also not a case of it not being Irish Ferries fault either.  They took the decision to transfer Epsilon to a different route, not the passengers!  I note the cover vessel for Yeats at Dublin is to be Oscar - the year round freight customers Irish Ferries depend on are going to love that!

On the plus side it appears Yeats passengers transferred to Oscar are getting a complimentary bottle of wine and box of chocolates.  Not exactly what they would be entitled to if Irish Ferries did what other operators do in these circumstances, nor what Irish Ferries outline in their OWN terms and conditions, but better than nothing I suppose!

Speaking of which, since I've been getting questions about compensation from affected customers of WB YEATS, ULYSSES, and EPSILON I have published a handy guide to the rules on compensation due to delay or cancellation of a ferry crossing.  The ferry companies will probably hate me for it, but its nothing they don't bury in their terms and conditions anyway!  Posting here as I know a number of concerned passengers read this forum.

https://www.niferry.co.uk/ferry-delay-cancellation-compensation/

EDIT:  I've just been talking to an affected passenger who has spent the past FIVE DAYS of his week long holiday trying to sort travel home from France with the Irish Ferries call centre.  At present he is in Plymouth with no idea how he is supposed to get back to Ireland and having to arrange and pay for accommodation out of his own pocket in the meantime.  In what way is that remotely acceptable?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 22, 2018, 07:04:55 PM
Ocsar Wilde Sailings have been blocked out for Booking for July and August since 6th July 2018.

Most Dublin - Holyhead Sailings have been blocked out for booking since Ulysses went to drydock.

I was due to travel back on epsilon on thursday night. I received a text message on thursday afternoon telling me i was being transfered onto Stena Superfast. I called them to transfer onto swift on Friday morning, however this was blocked out. I then bought a stena ticket for Friday night and then transfered my irish ferries booking to 9th October.

As it transpired the traffic from London was worse than normal "Frantic Friday" and i and a number of others mist the Stena Superfast sailing. Stena transfered us onto Stena Adventurer at 0220 saturday morning.

This year alone i have had sailings cancelled on Oscar Wilde 4 times, Swift 2 , Ulysses x 1. I generally try to avoid Epsilon.

As a general rule Irish Ferries are reliable, this year their luck has gone against them.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: sgraIRL on July 23, 2018, 03:55:19 PM
The Ulysses is back on the Dublin port schedule from the 25th and looks like she will arrive in Dublin on a scheduled sailing from Holyhead?

Is there a schedule for her leaving Belfast?

Out of interest - how long does flooding and exiting a dry dock take for a vessel of that size?

S
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 23, 2018, 05:47:28 PM
Quote from: sgraIRL on July 23, 2018, 03:55:19 PM
The Ulysses is back on the Dublin port schedule from the 25th and looks like she will arrive in Dublin on a scheduled sailing from Holyhead?

Is there a schedule for her leaving Belfast?

Out of interest - how long does flooding and exiting a dry dock take for a vessel of that size?

S
Even IF she leaves dry dock tomorrow she will need trials and to sail to Dublin or Holyhead.  That makes 2am on the 25th look extremely optimistic. 

Edit now not on the schedule until the 26th.  Irish Ferries have told freight customers today they will get an update this week...
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 24, 2018, 09:05:13 AM
ULYSSES still not going anywhere yet.  Looking like it'll be at least towards the end of the week before she is back.  Timetable not updated yet - this must be an absolute nightmare for all staff and crew involved.

https://www.niferry.co.uk/ulysses-return-further-delayed/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 24, 2018, 05:35:32 PM
Quote from: Steven on July 24, 2018, 09:05:13 AM
ULYSSES still not going anywhere yet.  Looking like it'll be at least towards the end of the week before she is back.  Timetable not updated yet - this must be an absolute nightmare for all staff and crew involved.

https://www.niferry.co.uk/ulysses-return-further-delayed/
Latest estimate for a return to service is Friday, however this is contingent on all going to plan.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ulysses17 on July 25, 2018, 12:41:48 PM
Belfast ports website is giving a departure of 1700hrs today for Ulysses;

25/07/18 17:00 ULYSSES DEP CNF BDD D L  Dublin - Dublin  HAMILTON SHIPPING (PORT)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 25, 2018, 02:29:54 PM
Floating out this evening and on the schedule for tomorrow mornings sailing ex Dublin.  All being well of course!

https://www.niferry.co.uk/ulysses-set-to-leave-dry-dock-this-evening/

EDIT: worth noting that EPSILON's sailings have been cancelled tomorrow, suggesting she perhaps might continue to substitute for ULYSSES should something go wrong.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on July 25, 2018, 08:52:33 PM
Ulysses has left drydock in Belfast, hopefully everything will work properly on the trip to Dublin allowing the vessel to return to service.

Been out of action for nearly a month.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Collision-course on July 25, 2018, 10:07:01 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on July 25, 2018, 08:52:33 PM
Ulysses has left drydock in Belfast, hopefully everything will work properly on the trip to Dublin allowing the vessel to return to service.

Been out of action for nearly a month.

Just passed Bangor on its way to Dublin.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 26, 2018, 01:51:25 AM
Some pics of her on her way here

https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-ulysses-finally-leaves-belfast/

Just remember, just like the Titanic, she was fine when she left here!  :D

Shes currently level with Balbriggan, so given its 01:55 the 2am ETA in Dublin showing on her AIS is rather optimistic.  They won't really have much time to prepare her for the 08:05!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 26, 2018, 03:10:34 AM
Anyone know where Epsilon will berth on arrival from Holyhead if Ulysses is on 49?? Also has the crew been onboard Ulysses all this time or have they been put up in Dublin and will they reboard?? Would be interested to see if the captain makes an announcement on the first sailing saying anything...or is even present on the 0805 after navigating down from belfast all night! 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 26, 2018, 11:00:01 AM
Quote from: ferryman972411 on July 26, 2018, 03:10:34 AM
Anyone know where Epsilon will berth on arrival from Holyhead if Ulysses is on 49?? Also has the crew been onboard Ulysses all this time or have they been put up in Dublin and will they reboard?? Would be interested to see if the captain makes an announcement on the first sailing saying anything...or is even present on the 0805 after navigating down from belfast all night!
Irish Ferries have 3 berths in Dublin 49 51A and the fast ferry layover just behind 49. Epsilon uses 51A regularly
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on July 26, 2018, 11:25:21 AM
The New Swift is too big for 51A. most of the crew stayed on the Ulysses in Belfast
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 26, 2018, 12:38:17 PM
Quote from: SEA on July 26, 2018, 11:25:21 AM
The New Swift is too big for 51A. most of the crew stayed on the Ulysses in Belfast
I have no idea where you came up with that it departs from 51A every morning.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on July 26, 2018, 12:45:15 PM
my apologies 49A the outside river layby berth
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on July 26, 2018, 03:25:12 PM
Ulysses on time, Epsilon  returned to her proper schedule. Normality is restored. There must be sighs of relief all over the Irish sea.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cladyman on July 26, 2018, 07:08:46 PM
Website showing swift sailings cancelled today and tomorrow, what's up has it got too hot :-) or is it really now Ulysses back over capicity
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 26, 2018, 07:18:30 PM
Swift Cancelled due to weather Conditions on irish sea.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 26, 2018, 11:12:24 PM
So what happened this morning? Where did Epsilon berth when Ulysses arrived? Did it make the 0805 and if so did Epsilon just sit in Dublin until it's normal 2pm?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: seatrucker on July 27, 2018, 10:55:07 AM
According to MarineTraffic.com Epsilon waited on berth 51A - (Beside Stena Adventurer). Ulysses departed promptly at 08:05 at Epsilon moved onto 49 to wait for her 14:10 departure.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on July 28, 2018, 02:15:53 AM
Quote from: IFPete on July 26, 2018, 07:18:30 PM
Swift Cancelled due to weather Conditions on irish sea.
Some one told me she can't go in anything more than a light breeze ha ha
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 29, 2018, 05:11:42 PM
It might seem light in Dublin and be quiet significant in Holyhead. Swift limit 2.5 metre wave height.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 30, 2018, 01:00:00 AM
Quote from: IFPete on July 29, 2018, 05:11:42 PM
It might seem light in Dublin and be quiet significant in Holyhead. Swift limit 2.5 metre wave height.
Interestingly a 91m Incat is certified for 34kts in 3m.  Or 29kts up to 4. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 30, 2018, 07:22:19 PM
I suppose the longer the craft the more stable she is.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 30, 2018, 08:26:54 PM
Quote from: IFPete on July 30, 2018, 07:22:19 PM
I suppose the longer the craft the more stable she is.
Possibly though overall hull design would be a factor as well.  The HSS for example was stable due to the unique hybrid hull design for example.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 30, 2018, 09:25:40 PM
Her time keeping keeping appears to have improved as the crew got used to handling her.

I guess the current stoppage may have been an opportunity to give the crew a rest and sort out some overdue maintenance. I would love to see if she will go to sea in 3 metre plus swell.

I notice Swift travelled to Holyhead this morning and back , however the epsilon covered the afternoon sailing.
Epsilon is now doing an extra sailing on monday afternoon after return from Cherbourg. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 31, 2018, 01:32:34 AM
Personally I don't think it Irish Ferries were that lucky and that the return of Ulysses and cancellation of Swift coincided. I think they cancelled (not due to weather) to give her a few days off after being so heavily loaded
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on July 31, 2018, 06:40:46 AM
If EPSILON can cover for Swift on the last week of July I'd say it isn't worth running swift in the first place to be honest, given EPSILON's passenger capacity and that the whole point of the swift service is about moving passengers!  This is the time of year the swift service should really be earning its keep.  If she's not being covered by a basic Ropax because she's unable to operate for whatever reason, then passenger numbers mustn't be looking too good! 

In any case, I highly doubt commercially minded ICG just pulled one of their vessels off for the hell of it when they've just been forced to hand much of their custom to their largest competitor for a month!!!  I'm sure the shareholders would be delighted.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 31, 2018, 04:46:09 PM
This was a relatively quiet week, Next weekend will be different with Bank Holiday in ROI.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on July 31, 2018, 06:04:04 PM
Quote from: Steven on July 31, 2018, 06:40:46 AM
If EPSILON can cover for Swift on the last week of July I'd say it isn't worth running swift in the first place to be honest, given EPSILON's passenger capacity and that the whole point of the swift service is about moving passengers!  This is the time of year the swift service should really be earning its keep.  If she's not being covered by a basic
Ropax because she's unable to operate for whatever reason, then passenger numbers mustn't be looking too good!


In any case, I highly doubt commercially minded ICG just pulled one of their vessels off for the hell of it when they've just been forced to hand much of their custom to their largest competitor for a month!!!  I'm sure the shareholders would be delighted.

It doesn't cost them any money at all to cancel the Swift and in fact saves them money as passenger don't get refunded for being moved off the swift onto the Ulysses or Epsilon and they are saving on running costs! After the last couple of weeks they're probably looking to save money, so if everyone can be accommodated on Ulysses it makes sense to cancel the Swift
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 31, 2018, 09:24:37 PM
Swift Cancellation generates a Euro 40 voucher on the account booked. its a nice touch considering the cancellations are weather related.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Fast Ferry Fan on July 31, 2018, 11:30:09 PM
Quote from: IFPete on July 31, 2018, 09:24:37 PM
Swift Cancellation generates a Euro 40 voucher on the account booked. its a nice touch considering the cancellations are weather related.

My recollection was that the refund I received when it was cancelled equated to the difference between the additional cost of the Swift compared to the cruise ferry at the time of booking that we were transferred to.  I recall being quite impressed that they had recorded the information, but perhaps it was just chance.

In some instances Swift can be substantially more (presumably because she is nearly full) so it would be unfair to only give a credit of €40.

I suspect last Friday's cancellation of the Swift might have been more closely related to giving the crews a rest than weather related.  I also suspect there are absolutely no delighted IFG shareholders, and they will will be looking for some answers at the next shareholders meeting.  Bookings must have been a well down while Ulysses was away and deeply discounted fares (30% off and free child places) are now trying to recover some of the lost business and fill up capacity.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on August 01, 2018, 02:11:56 PM
Quote from: IFPete on July 31, 2018, 04:46:09 PM
This was a relatively quiet week, Next weekend will be different with Bank Holiday in ROI.
Why bother at all with the swift on anything but bank holidays then? 🙄
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 02, 2018, 11:59:11 PM
They will need everything they have available this weekend
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ncol on August 10, 2018, 06:01:44 AM
Folks, not sure whether I'm posting in the right place?

I'm traveling on Adventurer on a day trip with the nephew soon enough, was wondering if Anyone has any advice on arranging a bridge visit?

Thanks in advance
N
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LongTimeReader on August 28, 2018, 10:06:28 AM
Can anyone follow what is going on with the Epsilon?

It seems to be taking a route to Holyhead just south of the Isle of Man. Has operated this way both going to and from Dublin. Sailing yday at 20:00 back to Dublin was cancelled but has sailed again this AM via the Isle of Man again.

This has to be the strangest issue I've ever seen from a ferry - unless there's a load of icebergs floating off the coast of Howth.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Liam on September 05, 2018, 01:47:46 PM
Whats going on with the Dublin Swift always cancelled or leaves early or delayed, yesterday it had an engine problem and had to turn back halfway from Dublin
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on September 05, 2018, 10:17:44 PM
Quote from: Liam on September 05, 2018, 01:47:46 PM
Whats going on with the Dublin Swift always cancelled or leaves early or delayed, yesterday it had an engine problem and had to turn back halfway from Dublin

Engine issues, running on three engines according to the Facebook, possibly a broken crankshaft, not a cheap or easy fix when in service. I would think mgmt would be against cancelling sailings again this year and it might soldier on until Oct when it goes off service.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Alan G on September 10, 2018, 01:11:04 AM
Quote from: giftgrub on September 05, 2018, 10:17:44 PM
Quote from: Liam on September 05, 2018, 01:47:46 PM
Whats going on with the Dublin Swift always cancelled or leaves early or delayed, yesterday it had an engine problem and had to turn back halfway from Dublin

Engine issues, running on three engines according to the Facebook, possibly a broken crankshaft, not a cheap or easy fix when in service. I would think mgmt would be against cancelling sailings again this year and it might soldier on until Oct when it goes off service.

They are cancelling swift sailings day by day now, giving little advance notification and covering up their mechanical issues with a bare-faced lie blaming adverse weather conditions for the cancellations.

My opinion of ICG was never great but the carry-on this year in dealing with their various vessel issues has shown them up to be a thoroughly rotten crowd that treat their customers with complete contempt.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on September 10, 2018, 11:17:28 AM
While I agree with opinions expressed on the management of Irish Ferries, the cancellations of Swift yesterday and today are genuine it is blowing up a fair bit at sea.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on September 12, 2018, 07:50:07 AM
Dublin Swift is back on the run today and Her schedule is all over the place .The Journey is taking on average 2 hours and 45 minutes
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on September 16, 2018, 01:23:07 PM
Looking at the IF booking engine now, it shows Oscar Wilde doing Dublin - Cherbourg all sailings from 2nd  to 11th Oct, after that, the following weeks  Epsilon is doing the Saturday sailing with OW doing Tues + Thurs.

Oscar going on to Holyhead for the weekend.

Oscar is carrying foot passengers only on 08.30am sailing from Holyhead. Disappointing that it is not doing so on the 14.30ex Dublin.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: The insider on September 19, 2018, 03:39:51 PM
Ulysses cancelled  divers down in holyhead same old problem again maybe
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on September 19, 2018, 09:30:24 PM
Quote from: The insider on September 19, 2018, 03:39:51 PM
Ulysses cancelled  divers down in holyhead same old problem again maybe

According to the social media aka The Facebook it is Rudder Damage which happened during the storm, can only think they must have touched something.

I think the IF management now know how Queen Elizabeth felt when she had her Annus horribilis, maybe the ferry gods have not looked kindly on their decision to basically abandon Rosslare \France from next month !

Apparently at the moment swift has an engine gone, Ulysses broken rudder (rumors), WB Yeats has major electrical issues and delayed again, earlier this month Epsilon had a broken lifeboat davit and of course in the Summer Ulysses damaged propellor shaft.

This could be a coincidence but would hope the maintenance budget is increased for 2019 and they starts spending money on the fleet rather than sweating the assets as much.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on September 20, 2018, 11:09:26 AM
Hard to make out what's going on exactly other than to describe it as a right ole f*** up!. Epsilon may have swapped rota with Ulysses, Adventurer very late leaving Dublin this morning (after 10.30 b4 she moved) and of course Swift is taking 2 hours 45 minutes to cross.
On the southern corridor sailings are also still out of sync with Inishmore due to arrive in Rosslare at about lunchtime.
Ulysses has left the berth at Holyhead I think just to allow Epsilon to berth.
KARMA for ICG
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on September 20, 2018, 02:59:51 PM
Ulysses left Holyhead doing 13 knots . Sea Trials
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on September 20, 2018, 10:02:19 PM
Ulysses seems to back in service, has left Holyhead heading for Dublin at 21+ knots with Superfast X right behind.

Whatever caused the cancellations must be fixed.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on September 22, 2018, 03:22:40 PM
Having seen the pictures of Ulysses entry into Holyhead this week I am not surprised for the Captain being ultra causious taking her back to sea. She appears to be running normally dispite the difficult wind and sea conditions.

With referance to Dublin Swift i understand there is work planned to install a mezanine car deck in the centre lanes this winter to expand her car capacity. If they also replace the stern ramp this would improve her turnaround in Holyhead.

This combined with suitable attention to her engines and waterjets should put her in a good place for the future.

I understand there were teething problems with her interior due to lack of storage space near her kitchen for supplies

Hopefully they can solve this during her winter break.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 02, 2018, 11:45:32 AM
Oscar Wilde arriving in Dublin this morning ready to take up her Dublin- Cherbourg runs.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 04, 2018, 11:12:56 PM
Epsilon being berthed at Cruise 18 from Saturday morning for some works to be carried out over the weekend. Transfer letter also showing Swift heading to Dry Dock on Tuesday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 09, 2018, 03:39:45 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on October 04, 2018, 11:12:56 PM
Epsilon being berthed at Cruise 18 from Saturday morning for some works to be carried out over the weekend. Transfer letter also showing Swift heading to Dry Dock on Tuesday.

Correction Swift couldn't even make dry dock on time due to leave on Friday depending on wind
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LongTimeReader on October 11, 2018, 11:07:43 AM
The Big U is cancelled owing to Storm Callum for 24 hours from 20:55 sailing this evening.

It seems like a complete overreaction to cancel for so long when the Orange warning is over in Dublin at 9am tomorrow.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chef on October 11, 2018, 02:38:24 PM
Quote from: LongTimeReader on October 11, 2018, 11:07:43 AM
The Big U is cancelled owing to Storm Callum for 24 hours from 20:55 sailing this evening.

It seems like a complete overreaction to cancel for so long when the Orange warning is over in Dublin at 9am tomorrow.
Or maybe because the ship is getting  on in  it's age  and not worth risking it .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LongTimeReader on October 11, 2018, 03:42:41 PM
Feels a bit like that - Stena haven't cancelled any sailings yet.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 11, 2018, 04:13:20 PM
Quote from: LongTimeReader on October 11, 2018, 11:07:43 AM
The Big U is cancelled owing to Storm Callum for 24 hours from 20:55 sailing this evening.

It seems like a complete overreaction to cancel for so long when the Orange warning is over in Dublin at 9am tomorrow.
Ulysses cancelled until 20:55 Friday night Epsilon next sailing scheduled 14:30 Friday Inishmore 20:45 ex Rosslare Friday and OW crossing scheduled from Dublin to Cherbourg on Friday is cancelled with passengers transferring to te Epsilon crossing on Saturday. OW's scheduled Dub-HH on Saturday is "in doubt"
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on October 11, 2018, 10:50:32 PM
Quote from: LongTimeReader on October 11, 2018, 03:42:41 PM
Feels a bit like that - Stena haven't cancelled any sailings yet.

When I checked at 15:30 they had!  As had P&O on Dublin - Liverpool.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: munchkin on October 18, 2018, 12:23:55 PM
Irish Ferries have just stopped taking bookings on all midweek sailings the week before christmas between France and Ireland in both directions. I'm booked on one of those sailings and not (yet) cancelled.

I cannot see any way that they are suddenly sold out in both directions, so is this them hedging their bets and looking to have Epsilon as a potential relief ship from the UK for that busy pre christmas period, maybe to compensate for WB Yates still not being operational, or is there something else going on?

The Oscar Wilde only has half the vehicle capacity of Epsilon so not ideal for any really busy period.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on October 18, 2018, 11:47:22 PM
Oscar can hold more passengers and cars than epsilon

Epsilon is set up for freight.

Last Christmas Oscar mist a lot of sailings on Dublin - Holyhead due to the direction of the winds at Holyhead because she does not have the Thruster manouvorability of Ulysses or Epsilon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cillian on October 25, 2018, 05:37:35 PM
It seems that Ulysses is to get a few days off. Her sailings are been replaced by the Inishmore, who's sailings are been replaced by the Oscar Wilde.
According to the booking site, Ulysses last sailing is 08.05 on Monday 29th and back for Thursday 1st for the 20.55 sailing.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on October 25, 2018, 09:57:41 PM
Ulysses still has technical issues not resolved after a month in H&W, time for IF to bump up the maintenance budget, and spend on the fleet.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 26, 2018, 03:57:06 PM
It looks like any repairs/work to Ulysses will be carried out in Dublin, she is to be berthed at P&O 25 from Monday
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 29, 2018, 03:43:40 PM
Meanwhile the Isle of Inishmore arrived in Dublin this morning to take over from Ulysses from tonight. Haven't been on her for years need to find an excuse...
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on October 29, 2018, 04:28:23 PM
Good to see Ol' Faithful back again! Don't think she's ever let anybody down!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on October 30, 2018, 10:21:18 PM
Oscar Wilde struggling with prolonged turn around times especially at Pembroke.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on October 30, 2018, 10:25:32 PM
There appears to have been a problem with cars and freight arriving late at the port of Pembroke
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on November 01, 2018, 07:17:37 PM
Ulysses rambling around Dublin bay this evening prior to returning to duty for the sailing to Holyhead tonight. Inishmore heading from Dublin to Pembroke for the 2.45 am sailing tomorrow to Rosslare and the much delayed Oscar Wilde heading to Rosslare this evening from Pembroke. All back to normal from tomorrow.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on November 01, 2018, 08:12:27 PM
Inishmore just passing Wicklow at an impressive 23.2 kts.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 01, 2018, 09:58:31 PM
As the Irish Sea fleet returns to their normal places after a few days of musical chairs, it came to my attention today that apparently IF have not released any sailings from Jan 6th 2019 (source their own Facebook site) even if you are waiting to see what vessels you will have available this is a strange business decision.

For instance all their existing fleet is available and WB is an additional vessel, makes no sense not to take bookings, if Stena were to run a  2019 promo they would clean up at the moment.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ulysses17 on November 02, 2018, 12:48:30 AM
Has anyone else thought that tonight may well have been the last time that we will see the inishmore in Dublin? Assuming that Yeats will cover Ulysses and epsilon will cover yeats during dry dock season.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on November 02, 2018, 08:59:48 AM
She might be back in Dublin next summer when WB Yeats goes full time on France.
IF will want to build up the epsilons roster on Dublin - Holyhead to accomodate Ulysses in Summer 2020,

Putting Epsilon back on Holyhead would be a backward move.

The key issue issue is finding a suitable vessel to cover Pembroke next summer.

A vessel capable of accomodating 1500 passengers and 2000 lane meters would be needed.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 02, 2018, 05:40:31 PM
Quote from: IFPete on November 02, 2018, 08:59:48 AM
She might be back in Dublin next summer when WB Yeats goes full time on France.
IF will want to build up the epsilons roster on Dublin - Holyhead to accomodate Ulysses in Summer 2020,

Putting Epsilon back on Holyhead would be a backward move.

The key issue issue is finding a suitable vessel to cover Pembroke next summer.

A vessel capable of accomodating 1500 passengers and 2000 lane meters would be needed.
Alternatively they could just used DUBLIN SWIFT for Holyhead tourist traffic!  That's her role after all, taking the summer peak traffic, while Epsilon's is to swallow up freight.    Yeats obviously moves to the Holyhead service due to the lower pax demand to France over winter allowing Swift to be laid up and Epsilon to handle all France traffic.  It's more cost effective to lay up an older vessel like Oscar than a new one, and likewise to run a vessel over winter that can take all traffic instead of a fast craft with a low load factor and an additional vessel for freight! 

Acquiring a vessel of the size you state just to run the Pembroke service for a few months doesn't really make much sense to me tbh, especially given vessels of that size are in demand and of short supply.  Of course when FSG777 turns up it will all be elementary and DUBLIN SWIFT can go and retire in the sun ☀️ while I imagine Yeats will run with a reduced passenger capacity to France over winter to save on costs.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on November 05, 2018, 10:40:34 AM
Ulysses back in Alexandra Basin today ,There are two small work boats at her Bow  one can draw their own conclusions, I am guessing its Bow thruster issues this time . Their also seems to be a lot of crew members on the outer deck it is very hard to see from south side .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 05, 2018, 10:50:06 AM
Quote from: SEA on November 05, 2018, 10:40:34 AM
Ulysses back in Alexandra Basin today ,There are two small work boats at her Bow  one can draw their own conclusions, I am guessing its Bow thruster issues this time . Their also seems to be a lot of crew members on the outer deck it is very hard to see from south side .
It's a scheduled MES deployment exercise she will be back on the route tonight.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 05, 2018, 04:41:20 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on November 05, 2018, 10:50:06 AM
Quote from: SEA on November 05, 2018, 10:40:34 AM
Ulysses back in Alexandra Basin today ,There are two small work boats at her Bow  one can draw their own conclusions, I am guessing its Bow thruster issues this time . Their also seems to be a lot of crew members on the outer deck it is very hard to see from south side .
It's a scheduled MES deployment exercise she will be back on the route tonight.
This.  There's even a video of it on Facebook!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 07, 2018, 05:00:06 PM
W.B. YEATS arrived back at FSG earlier.  Some pictures on NIFS

https://www.niferry.co.uk/in-pictures-irish-ferries-w-b-yeats-returns-from-sea-trials/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on November 07, 2018, 05:13:19 PM
Great pictures. rust in a few spotts where scafholding was installed during protracted the fitting out process.

I guess this will be cleaned up either in Odense.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 09, 2018, 01:50:31 PM
Irish Sea Bookings open until early April 2019. First notable thing is no sign of Epsilon her charter must be over.  OW appears to be operating central corridor on her own from 6th Jan to the 24th Jan. (Ulysses dry docking). After Ulysses returns from dry dock she takes over the route on her own, I do not believe the OW would be capable of covering the central corridor on her own so expect the WB to be in place by then.
No Rosslare-Pembroke sailings from the 27th Jan until the 15th Feb.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on November 09, 2018, 04:46:54 PM
Ireland - Britain Bookings partially open

WB Yeats Not listed yet and Epsilon most likely on Dublin - Cherbourg
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on November 09, 2018, 05:11:15 PM
Strange track for Ulysses this evening. As she entered Dublin Bay she turned and is now heading south-east. Adventurer is running slightly behind schedule but is going in the right direction!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on November 09, 2018, 05:53:00 PM
She is doing 20 Kts, i guess its due to wind direction. Its rough out there with both Rosslare Fishguard and Pemboke sailings cancelled

Both Epsilon and Stena Superfast X are going south and the approaching Holyhead from South West.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 15, 2018, 08:41:28 PM
More strange stuff from IF

https://amp.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/irish-ferries-customers-fear-for-their-holidays-over-booking-delay-37530353.html

Have we still an issue with WB not accepted by IF yet, one would think Oscar Wilde sailings would be on sales
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 15, 2018, 10:02:09 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on November 15, 2018, 08:41:28 PM
More strange stuff from IF

https://amp.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/irish-ferries-customers-fear-for-their-holidays-over-booking-delay-37530353.html

Have we still an issue with WB not accepted by IF yet, one would think Oscar Wilde sailings would be on sales
ICG will publish a Trading Update on the 29th November, I'd expect some news re WB then.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: alfie79 on November 15, 2018, 10:13:16 PM
Irish ferries are being very frustrating lately
playing a dangerous game leaving Brittany ferries and Stena get a head start on French run for customers
trusting that people will remain loyal
they need to seriously up there PR too
take a lesson from Brittany ferries especially over their new build the honfleur keeping people updated on how the build is going
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 18, 2018, 08:50:27 PM
Quote from: alfie79 on November 15, 2018, 10:13:16 PM
Irish ferries are being very frustrating lately
playing a dangerous game leaving Brittany ferries and Stena get a head start on French run for customers
trusting that people will remain loyal
they need to seriously up there PR too
take a lesson from Brittany ferries especially over their new build the honfleur keeping people updated on how the build is going
To be fair it would be a lot more frustrating for people if they put "seats" on sale and kept cancelling them (again)! 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on November 19, 2018, 09:49:46 AM
I agree, Its not the end of the world to have to wait a few more weeks.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on November 19, 2018, 04:19:35 PM
Quote from: Steven on November 18, 2018, 08:50:27 PM
To be fair it would be a lot more frustrating for people if they put "seats" on sale and kept cancelling them (again)!

Completely agree. Whilst I'd like to book today I'd prefer to be sure and not have to change plans. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on November 27, 2018, 11:58:36 AM
as mentioned Dublin Port closed for a while this morning Ulysses has just  departed.

Oscar Wilde to Cherbourg cancelled

Isle of innishmore cancelled for tomorrow daytime.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on November 28, 2018, 06:35:27 PM
Ulysses and Adventurer both  took a very scenic route to Holyhead this afternoon.  taking almost 6 hours must be rough out there.

Epsilon running around 2.5 hours late.

Inishmore cancelled tonight ex Rosslare. 

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 30, 2018, 12:14:39 PM
Final report into Epsilon crossing during Storm Imogen in 2016

http://www.mcib.ie/reports.7.html?r=218


http://www.mcib.ie/_fileupload/Documents/reports/mcib-258-mv-epsilon/2018-11-29-02-56-Epsilon%207-18_Redacted%20%20for%20the%20website%2028%20Nov.pdf


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on December 01, 2018, 06:46:57 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on November 30, 2018, 12:14:39 PM
Final report into Epsilon crossing during Storm Imogen in 2016

http://www.mcib.ie/reports.7.html?r=218


http://www.mcib.ie/_fileupload/Documents/reports/mcib-258-mv-epsilon/2018-11-29-02-56-Epsilon%207-18_Redacted%20%20for%20the%20website%2028%20Nov.pdf

Starting to get picked up by the press as well.
https://www.thejournal.ie/irish-ferries-mv-epsilon-storm-imogen-damage-4368428-Nov2018/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on December 02, 2018, 09:58:30 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on November 30, 2018, 12:14:39 PM
Final report into Epsilon crossing during Storm Imogen in 2016

http://www.mcib.ie/reports.7.html?r=218


http://www.mcib.ie/_fileupload/Documents/reports/mcib-258-mv-epsilon/2018-11-29-02-56-Epsilon%207-18_Redacted%20%20for%20the%20website%2028%20Nov.pdf

As far as I recall Stena Horizon went out a little earlier that night and sheltered in Torbay until the storm blew over. It would be interesting to know the decision making process of the Master of the Horizon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: munchkin on December 03, 2018, 09:56:44 AM
On the booking system theres a sailing from France to Ireland with Epsilon on the 23rd(Dublin), 28th and 30th of December (Rosslare!) but no corresponding sailings from Ireland to France the day before.
Has anyone an idea of whats going on there ?
They are hardly running from Ireland to France 3 times completely empty ? Its not scheduled on any Irish sea Runs either.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on December 03, 2018, 03:57:27 PM
Quote from: A83 on December 02, 2018, 09:58:30 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on November 30, 2018, 12:14:39 PM
Final report into Epsilon crossing during Storm Imogen in 2016

http://www.mcib.ie/reports.7.html?r=218


http://www.mcib.ie/_fileupload/Documents/reports/mcib-258-mv-epsilon/2018-11-29-02-56-Epsilon%207-18_Redacted%20%20for%20the%20website%2028%20Nov.pdf

As far as I recall Stena Horizon went out a little earlier that night and sheltered in Torbay until the storm blew over. It would be interesting to know the decision making process of the Master of the Horizon.

It was the Stena Flavia as she was providing refit cover for the Stena Horizon at that stage.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 07, 2018, 11:51:07 AM
All IF sailings to Holyhead cancelled due to weather. I wonder if Ulysses is still nursing some problem. Adventurer left about an hour late this morning and is expected to make her return on time but is cancelled tonight.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cillian on December 07, 2018, 05:34:54 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on December 07, 2018, 11:51:07 AM
All IF sailings to Holyhead cancelled due to weather. I wonder if Ulysses is still nursing some problem. Adventurer left about an hour late this morning and is expected to make her return on time but is cancelled tonight.
I would think she is as this is what the website was posting

Irish Ferries regrets to advise that due to adverse weather conditions on the Irish Sea, the 08:05hrs Ulysses sailing is cancelled.

All passengers will be accommodated on an alternative sailing departing terminal 2 at 08:10hrs, latest check in 07:00hrs @ terminal 2

There is no need to call at this time. However if this option is not suitable, please contact one of our offices as follows:

Irish Ferries Dublin Port: 01 - 607 5519 (05:15hrs - 21:15hrs).
Irish Ferries Contact Centre: 0818 300 400 (08:00hrs - 19:00hrs Mon-Fri. 08:00hrs - 16:00hrs Sat).
Irish Ferries Rosslare Port: 053 91 33158 (06:30hrs - 21:00hrs).

Irish Ferries apologises for any inconvenience caused by this disruption.

Superfast X seems to be the most reliable this year
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on December 07, 2018, 05:47:39 PM
I see Epsilon dissaperars off the IF schedule after Dec 29
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on December 08, 2018, 02:19:57 AM
Quote from: Cillian on December 07, 2018, 05:34:54 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on December 07, 2018, 11:51:07 AM
All IF sailings to Holyhead cancelled due to weather. I wonder if Ulysses is still nursing some problem. Adventurer left about an hour late this morning and is expected to make her return on time but is cancelled tonight.
I would think she is as this is what the website was posting

Irish Ferries regrets to advise that due to adverse weather conditions on the Irish Sea, the 08:05hrs Ulysses sailing is cancelled.

All passengers will be accommodated on an alternative sailing departing terminal 2 at 08:10hrs, latest check in 07:00hrs @ terminal 2

There is no need to call at this time. However if this option is not suitable, please contact one of our offices as follows:

Irish Ferries Dublin Port: 01 - 607 5519 (05:15hrs - 21:15hrs).
Irish Ferries Contact Centre: 0818 300 400 (08:00hrs - 19:00hrs Mon-Fri. 08:00hrs - 16:00hrs Sat).
Irish Ferries Rosslare Port: 053 91 33158 (06:30hrs - 21:00hrs).

Irish Ferries apologises for any inconvenience caused by this disruption.

Superfast X seems to be the most reliable this year

Irish Ferries cancelled most sailings tbh, not just Ulysses!  if Ulysses being cancelled suggests a problem then Inishmore and Epsilon must also have problems by that logic!

(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/47682191_2524907847524444_3792770144606879744_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.xx&oh=5e6f39fd4973f0db299d6353dd25d95f&oe=5C951345)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on December 08, 2018, 02:32:18 AM
looks like the whole fleet is having technical issues again  ;)

(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/47580088_2527014613980434_8679015112821964800_o.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.xx&oh=30868f0b951cdaf589d9a16d8ed6f77a&oe=5C64D59D)

(https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/48357426_2527034167311812_8660402378123509760_o.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent-lht6-1.xx&oh=788e6f0dac49ca6f1dbd8781d528c535&oe=5C655426)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on December 08, 2018, 02:52:19 AM
Quote from: munchkin on December 03, 2018, 09:56:44 AM
On the booking system theres a sailing from France to Ireland with Epsilon on the 23rd(Dublin), 28th and 30th of December (Rosslare!) but no corresponding sailings from Ireland to France the day before.
Has anyone an idea of whats going on there ?
They are hardly running from Ireland to France 3 times completely empty ? Its not scheduled on any Irish sea Runs either.

According to Irish Ferries freight she sails out from Dublin on the 27th and back to Rosslare on the 28th.  She then does Rosslare - Cherbourg - Rosslare on the 29th and 30th.  Perhaps something to do with her trade car contract and low bookings from other sources?  Bit strange.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Irishexplorer on December 08, 2018, 11:32:30 AM
Quote from: Niall on December 07, 2018, 05:47:39 PM
I see Epsilon dissaperars off the IF schedule after Dec 29

It was schedulled to operate from Dublin to Cherbourg on the 29th, but this has been cancelled and will now operate from Rosslare.  As far as I can tell it will go from Dublin on the 27th to Cherbourg, then to Rosslare on the 28th, and back to Cherbourg on the 29th, but after that, nothing is showing.  It seems that the Epsilon has been moved to Rosslare to make a berth available at Dublin for the YB Yeats.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on December 10, 2018, 08:43:55 PM
Quote from: Irishexplorer on December 08, 2018, 11:32:30 AM
Quote from: Niall on December 07, 2018, 05:47:39 PM
I see Epsilon dissaperars off the IF schedule after Dec 29

It was schedulled to operate from Dublin to Cherbourg on the 29th, but this has been cancelled and will now operate from Rosslare.  As far as I can tell it will go from Dublin on the 27th to Cherbourg, then to Rosslare on the 28th, and back to Cherbourg on the 29th, but after that, nothing is showing.  It seems that the Epsilon has been moved to Rosslare to make a berth available at Dublin for the YB Yeats.

You assume Yeats will be ready!  In any case the fact that Epsilon is operating A round trip and a half doesn't mean she has "moved" anywhere.  She operates into Rosslare all the time.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Elvisfan4life on December 13, 2018, 08:09:11 AM
Morning!! New here and first post. Does anyone know why Irish ferries holyhead.to.Dublin is delayed this.morning? As.usual it.says weather conditions!! But the bad weather forecast.over the.next.few.days.hasnt.even begun!!

I.am due.to.sail.next Tues when wind speed.and.gusts will be.much higher and was.wondering if to be safe I should transfer to an earlier crossing say Sunday or.Monday but.if they cant.travel on schedule today when it is calm would I just be wasting my.money? Wish I had booked Stena
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LongTimeReader on December 13, 2018, 11:35:42 AM
Quote from: Elvisfan4life on December 13, 2018, 08:09:11 AM
Morning!! New here and first post. Does anyone know why Irish ferries holyhead.to.Dublin is delayed this.morning? As.usual it.says weather conditions!! But the bad weather forecast.over the.next.few.days.hasnt.even begun!!

I.am due.to.sail.next Tues when wind speed.and.gusts will be.much higher and was.wondering if to be safe I should transfer to an earlier crossing say Sunday or.Monday but.if they cant.travel on schedule today when it is calm would I just be wasting my.money? Wish I had booked Stena

Could be either, but if you really need to need to get there Tuesday, I'd travel Monday. Both IF and Stena sailings are regularly disrupted in the winter by up to 12 hours.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on December 13, 2018, 02:34:20 PM
OW has arrived into Dublin 2.5 hours late. She had to go up and down off Dun Laoghaire and Bray, then had to be assisted by tugs Shackleton and Beaufort from the entrance to the port. She doesn't seem to be able to handle any sort of strong wind very well. It was the same last winter when she was on the Dublin Holyhead route.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Elvisfan4life on December 13, 2018, 03:42:03 PM
Thank you in just confused why Stems can sail but IF cant? Why are they do delayed today when the weather is fine?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Elvisfan4life on December 13, 2018, 03:43:26 PM
Quote from: conor on December 13, 2018, 02:34:20 PM
OW has arrived into Dublin 2.5 hours late. She had to go up and down off Dun Laoghaire and Bray, then had to be assisted by tugs Shackleton and Beaufort from the entrance to the port. She doesn't seem to be able to handle any sort of strong wind very well. It was the same last winter when she was on the Dublin Holyhead route.

Its.meant to be Ulysses and Epsilon on the Holyhead crossings today per the website ? OScar Wilde isn't meant to be on this route until Jan?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on December 13, 2018, 03:48:14 PM
Quote from: Elvisfan4life on December 13, 2018, 03:43:26 PM
Quote from: conor on December 13, 2018, 02:34:20 PM
OW has arrived into Dublin 2.5 hours late. She had to go up and down off Dun Laoghaire and Bray, then had to be assisted by tugs Shackleton and Beaufort from the entrance to the port. She doesn't seem to be able to handle any sort of strong wind very well. It was the same last winter when she was on the Dublin Holyhead route.

Its.meant to be Ulysses and Episilon on the crossings today per the website ? OScar Wilde isn't meant to be on this route until Jan?
Sorry for the confusion I didn't clarify. She had crossed from Cherbourg, leaving there yesterday. However over the busy Christmas period for previous years she was on the Dublin Holyhead route and had many sailings cancelled due to weather. She is due to move to the Holyhead route on 22nd to take over for Epsilon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ulysses17 on December 13, 2018, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: Elvisfan4life on December 13, 2018, 03:42:03 PM
Thank you in just confused why Stems can sail but IF cant? Why are they do delayed today when the weather is fine?

I can assure you that the weather was far from "fine" in Dublin port this morning. Almost every arrival into the port requires assistance from tugs to get onto the berths. And the reason why IF fell so far behind Stena today is simply due to the fact that thier ships got tugs first. It takes a while for them to go back out to the next ship.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Elvisfan4life on December 13, 2018, 05:17:40 PM
Quote from: conor on December 13, 2018, 03:48:14 PM
Quote from: Elvisfan4life on December 13, 2018, 03:43:26 PM
Quote from: conor on December 13, 2018, 02:34:20 PM
OW has arrived into Dublin 2.5 hours late. She had to go up and down off Dun Laoghaire and Bray, then had to be assisted by tugs Shackleton and Beaufort from the entrance to the port. She doesn't seem to be able to handle any sort of strong wind very well. It was the same last winter when she was on the Dublin Holyhead route.

Its.meant to be Ulysses and Episilon on the crossings today per the website ? OScar Wilde isn't meant to be on this route until Jan?
Sorry for the confusion I didn't clarify. She had crossed from Cherbourg, leaving there yesterday. However over the busy Christmas period for previous years she was on the Dublin Holyhead route and had many sailings cancelled due to weather. She is due to move to the Holyhead route on 22nd to take over for Epsilon.
ah ok thank you
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Elvisfan4life on December 13, 2018, 05:18:51 PM
Quote from: Ulysses17 on December 13, 2018, 05:01:56 PM
Quote from: Elvisfan4life on December 13, 2018, 03:42:03 PM
Thank you in just confused why Stems can sail but IF cant? Why are they do delayed today when the weather is fine?
Thank you didn't know that I guess Stena own the port so take first dibs
I can assure you that the weather was far from "fine" in Dublin port this morning. Almost every arrival into the port requires assistance from tugs to get onto the berths. And the reason why IF fell so far behind Stena today is simply due to the fact that thier ships got tugs first. It takes a while for them to go back out to the next ship.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Elvisfan4life on December 14, 2018, 03:17:01 PM
Completely confused now OW seems to be replacing Episilon on H-D from this sat? But Epsilon seems to be back on the Rota for the last sailing out of Holyhead on the evening of the 18th Tues?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on December 14, 2018, 03:28:47 PM
Quote from: Elvisfan4life on December 14, 2018, 03:17:01 PM
Completely confused now OW seems to be replacing Episilon on H-D from this sat? But Epsilon seems to be back on the Rota for the last sailing out of Holyhead on the evening of the 18th Tues?
Epsilon does a round trip every weekend to Cherbourg. Departing from Dublin on Saturday afternoon and arriving back to Dublin on Monday afternoon. OW covers for Epsilon on D-H at the weekend at the moment because she is running out of Dublin for the winter and not Rosslare
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on December 14, 2018, 09:50:55 PM
IF seem to have given up on Dublin Holyhead tomorrow all  sailings cancelled except for the 2055 Ulysses. All passengers transferred to Stena Line.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 15, 2018, 12:34:08 PM
I think it's a bit strange that Ulysses has had her sailings cancelled again, prior to her technical issues this summer with her starboard pitch prop she hardly ever missed a sailing the weather is not that bad as both Stena ships are still sailing albeit delayed, as I said before I think she is still suffering from some tech issue which has not been resolved.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on December 15, 2018, 01:32:02 PM
There's probably less enthusiasm to send her out now as she's lost her reputation for "The ship that always sails" due to her experiences earlier in the year. Plus of course, it's winter, it's weekend, perhaps the bookings were not great for that particular run. If that is the case, they have the option of either running her lightly - a bit dangerous in nasty weather - or ballasting her up which will use more fuel than the low revenue would cover. With two new ships as well as the current fleet's anticipated maintenence bill, perhaps they are pulling at the purse strings a bit.

Just guessing like. Feel free to correct me if you wish.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 15, 2018, 01:47:05 PM
It could be that the prop shat fix is still not full fixed and she is vunarable in poor weather.

She will be in drydock for three weeks or longer in January when it can hopefully be finally sorted out.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 15, 2018, 04:02:35 PM
Oscar Wilde on her return leg from Cherbourg is currently sailing by Skerries she is waiting for Ulysses to move off berth 49 so she can dock.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Elvisfan4life on December 15, 2018, 07:43:21 PM
Will Ulysses be able to go over tonight with the weather? Showing as.on time on website
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 15, 2018, 08:07:03 PM
Epsilon appears to be blocking Stena Adventurer berth in Dublin port.

Adventurer on a Dublin Bay cruise as no berth available.

Oscar Wilde continues its Skerries cruise, passengers could have been let off in Rosslare hours ago if they had used the berth vacated by Stena Europe (change of port I know, but prefer to be off ship and home than unplanned cruise)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 15, 2018, 08:15:03 PM
Correction from last post, it was my Marine Traffic showing Epsilon off berth, don't think it has moved at all.

Refreshed and back in place.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 15, 2018, 08:28:07 PM
Nothing can dock or leave Dublin atm due to high winds Oscar is not going to attempt to dock until after Ulysses departs with Epsilon now scheduled to depart for Cherbourg at 21:00.
Elbfeeder, Adventurer, Norbay, OW and Seatruck Power have all been waiting to dock for some time now.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: HSS on December 15, 2018, 08:32:41 PM
I thought it must be weather as a lot are waiting to enter Dublin Port.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 16, 2018, 01:25:39 PM
When i travelled on Stena Superfast X on Friday they warned us about strong winds from the south hitting her Port Side. They said it would effect her entry into Dublin Port. We has waves going over our Bow as we approached Howth.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on December 16, 2018, 04:57:46 PM
From the booking engine Ulysses is off from Jan 7th to 24th with Oscar as cover.

Oscar then down to replace Isle of Innishmore 26th Jan to 14th February.

Epsilon not on the schedule in early Jan dry dock? or IF schedules in flux until we see how WB works out.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 16, 2018, 09:57:43 PM
Strange to have Oscar covering Ulysses, could easily swap with Inishmore.

Maybe WB will be in service?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 16, 2018, 11:44:18 PM
WB Yeats on Uysses Roster, Oscar Wilde on Epsilons Roster until Ulysses Returns on 24th Jan 2019.

Then Oscar Wilde and WB Yeats Swap and Oscar wilde takes over from isle of Innismore.

Then Oscar Wilde goes on Drydock
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 17, 2018, 09:01:50 PM
Rumors starting to surface on The Facebook that Oscar Wilde has been sold and most likely destinations are either Moby Or Corsica Ferries.

Would explain not releasing sailings and shore up balance sheet after a bad year, however would also mean end of IF Rosslare- France sailings, leaving door wide open for Stena to double up on Rosslare France with Nordica once refit season is over.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on December 18, 2018, 06:47:34 AM
Quote from: giftgrub on December 17, 2018, 09:01:50 PM
Rumors starting to surface on The Facebook that Oscar Wilde has been sold and most likely destinations are either Moby Or Corsica Ferries.

Would explain not releasing sailings and shore up balance sheet after a bad year, however would also mean end of IF Rosslare- France sailings, leaving door wide open for Stena to double up on Rosslare France with Nordica once refit season is over.

Nordica is needed on her current permanent route.  With many passengers probably transferring to the week-round Dublin service instead of driving down to Rosslare there quite possibly wouldn't be sufficient demand anyway.  Hearing the Oscar has been sold rumour from normally very reliable sources now (more specifically that there is an agreement in place to sell her), though no indication of whom to yet.  It would certainly explain why there is no Rosslare to France schedule - I've been told by a number of people not to expect one!  The official line from Irish Ferries is that they have released the Dublin to Cherbourg schedule as it is their most in-demand route, and to keep an eye on the website for further updates on all other schedules in 2019.

With regard to the much speculated continued issues with ULYSSES, another rumour doing the rounds is that after the report into the EPSILON incident came out Irish Ferries cannot get insurance to sail in adverse weather.  Take that how you wish, but it could explain why they seem to be cancelling everything including Inishmore when Stena and the others sail on with much fewer cancellations.  So much for Adventurer not being able to berth in Holyhead without ULYSSES for shelter!


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on December 18, 2018, 02:53:59 PM
Irish Ferries day they are unlikely to operate a Rosslare to France service in 2019

https://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/news-listing/information-rosslare-france-2019/

18/12/2018 12:00

Irish Ferries wish to inform their customers that they are unlikely to operate a service between Rosslare and France in 2019. We continue to keep this situation under review.

A majority of our customers have a clear preference for the more central location and easy access of Dublin. Our new W.B. Yeats ship will operate from Dublin to Cherbourg, with 20% greater passenger capacity up to 4 days per week and is now available for booking on Irishferries.com.



Irish Ferries souhaite informer ses clients qu'il est peu probable qu'ils exploitent un service entre la France et Rosslare en 2019. Nous continuons de suivre de près cette situation.

Notre nouveau navire le W.B. Yeats assurera la ligne Cherbourg - Dublin, avec une capacité de passagers accrue de 20%, jusqu'à 4 jours par semaine et est désormais disponible à la réservation sur irishferries.fr.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on December 18, 2018, 03:29:36 PM
Quote from: Steven on December 18, 2018, 02:53:59 PM
Irish Ferries day they are unlikely to operate a Rosslare to France service in 2019

https://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/news-listing/information-rosslare-france-2019/

18/12/2018 12:00

Irish Ferries wish to inform their customers that they are unlikely to operate a service between Rosslare and France in 2019. We continue to keep this situation under review.

A majority of our customers have a clear preference for the more central location and easy access of Dublin. Our new W.B. Yeats ship will operate from Dublin to Cherbourg, with 20% greater passenger capacity up to 4 days per week and is now available for booking on Irishferries.com.



Irish Ferries souhaite informer ses clients qu'il est peu probable qu'ils exploitent un service entre la France et Rosslare en 2019. Nous continuons de suivre de près cette situation.

Notre nouveau navire le W.B. Yeats assurera la ligne Cherbourg - Dublin, avec une capacité de passagers accrue de 20%, jusqu'à 4 jours par semaine et est désormais disponible à la réservation sur irishferries.fr.



That's a disaster for the wine trip weekend away! Cherbourg just isn't the same!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on December 18, 2018, 04:23:17 PM
WB Yeats will be calling to Rosslare tomorrow afernoon on her way to Dublin from Cherbourg
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on December 18, 2018, 04:38:49 PM
Quote from: Niall on December 18, 2018, 04:23:17 PM
WB Yeats will be calling to Rosslare tomorrow afernoon on her way to Dublin from Cherbourg
Yes it seems a bit strange if u ask me. IF recently said that it's unlikely that they will be operating a Rosslare to France route in 2019. I know WB Yeats will be operating from Dublin so I don't see the point in going in going into Rosslare tomorrow unless they have future plans to have her running from there.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on December 18, 2018, 05:04:16 PM
Quote from: conor on December 18, 2018, 04:38:49 PM
Quote from: Niall on December 18, 2018, 04:23:17 PM
WB Yeats will be calling to Rosslare tomorrow afernoon on her way to Dublin from Cherbourg


Yes it seems a bit strange if u ask me. IF recently said that it's unlikely that they will be operating a Rosslare to France route in 2019. I know WB Yeats will be operating from Dublin so I don't see the point in going in going into Rosslare tomorrow unless they have future plans to have her running from there.

I wonder might she relieve Isle of Inishmore for her refit if OW is sold?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on December 18, 2018, 05:25:20 PM
https://www.irishferries.com/ie-en/ships/wbyeats/
Nice little video here from IF.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on December 18, 2018, 05:38:49 PM
World war Three Breaks out on Facebook over possible -definate  Rosslare france sailings finishing
https://www.facebook.com/IrishFerriesOfficial/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on December 18, 2018, 06:03:57 PM
Quote from: Steven on December 18, 2018, 06:47:34 AM


With regard to the much speculated continued issues with ULYSSES, another rumour doing the rounds is that after the report into the EPSILON incident came out Irish Ferries cannot get insurance to sail in adverse weather.  Take that how you wish, but it could explain why they seem to be cancelling everything including Inishmore when Stena and the others sail on with much fewer cancellations.  So much for Adventurer not being able to berth in Holyhead without ULYSSES for shelter!




Surely any proper ferry company cannot operate with an insurance difficulty like this, if true. IF will have to stump a higher insurance premium.
it really has been a bad year for them and I suppose off loading Oscar Wilde will help in one way but looking at bookface its not going down too well


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 18, 2018, 07:46:05 PM
WB Yeats might be carrying new cars to Rosslare???
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on December 18, 2018, 08:25:55 PM
if the rumors are true, then tomorrows sailing from Dublin could be Oscar Wildes final trip to Cherbourg.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on December 18, 2018, 08:57:09 PM
Would it make sense for IF to keep Oscar Wilde and run her seasonally from Rosslare to France when there is a demand. From October to March she can move up to Dublin and add capacity to the Dublin Holyhead route so that Epsilon can be on the France route for freight permanently during that period.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 18, 2018, 08:59:18 PM
Oscar Wilde Video and photos have been unlinked from Irish Ferries website.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on December 18, 2018, 09:03:56 PM
Quote from: IFPete on December 18, 2018, 08:59:18 PM
Oscar Wilde Video and photos have been unlinked from Irish Ferries website.
I've seen that as well. It just seems a shame to abandon the rosslare to France route. I been on OW many times over the years and whenever I have sailed she seems full.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 18, 2018, 09:38:11 PM
A sad day as IF turn their back on the route that made them, many a time in Rosslare when Oscar and her predecessors arrived and always plenty of traffic coming off, car with bike racks and roof boxes nearly rubbing the ground so laden down from the trip to France.

Now they will arrive into Dublin Port and that utopia of empty road the M50, six glorious empty lanes of Motorway which lead to all corners of Ireland, traveling on the M50 is such a pleasure and the ease with which you can get from Dublin Port to anywhere in Ireland in unrivaled, I wish them all the best in the future.

However time will move on and now we will see what are TD's are made from, the most useless Shane Ross and the Wexford Famous Five have but one job now, to get the finger out and give Rosslare Harbour the boost it needs

Remember it's the shortest direct route to France
The fastest crossing from Ireland to UK

Extend Dublin Wexford motorway beyond Oylegate, what clown decided a motorway terminates before a village instead of after !
Make Rosslare a tier 1 port
Buy the available land in the Harbour and build the required inspection areas/ Lorry Park
Given special rates to new routes opening up eg Rosslare Roscoff
There is no reason why Rosslare cannot be given some help, the Dublin port tunnel cost €790 million euro to give direct access to the M50 for Dublin Port customers.

Sorry IF but today's announcement should have been made months ago and to treat your customers and the Ports of Rosslare and Roscoff with contempt with an announcement that states you are "Unlikely " to operate the route is quite simply disgraceful.

https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2018/1218/1017939-irish-ferries/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 18, 2018, 09:41:57 PM
From one of the moderators

https://www.change.org/p/irishferries-com-irish-ferries-restore-the-rosslare-france-route-after-the-winter-break
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cladyman on December 18, 2018, 10:20:44 PM
Will the new enniscorty by pass not go a long way to reducing/gaurentee ing the travel time? 


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 18, 2018, 10:47:52 PM
Thats a disaster for Rosscolf and Brittany. I guess the rumours were write about Oscar Wildes sale.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: TC on December 18, 2018, 11:10:32 PM
Strange considering the landbridge / brexit problem.  Stena now have Rosslare - Cherbourg all to themselves.  I expect this is the end for Irish Ferries in Roscoff.  A very abrupt end, and another PR screw-up. 

I wonder with the arrival of Connemara, and BF's new builds (and ultimate fleet changes), will Brittany Ferries fill the void?

Makes me wonder will Irish Ferries eventually close Rosslare operations completely.  Isle of Inishmore isn't much younger than Oscar Wilde.  We could be seeing a scenario like P&O's demise in Portsmouth.

Stena could capitalize on this. If a suitable replacement is found for Stena Nordica on her Polish route, could she run along side Stena Horizon for the 2019 season.  P&O operated her as European Ambassador on the route for several years, proved a popular vessel, though compared to the then ancient 'Normandy', that is very understandable.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LongTimeReader on December 18, 2018, 11:43:03 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on December 18, 2018, 09:38:11 PM
A sad day as IF turn their back on the route that made them, many a time in Rosslare when Oscar and her predecessors arrived and always plenty of traffic coming off, car with bike racks and roof boxes nearly rubbing the ground so laden down from the trip to France.

Now they will arrive into Dublin Port and that utopia of empty road the M50, six glorious empty lanes of Motorway which lead to all corners of Ireland, traveling on the M50 is such a pleasure and the ease with which you can get from Dublin Port to anywhere in Ireland in unrivaled, I wish them all the best in the future.

However time will move on and now we will see what are TD's are made from, the most useless Shane Ross and the Wexford Famous Five have but one job now, to get the finger out and give Rosslare Harbour the boost it needs

Remember it's the shortest direct route to France
The fastest crossing from Ireland to UK

Extend Dublin Wexford motorway beyond Oylegate, what clown decided a motorway terminates before a village instead of after !
Make Rosslare a tier 1 port
Buy the available land in the Harbour and build the required inspection areas/ Lorry Park
Given special rates to new routes opening up eg Rosslare Roscoff
There is no reason why Rosslare cannot be given some help, the Dublin port tunnel cost €790 million euro to give direct access to the M50 for Dublin Port customers.

Sorry IF but today's announcement should have been made months ago and to treat your customers and the Ports of Rosslare and Roscoff with contempt with an announcement that states you are "Unlikely " to operate the route is quite simply disgraceful.

https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2018/1218/1017939-irish-ferries/

Agree with the sentiment. I might also add that Rosslare needs a more functional train service, from travelling down to Rosslare to get the OW in Sept this year, safe to say the 20 or so going to Rosslare were all for the boat.

I also note the extremely sour reception from the Irish hauliage industry group. Stunning IF wouldn't discuss this with their major customers in the first instance.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on December 19, 2018, 09:03:16 AM
Quote from: conor on December 18, 2018, 08:57:09 PM
Would it make sense for IF to keep Oscar Wilde and run her seasonally from Rosslare to France when there is a demand. From October to March she can move up to Dublin and add capacity to the Dublin Holyhead route so that Epsilon can be on the France route for freight permanently during that period.
Not if someone has offered them a nice big sum of cash for her!  It costs money to run seasonal services.  Epsilon will be away more than likely when the second new build arrives.  This is ICG putting things in place for the future I'd say and cashing in on an ageing asset while they can.  Not much demand for 1200lm cruise ferries these days.

Quote from: TC on December 18, 2018, 11:10:32 PM
Strange considering the landbridge / brexit problem.  Stena now have Rosslare - Cherbourg all to themselves.  I expect this is the end for Irish Ferries in Roscoff.  A very abrupt end, and another PR screw-up. 

I wonder with the arrival of Connemara, and BF's new builds (and ultimate fleet changes), will Brittany Ferries fill the void?

Makes me wonder will Irish Ferries eventually close Rosslare operations completely.  Isle of Inishmore isn't much younger than Oscar Wilde.  We could be seeing a scenario like P&O's demise in Portsmouth.

Stena could capitalize on this. If a suitable replacement is found for Stena Nordica on her Polish route, could she run along side Stena Horizon for the 2019 season.  P&O operated her as European Ambassador on the route for several years, proved a popular vessel, though compared to the then ancient 'Normandy', that is very understandable.

The landbridge/brexit problem as you call it is a hypothetical scenario which may or may not happen.  Something that doesn't get discussed much is possible border controls at Irish ports in the event of a hard Brexit also affecting continental routes.  Or are they going to pop up customs controls on all 300+ border crossings between North and South overnight?  If trucks leaving Ireland can clear EU customs in Ireland and be given a smooth passage through the UK as has already been suggested (as has their passage through ports in France and Belgium when travelling via the UK) then the direct services will continue to be less attractive. 

ICG by the sounds of things have been offered a guaranteed sum for an ageing asset which they no longer require - from a business point of view why should they gamble and miss the opportunity to move her on?  Inishmore is a decade younger than Oscar!!!!  If Irish Ferries thought it was worth Stena's while to capitalise on their decision then they probably wouldn't have made the decision in the first place.  More than likely they expect the vast majority of business will follow them to Dublin.  They have the figures for both routes after all and must be encouraged by Epsilons carryings.  They invested €150m in a new ship for the run!!!!


It makes sense to try out Yeats at all Irish Ferries ports she is likely to fit at in case they need to redeploy her temporarily in future.  Refit cover for Inishmore could be an option for instance.  I assume she will carry on Epsilon's trade car duties as well given she is effectively replacing the Visentini to France.  It makes sense to do it now since it would be madness to rush her into service in the Christmas rush rather than when she is needed and losing sailings as a result of having to go for trials.  It also means that should any adjustments need to be made to the vessel prior to entering service they can account for her fit at all the ports rather than having to bodge together a solution some time in the future.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on December 23, 2018, 02:45:33 PM
Anyone knows whats happening to captain/officers on OW when sold? will they be re deployed onto other ships (probably in less senior position if so if joining)?

Also over xmas do the crew stay onboard? can't imagine IF flying them home just for a few days
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 23, 2018, 10:34:38 PM
Quote from: ferryman972411 on December 23, 2018, 02:45:33 PM
Anyone knows whats happening to captain/officers on OW when sold? will they be re deployed onto other ships (probably in less senior position if so if joining)?

Also over xmas do the crew stay onboard? can't imagine IF flying them home just for a few days
At a guess they could be redeployed. The crews are not Irish Ferries employees but I would imagine they will stay on-board.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 24, 2018, 12:36:27 AM
Oscar Wildes Crew will most likely transfer to WB Yeats.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryman972411 on December 24, 2018, 01:26:33 AM
does it not already have a crew onboard?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 24, 2018, 06:14:48 PM
Skeleton operations crew to bring her to Dublin.  No guinness flowing on that voyage. Her Crew could contain Crew from other members of fleet. The bars and restaurants will have members of Dublin Swift crew while she is on Dublin - Holyhead route. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on December 27, 2018, 02:43:58 PM
From the New Year the morning sailing from Holyhead is changed to depart at 08.15. and timed to take 3.5hrs to make the crossing,

Swift sailing times starting March 14th.
Depart Dublin at 07.30  and 13.50
Depart Holyhead at 10.40 and 16.45
each sailing timed for 2 hours and 15 minutes.

personally, I think its a bit early for the Swift leaving Dublin at 07.30.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cladyman on December 29, 2018, 11:56:44 AM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46704522

Tried to start a new discussion on Brexit ferries but couldn't manage it

Is this destination of Oscar
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on December 29, 2018, 12:40:09 PM
Quote from: Cladyman on December 29, 2018, 11:56:44 AM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46704522

Tried to start a new discussion on Brexit ferries but couldn't manage it

Is this destination of Oscar
Doubt it unless there is a real desperation for tonnage.  Her freight capacity is too low and passenger capacity too high.  Brittany Ferries could easily increase intensity and DFDS have their own resources.  Seaborne are the interesting one but Oscar is totally the opposite of the type of ship they have been looking for
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 29, 2018, 12:51:36 PM
Epsilon in Rosslare Harbour this morning for a scheduled sailing to France ! Ironic given the last few weeks news.

Did not have my phone with me to take any images but the external condition looks poor, lots of rusty areas and damage from the Holyhead moorings, does nobody in Irish Ferries have a roller and paint to keep on top of these areas.

Sadly this could be the last crossing from Rosslare to France by Irish Ferries.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 31, 2018, 12:06:24 PM
Epsilon is due to sail to Brest later today. Maybe a freight only run as it does not appear on the timetable?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on December 31, 2018, 12:33:03 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on December 31, 2018, 12:06:24 PM
Epsilon is due to sail to Brest later today. Maybe a freight only run as it does not appear on the timetable?
is there a dry dock in Brest?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 31, 2018, 12:53:34 PM
Quote from: jgf on December 31, 2018, 12:33:03 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on December 31, 2018, 12:06:24 PM
Epsilon is due to sail to Brest later today. Maybe a freight only run as it does not appear on the timetable?
is there a dry dock in Brest?
There is, it could be for dry docking she does not appear on  any schedule until the 19th.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 02, 2019, 11:25:50 AM
Epsilon entered drydock in Brest this morning.

WB Yeats is undergoing Inspection in Dublin today to allow it to receive its passenger certificate.

If it passed it will replace the Ulysses on the Dublin - Holyhead route from Sunday 6 January 2019,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 02, 2019, 11:37:49 AM
Epsilon has dry-docked in Brest at a Damen yard.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marthyrarth on January 03, 2019, 11:29:54 AM
Anyone know if W.B. has passed its inspection?  Want to go on her, but it will be £64 for a day return which is very expensive.

Why no day trip fares?

Also thinking about going on Stena Nordica, will be cheaper £5.50!!!!!!

I think Irish Ferries could communicate things better.  They seem very anxious only to answer the easy questions on their facebook site and ignore anything complex!

I am slightly concerned about the sun deck arrangements for W.B. - only one exposed sundeck on top for a long cruise journey and no plexiglass.  Look at the Felicity, Tor Britannia, etc - much better.  The interior décor also looks a bit dull and cheap .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 03, 2019, 11:40:38 AM
Certificate permitting WB Yeats to enter service on Dublin - Holyhead on Tuesday 8th January 2019
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 03, 2019, 04:24:09 PM
Quote from: IFPete on January 03, 2019, 11:40:38 AM
Certificate permitting WB Yeats to enter service on Dublin - Holyhead on Tuesday 8th January 2019

Hopefully it will enter service and by doing so clear up the confusion and contradictions on IF own booking engine which shows OW on Dub-HH  on the 15th  while the timetable for Dublin -Cherbourg shows her sailing to France on the same day returning on the 17th.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 03, 2019, 04:50:22 PM
I totally Agree. Irish Ferries have completely lost the plot in terms of communication.

If WB Yeats is not available next Tuesday (which hopefully is not the case) the Isle of Inishmore will end up in Dublin. The website should have reflected this contingency.

The other confusion is the future of Epsilon and Oscar Wilde which are both rumoured to be leaving the fleet. 

While the rumours are most likely true , the missing piece of information is the timing of both departures.

Additionally the Drydocking Location of Isle of Inishmore , Ulysses , Epsilon and Oscar Wilde all be kept low key.

The final schedule make up for 2019 is a state secret. 

Lastly start date of the Swift has moved from 14 March to 12 April back to 14 March even before she gets drydocked.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 04, 2019, 12:53:48 PM
I understand Ulysses is booked into Birkenhead for Drydock next week.

Her departure for Birkenhead may be delayed to allow WB Yeats to take over her service.

Only one ferry is appearing on the booking engine to operate the Dublin - Holyhead service until 24 January 2019.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 04, 2019, 01:59:01 PM
Confirmed now that WB Yeats will commence sailings taking over for Ulysses on the 20:55 sailing on Sunday the 13th.
Epsilon returning to the route on the 15th freeing OW to take up some Cherbourg runs until the 24th when OW and Epsilon swap routes with OW back on Dublin- Holyhead for one day before Ulysses returns and WB takes over Epsilon timetable to HH and Epsilon switches to Dublin -Cherbourg service (hope that makes sense).
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 04, 2019, 04:10:17 PM
Good to see the timetable been fleshed out.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 05, 2019, 06:11:15 PM
Image of the Epsilon in drydock in Brest, here.

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2952334

http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2952333
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 09, 2019, 11:36:10 AM
Works being carried out on Epsilon at Brest according to a meretime marine article
"This technical stop will in particular make it possible to repair a problem on one of its anti-roll stabilizers and to carry out an upgrade on one of its water intakes. Also provided are interventions on the joints of the propeller blades, as well as various work including boilermaking." (google translated)
She is due to leave the dry dock on the 11th or 12th Jan.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marthyrarth on January 10, 2019, 08:18:59 PM
If you ask Irish Ferries facebook team when Ulysses goes into drydock, they say they don't know.  Very poor communication.  What's the point of a facebook site if they aren't willing to help their passengers?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 11, 2019, 11:17:42 AM
They are frightened to say anything
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on January 11, 2019, 08:19:47 PM
its hilarious that  the dry docking schedule for next week is still  is subject to confirmation.  they have Oscar down to France on Tuesday for freight customers but you cannot book it on Irishferries.com so its going to be a very empty sailing if its freight only.

I am hoping to travel to Holyhead on Tuesday but they are not open for booking for rail sail passengers because they 'are awaiting confirmation of there dry dock schedule and which  ferrys will  be operating.'

We no office staff over the weekend it will be Monday before I can get an update.

I will probably go Stena but was hoping to go IF with WB Yeats making an appearnce. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cillian on January 12, 2019, 09:31:49 AM
Dublin port schedule has W B Yeats departing on 15th at 08.05 from berth 51A, And from that night from berth 49.
As expected it will be covering Ulysses schedule.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marthyrarth on January 12, 2019, 10:36:04 AM

Will the Yeats be carrying passengers including footies form the 15th or only freight?

Very poor communication from IF - a disgrace really.  Do they want people to travel with them?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 12, 2019, 11:53:51 AM
Quote from: marthyrarth on January 12, 2019, 10:36:04 AM

Will the Yeats be carrying passengers including footies form the 15th or only freight?

Very poor communication from IF - a disgrace really.  Do they want people to travel with them?
I totally agree and think most of it may be down to whoever is supposed to be doing their IT. Their booking engine shows OW but it is clear that WB will be taking over from Ulysses from Sunday with no bookings for foot pax or rail pax being allowed.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 12, 2019, 12:12:58 PM
According to Afloat, WB Yeats will sail as a ghost ship with Freight drivers only on 14th. Dublin Port Departures and Irish Ferries Freight site showed WB Yeats going into full service on 15th January at 0805 Dublin to Holyhead. Ulysses is due to travel to Birkenhead on 15th January 2019 leaving Dublin at 0900 AM subject to WB Yeats departing per schedule. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on January 12, 2019, 02:44:23 PM
Well I am hoping to make a sail trip on Tuesday morning so all I can do is hope and wait to see if IF want my business.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on January 12, 2019, 09:59:03 PM
Epsilon left Brest this evening heading to Cherbourg
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 13, 2019, 11:39:13 PM
Quote from: IFPete on January 12, 2019, 12:12:58 PM
According to Afloat, WB Yeats will sail as a ghost ship with Freight drivers only on 14th. Dublin Port Departures and Irish Ferries Freight site showed WB Yeats going into full service on 15th January at 0805 Dublin to Holyhead. Ulysses is due to travel to Birkenhead on 15th January 2019 leaving Dublin at 0900 AM subject to WB Yeats departing per schedule.

They jumped the gun - she still isn't ready I'm afraid.  Their latest "article" on the subject says she will be in Holyhead at the same time as Oscar on Tuesday and berth alongside her.  Slight problem with that theory.... ::)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 14, 2019, 10:31:21 AM
I agree Steven. WB Yeats is over at the ocean pier this morning.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 14, 2019, 11:50:41 AM
I still believe WB will take over from Ulysses tomorrow. IF passenger site shows the OW on the route while the freight site shows the WB on the route, meanwhile Dublin Port Transfer List have been told that WB is on the 0805 that Ulysses is off to dry dock sometime after 0900 then it gets a bit confusing with both OW and Epsilon arriving from sea to berth 49 at 1115 and both departing at 1430 ?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 14, 2019, 05:34:11 PM
Dublin Port Website saying Epsilon taking Ulysses Sailings from tomorrow onwards.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on January 15, 2019, 10:26:14 AM
Greetings from the Irish Sea onboard Adventurer, both Ulysses and Epsilon are right infront of me. Ulysses off to Liverpool and Epsilon left well after us but has overtaken us 

Was really hoping to be on WB Yeats this morning, but that is the luck of the draw I suppose.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 15, 2019, 10:42:20 AM
WB Yeats is appearing on the Dublin Port Website on Thursday 17th January departing at 0805 AM
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 15, 2019, 11:43:49 AM
I got the dates wrong at least twice based on info from their websites and the port company. Afloat.ie is reporting that she will undertake this "freight only" crossing on Saturday and commence passenger services on the 25th January. I was hoping to go on her first crossing but think I will just wait until she is bedded down and will take a trip in a week or so.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 15, 2019, 12:12:48 PM
I hope Epsilon can handle the freight volumes.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on January 15, 2019, 02:06:58 PM
The 25th is whats showing on the booking engine since the start but you would think they might make an effort to get wb in service  to cover dry docking. If it a paper work issue we just have to hold tough.

It will be an excuse for another trip for me anyway.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cillian on January 15, 2019, 03:01:14 PM
Quote from: IFPete on January 15, 2019, 12:12:48 PM
I hope Epsilon can handle the freight volumes.

Epsilon can take 170 units, W B Yeats can take 165 units.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Rob 1987 on January 15, 2019, 05:30:23 PM
When the Ulysses back on Services
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cladyman on January 15, 2019, 07:55:39 PM
Is it just me that thinks it is crazy they are taking over a month after arriving in Dublin port to put in full service yet the orginal plan for last summer must have been days. 


With an extra 6 months to plan can't help but use the word incompetence
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on January 15, 2019, 08:19:38 PM
I wonder if there is any truth in the rumour that WB Yeats has failed to secure the necessary certification to sail from the Irish authorities?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 15, 2019, 08:54:15 PM
Quote from: RorieLen on January 15, 2019, 08:19:38 PM
I wonder if there is any truth in the rumour that WB Yeats has failed to secure the necessary certification to sail from the Irish authorities?

Hearing that rumours of major construction problems are true, but not necessarily the issues that were widely reported online.  Something is definitely up with her – remember Irish Ferries said she would be in service in "early January".  I don't think even they can claim early January hasn't passed!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 15, 2019, 09:31:01 PM
It is strange given the delays, if there are certain issues would be smart fleet planning to put it in service as cover for Inishmore first when it goes to refit, have any teething issues outside of the glare of Dublin - Holyhead,  delays on Rosslare Pembroke unlikely to get as much attention.

Given the investment it is sad to see it sitting idle in all the images so far, it will be great to finally see it carrying passengers.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Alan G on January 15, 2019, 10:02:43 PM
It's obvious that they intended to have WBY cover Ulysees otherwise IOI would be in Dublin now rather than the poor showing of using Epsilon on the main link and OW on the second service with all foot passenger carriage on the route suspended.

Any further issues and it would be have to be a consideration for the next order for an even larger ship to be suspended or cancelled from FSG.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 15, 2019, 10:27:24 PM
There has been a reluctance to switch Inishmore to Dublin this year, most notably during Summer when Ulysses was off service for a month, Inishmore stayed in Rosslare.

While we all thought WB would have slotted into service as cover for Ulysses (especially given drydock delayed a week) this has not happened yet, for whatever reason, given the original plan was for WB to enter service days after arriving in a Ireland last Summer, the extended delays, lack of sea time, no press tour, pour communication would seem to indicate possible issues.

Who would have thought Oscar Wilde would have been used so much on Dublin route this year. Also France sailings have been cancelled while Stena Nordica Sold out over next few crossings out of Rosslare.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 16, 2019, 10:59:05 AM
Quote from: Alan G on January 15, 2019, 10:02:43 PM
It's obvious that they intended to have WBY cover Ulysees otherwise IOI would be in Dublin now rather than the poor showing of using Epsilon on the main link and OW on the second service with all foot passenger carriage on the route suspended.

Any further issues and it would be have to be a consideration for the next order for an even larger ship to be suspended or cancelled from FSG.
Assuming that FSG is responsible for whatever this issue is! 

ICG will have been fully aware that this vessel was a prototype for the yard as well - they've never built anything like this before.  None of us knows what the contract between the yard and the purchaser says at the end of the day.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on January 16, 2019, 12:41:10 PM
I heard from a reliable source  its likely W.B.Yeats transferring to Ulysses berth 49 tomorrow morning .,  there may be light at the end of the Tunnel.nothing confirmed yet
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 16, 2019, 01:29:03 PM
Dublin Port website has WB Yeats departing Dublin at 2359 tomorrow night.

Destination unkown
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on January 16, 2019, 07:03:48 PM
Reflecting back on events last summer and how they were handled by IF and now viewing them in the context of how IF is currently a little sparing with information regarding what is happening with  WB Yeats and when it will eventually go into service it seems that one conclusion can be made; namely that their public relations strategy could do with a little improvement.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 16, 2019, 10:12:21 PM
Quote from: IFPete on January 16, 2019, 01:29:03 PM
Dublin Port website has WB Yeats departing Dublin at 2359 tomorrow night.

Destination unkown
Maybe they're sending it back to FSG.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 17, 2019, 10:05:41 AM
She is not scheduled to come back to Dublin on 18th January. I had the same thought this morning.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on January 17, 2019, 01:17:13 PM
On Berth 49 , Again I heard they are hoping to sail tonight
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on January 17, 2019, 04:18:12 PM
Quote from: SEA on January 17, 2019, 01:17:13 PM
On Berth 49 , Again I heard they are hoping to sail tonight

It has now been moved out 24hrs!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 17, 2019, 04:24:54 PM
At least they are trying,

I wonder if they will sail to Cherbourg with a freight only sailing.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 17, 2019, 04:26:49 PM
She's going nowhere they keep moving her around the port because she is in the way and there are no free berths.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 18, 2019, 11:09:26 AM
Epsilon weekend service to Cherbourg cancelled with very little notice she has been running over an hour late since yesterday, might be struggling with volume of freight. No sign of the WB entering service earliest date now the 25th.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 18, 2019, 02:50:32 PM
WB Yeats now scheduled to go into service 0805 Wed 23 Jan Dub - Holyhead. Epsilon to run opposite her.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on January 21, 2019, 05:52:01 PM
going by booking engine it is now appearing from 25th Jan.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DaveW1946 on January 21, 2019, 05:56:02 PM
Looks to co-incide with Holiday Exhibition @ RDS. Max PR?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on January 22, 2019, 09:29:34 AM
WB Yeats has just left Berth 49  at 9.26. Bound Holyhead
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 22, 2019, 11:09:58 AM
Quote from: SEA on January 22, 2019, 09:29:34 AM
WB Yeats has just left Bert 49  at 9.26. Bound Holyhead
She's on the run alright typical Irish Ferries not letting customers know. Ulysses's return from Birkenhead seems to be delayed!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on January 22, 2019, 12:45:26 PM
Quote from: SEA on January 22, 2019, 09:29:34 AM
WB Yeats has just left Bert 49  at 9.26. Bound Holyhead

About time!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on January 22, 2019, 12:48:04 PM
Quote from: SEA on January 22, 2019, 09:29:34 AM
WB Yeats has just left Bert 49  at 9.26. Bound Holyhead

Good news! I've booked a one way from Cherbourg in September and was slightly worried!  :)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DaveW1946 on January 22, 2019, 06:36:05 PM
Very strange that there's no bragging on IF website, Twitter, etc. Is there still a problem? Also IF have Epsilon on both Irish Sea and France route at the same time on Thursday. Unless they cancel french trip again.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cladyman on January 22, 2019, 07:59:27 PM
Anyone interested in a quick trip it is available as a foot passenger tomorrow!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 22, 2019, 08:10:14 PM
She should be , but not cheap.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 25, 2019, 10:36:32 PM
It looks like Ulysses will not be back this weekend as planned. WB and Epsilon will continue on the run next week. Meanwhile Stena Nordica expected on Sunday to take over from SFX on Tuesday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 26, 2019, 02:44:42 AM
The timetable shows Ulysses Returning at 0240 AM Holyhead - Dublin on Friday 31 Janruary while Oscar Wilde takes over from Isle of Inishmore on Monday 4th February.

My guess is Ulysses will leave Birkenhead on Saturday 1st February at lunchtime as in the past unless she is required to take high loads of english supporters to Dublin for 6 Nations Game.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 26, 2019, 12:02:10 PM
IF taking no chances tonight's WB crossing from Dublin cancelled as is the return. Sunday's 0200 OW and return cancelled with the later 0805 and 1430 "in doubt" From Rosslare tonight's IOI  and it's return cancelled as is Sunday mornings. Stena not showing and delays or cancellations from Dublin but tonight's Europe crossing is cancelled.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 26, 2019, 10:55:39 PM
Stena are missing one route trip on Superfast X and Stena Adventurer.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DaveW1946 on January 29, 2019, 05:04:48 PM
What's the delay with the Ulysses. Was expected back last week
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on January 29, 2019, 05:32:15 PM
Quote from: DaveW1946 on January 29, 2019, 05:04:48 PM
What's the delay with the Ulysses. Was expected back last week

I don't ever recall they said when Ulysses would be back? Nothing concrete as their sailing updates/booking engine was/is very fluid anyway.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 29, 2019, 06:13:26 PM
She is appearing on the timetable again from Friday 1st February 2019. That date could slip.

IOI departs for Birkenhead on 4th Feb 2019.

Dublin Swift to Drydock in May when some engine parts arrive.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 29, 2019, 11:00:06 PM
Ulysses was originally due back on the 27/28th January IF had her back on booking until a few days ago.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 30, 2019, 10:18:59 AM
The Drydock was moved a week to allow time to bring WB Yeats into service.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 31, 2019, 01:59:48 PM
Quote from: IFPete on January 30, 2019, 10:18:59 AM
The Drydock was moved a week to allow time to bring WB Yeats into service.
Or two...

No surprise really Irish Ferries went for a low key entry into service given the problems they've had with Yeats.

They are getting a mauling in the press about taking the NTA to court over their decision to award compensation to the 30,000 or so who's sailings to France where cancelled, and the conflicting information they have put out about the reasoning for pulling the Rosslare to France route.

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/passengers-all-at-sea-over-irish-ferries-plans-for-2019-1.3776496

Meanwhile, FSG are in serious trouble as a result of the losses they've made on the Yeats contract

https://www.niferry.co.uk/flensburger-schiffbau-gesellschaft-in-financial-difficulty/

With HONFLEUR already confirmed as delayed and with no revised delivery date yet given, it's reasonable to assume there could be a knock-on effect on the other Irish Ferries vessel.  If it gets built at all!  Hopefully the negotiations between FSG and the various other parties will result in a successful outcome.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 31, 2019, 03:49:19 PM
I still suspect that the problems with Ulysses from last summer were not fully resolved, or perhaps another serious issue was discovered during her long dry docking in H&W whilst undergoing repairs to her prop shaft and that this is the reason for her extended dry docking this year. Since she returned from those repairs she had more cancellations "due to weather" than she had had in her previous 17 years of service. The search engine which had her back on the 3rd has now put her return back to the 6th February.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 31, 2019, 05:42:20 PM
Ulysses was always going to need time in Drydock to sort out her ailments. its possible more parts were ordered last july for replacement during this drydocking.

There is also the possibity some of the tech fitted to WB Yeats is also being installed in Ulysses,

Ulysses is appearing on the freight timetable next wednesday
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 04, 2019, 06:46:58 PM
I wonder is Ulysses having scrubbers fitted?

Whe is due back on Holydead - Dublin next sunday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on February 08, 2019, 10:38:03 AM
WB Yeats heading across the Irish sea into seems to be making 22 knots, a little faster than Stena Adventurer.  Wind is gale force 8 [37 knots] [South Westerly] and the seas are 3.7 metres at buoy M2. Nothing moving on the Southern Corridor [where it is rougher].
First time WBY has gone out into an Irish sea gale. It will be interesting to see how she manages docking in Holyhead.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on February 08, 2019, 10:05:30 PM
Irish Ferries have cancelled everything tonight.  Epsilon and Inishmore were cancelled all day.
Oscar Wilde is delayed leaving Cherbourg until the morning.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 10, 2019, 11:04:08 AM
Irish Ferries great PR run of 2018/2109 continues,

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/unions-protest-for-decent-wages-for-seafarers-on-irish-ferries-1.3787276?mode=amp
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: The insider on February 10, 2019, 05:52:11 PM
Irish Ferries are ruthless and dont care for their crews because the onus is on the agency for crew welfare
Its unbelivable they still call themselves Irish
Karma one day.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on February 11, 2019, 10:10:09 PM
Is Ulysses is almost ready in Birkenhead?

Isle of Inishmore is cancelled on Wednesday 08.45/14.45 for operational reasons ???
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 12, 2019, 02:58:59 AM
I was in Birkenhead this evening, They were touching up the paintwork on the upper decks,

I will post some photos tomorrow.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on February 12, 2019, 02:59:30 PM
Ulysses has left dry dock this afternoon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Rob 1987 on February 12, 2019, 05:54:50 PM
Isle Of Inishmore Is Due In Cammel Lairds Dry Dock tomorrow
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 12, 2019, 07:08:00 PM
More likely Thursday unless Epsilon or WB Yeats steps into cover for her tomorrow night. Oscar Wilde moves to Rosslare - Pembroke route when she returns from France on Thursday lunchtime.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on February 12, 2019, 09:47:33 PM
Quote from: marsav68 on February 12, 2019, 02:59:30 PM
Ulysses has left dry dock this afternoon.

Just arrived in Dublin. after 28 days in drydock hopefully its fully sorted and will be behaving its self from now on.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cladyman on February 12, 2019, 10:12:28 PM
I feel love in the air for StValentines day.  First day full day of WBY and Ulysses on Irish Sea

💕
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on February 12, 2019, 10:29:48 PM
Quote from: IFPete on February 12, 2019, 07:08:00 PM
More likely Thursday unless Epsilon or WB Yeats steps into cover for her tomorrow night. Oscar Wilde moves to Rosslare - Pembroke route when she returns from France on Thursday lunchtime.

Don't think it will be Yeats, if I remember correctly she didn't do berthing trials either at Rosslare or Pembroke on her delivery voyage.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 13, 2019, 09:39:24 AM
Isle of Inishmore is stern first on the ramp in Rosslare which could mean they are doing a lifeboat and liferaft deployment today.

Oscar Wilde is now rostered to be in Rosslare tomorrow evening to take up Rosslare - Pembroke service.

WB Yeats visited Rosslare in December - her first port of call in Ireland,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 13, 2019, 01:15:26 PM
Ulysses has had major work carried out including new propellers, rudder and stern thrusters refurbished, a major engine overhaul and some painting.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on February 14, 2019, 10:01:52 PM
Oscar Wilde has taken over from Isle of Inishmore just leaving Rosslare now 1.25hrs late.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 15, 2019, 02:21:27 PM
Oscar Wilde is finished her France runs according to the timetable for the year. We will have to wait and see what's next for her after her time covering for the IOI.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 15, 2019, 05:33:59 PM
I travelled home on the Oscar Wilde from Holyhead to Dublin on monday evening.  The Crew appeared to be quiet upbeat.

There is to be an announcement late February - early March about the future plans for OW and the launch of a new timetable.

It appears WB Yeats is booking up fast at certain periods in the summer months and the hope is extra capacity will be needed.

The latest irish ferries press release about the upgrades to the Ulysses specifically mentions six ferries in irish ferries fleet.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 16, 2019, 07:28:19 PM
Quote from: IFPete on February 15, 2019, 05:33:59 PM
I travelled home on the Oscar Wilde from Holyhead to Dublin on monday evening.  The Crew appeared to be quiet upbeat.

There is to be an announcement late February - early March about the future plans for OW and the launch of a new timetable.

It appears WB Yeats is booking up fast at certain periods in the summer months and the hope is extra capacity will be needed.

The latest irish ferries press release about the upgrades to the Ulysses specifically mentions six ferries in irish ferries fleet.
It's hardly shocking news that a ship is busy in the peak period!!!  They clearly couldn't fill two ships to France last year either and I see they've cut prices in the lead up to peak as well. 

Somehow I doubt they are going to keep an asset they can sell on now lying around gathering dust to be used for only for a few months a year - it's no secret she's available at the right price either.  The press release is hardly going to say they only have 5 ships when they are currently using 6 anyway!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Rob 1987 on February 16, 2019, 08:02:16 PM
Isle Of Inishmore Is In Cammel Lairds Dry Dock Birkenhead for3 Weeks
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LongTimeReader on February 16, 2019, 11:55:59 PM
Quote from: Steven on February 16, 2019, 07:28:19 PM

Somehow I doubt they are going to keep an asset they can sell on now lying around gathering dust to be used for only for a few months a year - it's no secret she's available at the right price either. 

They call it the Dublin Swift.

And at this point having a spare ferry with a proven track record to France, with the possibility of problems with the landbridge come Brexit seems like a plan....

Additionally if it was sold when the rumours started in November, why not tell the market by now? They surely could do the with positive news and this would improve IFs share price as they cash flow model the business to determine share price.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DaveW1946 on February 17, 2019, 06:30:29 AM
The latest irish ferries press release about the upgrades to the Ulysses specifically mentions six ferries in irish ferries fleet.

Ref the above comment from last week, it's noted that Irish Ferries home page only shows five vessels - Yeats, Ulysses, Epsilon, Inishmore, & Swift
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 17, 2019, 06:11:21 PM
The Website every day changes like the weather.

Irish Ferries appear to be assembling the Jigsaw for Summer 2019.

With Brexit coming and new unproven tonnage in the fleet better to keep the old lady until things settle down.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Rob 1987 on February 26, 2019, 06:19:58 PM
Isle Of Inishmore Is Due Leave Cammel Lairds Dry Dock Birkenhead on Monday
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cladyman on March 03, 2019, 11:51:46 PM
End of Feb has come and gone yet still no announcement on Oscar Wilde. 

Any updates? Or is it wait and see re Brexit
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DaveW1946 on March 04, 2019, 06:18:41 AM
Quote from: Cladyman on March 03, 2019, 11:51:46 PM
End of Feb has come and gone yet still no announcement on Oscar Wilde. 

Any updates? Or is it wait and see re Brexit

Suspect nothing will happen until the Inishmore returns from dry dock
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 04, 2019, 09:46:33 AM
Isle of Inishmore is due back on Thursday.

I suspect the next announcement will be 14 March 2019 when Dublin Swift goes back into service.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: alfie79 on March 04, 2019, 11:38:14 AM
Quote from: IFPete on March 04, 2019, 09:46:33 AM
Isle of Inishmore is due back on Thursday.

I suspect the next announcement will be 14 March 2019 when Dublin Swift goes back into service.

we are all waiting with bated breath to see what happens to the oscar wide, where is she off to next,
how we all love to see her on rosslare - roscoff, but that seems to be very very slim chance of that happening
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 04, 2019, 12:43:49 PM
We have to see, when i travelled on her three weeks ago the crew appeared to be optimistic about her future.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: alfie79 on March 04, 2019, 01:31:12 PM
Quote from: IFPete on March 04, 2019, 12:43:49 PM
We have to see, when i travelled on her three weeks ago the crew appeared to be optimistic about her future.

They reckon she will be back on rosslare-roscoff?
its being left very late now at this stage alot of people will have their travels booked up by now
cant see them putting up a timetable from rosslare at this stage, the oscar wilde will be very empty for the summer if they did
unless they get rid of the eplsion and use the OW instead as freight runs to holyhead and france with future plan of putting her back on french run next year out of rosslare,but dont think that makes much sense.
also heard rumour IF have an eye on cork-roscoff for next year unless shes planned for there, which could make sense have the  dub-cherbourg on WB and cork-roscoff on OW unfortunately that still leaves rosslare out of the picture.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Rob 1987 on March 04, 2019, 05:59:23 PM
Oscar Wilde has being sold by unkown buyer
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 04, 2019, 06:39:52 PM
Where is the evidence for this sale. Are you sure it actually took place.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 04, 2019, 06:52:09 PM
Quote from: alfie79 on March 04, 2019, 01:31:12 PM
Quote from: IFPete on March 04, 2019, 12:43:49 PM
We have to see, when i travelled on her three weeks ago the crew appeared to be optimistic about her future.

They reckon she will be back on rosslare-roscoff?
its being left very late now at this stage alot of people will have their travels booked up by now
cant see them putting up a timetable from rosslare at this stage, the oscar wilde will be very empty for the summer if they did
unless they get rid of the eplsion and use the OW instead as freight runs to holyhead and france with future plan of putting her back on french run next year out of rosslare,but dont think that makes much sense.
also heard rumour IF have an eye on cork-roscoff for next year unless shes planned for there, which could make sense have the  dub-cherbourg on WB and cork-roscoff on OW unfortunately that still leaves rosslare out of the picture.

Maybe she will operate two Dublin - Rosscoff / Brest Rotations alternating with Epsilon on Holyhead while Epsilon does 1/2 Dublin Cherbourg Rotations per week. That way Dublin - Cherbourg would have five rotations a week and two Dublin - Rosscoff Rotations. Its not too late for this to be feasable.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chef on March 04, 2019, 08:52:08 PM
Maybe a UK Government charter for brexit ,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on March 05, 2019, 06:21:11 AM
To complicate matters even further Isle of Inishmore is not due back from Liverpool until the 17th March
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 05, 2019, 11:00:05 AM
Thats another reason to keep Oscar Wilde.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: alfie79 on March 05, 2019, 11:34:16 AM
for a while longer anyway
if she was sold you would imagine her new owners would be eager to have her for the summer and the elipson would be on ross-pembroke run
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 05, 2019, 01:09:11 PM
I see Epsilon leaving the fleet in early November if Oscor Wilde is retained,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: alfie79 on March 05, 2019, 02:50:07 PM
Quote from: IFPete on March 05, 2019, 01:09:11 PM
I see Epsilon leaving the fleet in early November if Oscor Wilde is retained,

ya think they be some form of a announcement
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: alfie79 on March 05, 2019, 07:45:39 PM
just seen new youtube clip irish ferries have out for 2019 of the fleet no sign of the oscar wilde on it, so guess that its for her so
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 06, 2019, 09:43:31 AM
WB Yeats Press day,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: alfie79 on March 06, 2019, 11:29:36 AM
Quote from: IFPete on March 06, 2019, 09:43:31 AM
WB Yeats Press day,

They have a clip up showing their fleet for 2019, WB Yeats, Ulysses , Dublin Swift, Epsilon and Isle Of Inishmore
which to me means that the OW will be sold or tied up somewhere
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 07, 2019, 07:24:04 AM
Quote from: IFPete on March 05, 2019, 01:09:11 PM
I see Epsilon leaving the fleet in early November if Oscor Wilde is retained,
That's huge if.  She's been reported as sold in the French press, hence the charter to La Méridionale falling through - a sale would always have been favourable to a charter.  There's no reason to keep Oscar over Epsilon from a commercial point of view, to be honest.  It's clear from how Yeats has been fitted out that ICG has moved away from the expensive to run "cruise ferry" style concept towards a more balance sheet friendly Ro-Pax experience.  I wouldn't be surprised if her next dry docking is her last with an announcement to shareholders in the next update.  Its all rather neat from a timing point of view.  If Epsilon is going anywhere it will be after the next new build eventually arrives - they need her freight capacity in reserve until then and given how little disruption cancelling sailings to France caused when ICG where having their fleet availability nightmare, the trade obviously hasn't built up there yet any way to need Yeats year round.

Irish Ferries are also replying to queries on Facebook stating there will be NO Rosslare to France service this year.  Why would they be doing that if there was any chance of the service happening?  As for Roscoff, as already mentioned on here somewhere ICG has terminated the port agreement.  That's how the story about Roscoff being axed broke after all!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 07, 2019, 09:23:12 AM
Results

As expected not a good year.  Nothing on Oscar but they have reiterated that Epsilon is staying until Nov 2020.  Still trying to suggest the Rosslare withdrawal is the NTA's fault, despite the fact that they cut back the route long before there was any issue with Yeats never mind cancelled bookings!

https://otp.investis.com/clients/uk/icg2/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=500&newsid=1238292
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 07, 2019, 10:19:39 AM
"The Group is exploring other opportunities for deployment of the Oscar Wilde".

"The Epsilon remains on charter with the Group until November 2020 with a further option period of one year. This vessel alternates seasonally on routes between Dublin/ Holyhead and Dublin/ France. It is intended to return this vessel to owners on delivery of the second new vessel."
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 07, 2019, 11:37:30 AM
The Group is exploring other opportunities for deployment of the Oscar Wilde

She could be made available for external charter and given the shortage of such tonnage which they say existed last summer she should be snapped up.
Legal Challenge to the National Transport Authority interpretation of the EU Regulation no 1177/2010

While I firmly believe that IF have nothing but contempt for passengers, I have read their argument and the NTA's decision and think that IF have a good argument which could be successful in a court. However I think that using the NTA's ruling to justify the cessation of services from Rosslare is strange given that they appeared to have cancelled the service before the decision was at least made public.

The report suggests that the Swift will be around for some time as they will seek continue to grow the passenger figures that the Swift's more convenient sailing times offer to passengers.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: alfie79 on March 07, 2019, 01:17:10 PM
Quote from: Steven on March 07, 2019, 09:23:12 AM
Results

As expected not a good year.  Nothing on Oscar but they have reiterated that Epsilon is staying until Nov 2020.  Still trying to suggest the Rosslare withdrawal is the NTA's fault, despite the fact that they cut back the route long before there was any issue with Yeats never mind cancelled bookings!

https://otp.investis.com/clients/uk/icg2/rns/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=500&newsid=1238292

Yes i agree very cheap and cheeky effort from IF "While the Group had planned continuing an additional summer only service out of Rosslare with the Oscar Wilde, this plan unfortunately had to be cancelled following the National Transport Authority's interpretation of the EU Regulation covering Sea Passengers discussed below, which is especially penalising for operations out of peripheral ports like Rosslare"
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: alfie79 on March 07, 2019, 01:18:58 PM
Quote from: IFPete on March 07, 2019, 10:19:39 AM
"The Group is exploring other opportunities for deployment of the Oscar Wilde".

"The Epsilon remains on charter with the Group until November 2020 with a further option period of one year. This vessel alternates seasonally on routes between Dublin/ Holyhead and Dublin/ France. It is intended to return this vessel to owners on delivery of the second new vessel."


your very upbeat on IF hanging on the OW i wish they would but i fear the bell is ringing for her and she will ploughing a different sea come summer
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 07, 2019, 05:28:43 PM
As things stand they did not do badly with Euro 60 Milliom in profit. A lot companies would love to be in their situation.

It seams however strange to kill the cash cow that summer traffic on Oscar Wilde would generate.

The court case could be over in May in any case and people tend to book closer to the time nowadays.   
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LongTimeReader on March 07, 2019, 10:42:22 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on March 07, 2019, 11:37:30 AM

Legal Challenge to the National Transport Authority interpretation of the EU Regulation no 1177/2010

While I firmly believe that IF have nothing but contempt for passengers, I have read their argument and the NTA's decision and think that IF have a good argument which could be successful in a court.

It isnt a good argument. It just sounds convincing. The NTA are seeking payment of compensation to passengers who could not travel from, or to, the port of their original booking. EU law for sea or air passenger transport looks at this the same way.

Regardless of when the cancellation occurred you're still entitled to the price of switching terminals. For example, if your flight to Edinburgh is cancelled and the airline offers you a ticket to Glasgow, they also must pay for you to get to Edinburgh. Doesnt matter if your flight is cancelled two years in advance or two days.

THIS IS A TEST CASE.

It would mean anytime a technical problem arises and some traffic was diverted to Rosslare or Dublin instead of loading them onto the Stena ferry, compenstation will be due. Think of all the Ulysses cancellations this year alone.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 08, 2019, 10:36:29 AM
I some how suspect Irish Ferries will lease out a ferry to Brittany Ferries to meet British Goverments Agreements regarding Brexit,

While Oscar Wilde is available she does not have the freight capacity to meet the requirements.

I would not be surprised if Isle of Inishmore or Epsilon goes on charter to Brittany Ferries with Oscar Wilde taking over Rosslare - Pembroke run for the summer.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: alfie79 on March 08, 2019, 10:45:50 AM
Quote from: IFPete on March 08, 2019, 10:36:29 AM
I some how suspect Irish Ferries will lease out a ferry to Brittany Ferries to meet British Goverments Agreements regarding Brexit,

While Oscar Wilde is available she does not have the freight capacity to meet the requirements.

I would not be surprised if Isle of Inishmore or Epsilon goes on charter to Brittany Ferries with Oscar Wilde taking over Rosslare - Pembroke run for the summer.

god i dont know about that the inishmore is perfect for ross-prembroke she is the workhorse of IF never given any problems
where the OW has struggled on that run plus the double ramps in both ports would be a waste
IF would be crazy to get rid of her and i dont think they will,
the OW is the only ship that will go this year they they are getting rid of ships
she is overnight vessel after all
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on March 08, 2019, 01:30:55 PM
Food for thought, Aer lingus are now in a very similar situation to what Irish ferries were, they have delayed  the Launch of new routes to Canada because there are delays to the arrival of new Aircraft .........


https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/aer-lingus-push-back-launch-of-new-canada-route-908774.html
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 08, 2019, 03:11:02 PM
Thats exactly the reason why Irish Ferries have taken this to the high court,

Taking Oscar Wilde out of service to france adds to the drama and puts fuel on the fire.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 09, 2019, 09:11:03 AM
Quote from: LongTimeReader on March 07, 2019, 10:42:22 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on March 07, 2019, 11:37:30 AM

Legal Challenge to the National Transport Authority interpretation of the EU Regulation no 1177/2010

While I firmly believe that IF have nothing but contempt for passengers, I have read their argument and the NTA's decision and think that IF have a good argument which could be successful in a court.

It isnt a good argument. It just sounds convincing. The NTA are seeking payment of compensation to passengers who could not travel from, or to, the port of their original booking. EU law for sea or air passenger transport looks at this the same way.

Regardless of when the cancellation occurred you're still entitled to the price of switching terminals. For example, if your flight to Edinburgh is cancelled and the airline offers you a ticket to Glasgow, they also must pay for you to get to Edinburgh. Doesnt matter if your flight is cancelled two years in advance or two days.

THIS IS A TEST CASE.

It would mean anytime a technical problem arises and some traffic was diverted to Rosslare or Dublin instead of loading them onto the Stena ferry, compenstation will be due. Think of all the Ulysses cancellations this year alone.
Technical issues aren't always covered by the legislation and the compensation depends on the delay - it could be as little as a sandwich and a bottle of water (or nothing at all).  If a carrier cancels your crossing then why shouldn't they have to at least ensure you have some form of sustenance?  If you are left stranded in a port should the carrier who left you there not have to do something about it?  The legislation is designed to stop operators taking risks such as that taken by ICG in the first place!  Take away that disincentive and we could have all sorts of things going on such as tickets going on sale for routes with little chance of starting for example.

Putting tickets on sale for a ferry that doesn't exist then saying it isn't your fault when she isn't delivered within the incredibly tight timescale is a little different to a minor technical issue.  It is also worth bearing in mind ICG got compensation from the yard because of the delay and could have used that to fund passenger compensation rather than improving their balance sheet.  As for planning to run a service from Rosslare prior to the ruling, they said it was "unlikely" well before the NTA announced their decision.

Quote from: IFPete on March 07, 2019, 05:28:43 PM
As things stand they did not do badly with Euro 60 Milliom in profit. A lot companies would love to be in their situation.

It seams however strange to kill the cash cow that summer traffic on Oscar Wilde would generate.

The court case could be over in May in any case and people tend to book closer to the time nowadays.   
Just as well they had the profit from the sale of Dublin Swift to shore up their finances then (almost a quarter of that profit figure)!  The year before they had the sale of Kaitaki.  Next year it will likely be the profit from the sale of Oscar Wilde, but they are running out of assets to sell off to inflate their profits!  Dublin Swift will probably leave in 2020 meaning that come 2021 there will only be Inishmore left to sell as the two newbuilds will still be getting paid for! 

Operating profit (pre-tax) for the ferries division was actually €34.2m, down from €49.1m in 2017 meaning the ferries division only made 47min total pre-tax versus €73.1m in 2017.  Despite what they say about fuel costs (an actual increase of about €4.5m) operating costs in the ferries division actually went down in 2018.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: pdnr777 on March 09, 2019, 12:20:30 PM
Totally agree that the Inishmore is the right fit for the Pembroke to Rosslare route. I use the route quite a lot especially the overnight/early morning sailing out of Pembroke. I have had varied experiences on sailing on this route, feels like every time i travel that the ship is running late but IF do nothing about informing its customers about delays until you get to the port. I have travelled on the Oscar Wilde on the route but even know it's not a bad ship, it is outdated and not the right fit for the route; more delays with loading the ship at both ends of the route. It seems as though that IF don't really want cars on the overnight ferry in order to take more freight. If they do decide to charter out Inishmore to another company, the way it is going I feel that IF don't want to operate out of Rosslare anymore and to concentrate on operations out of Dublin Port which
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on March 11, 2019, 10:45:43 AM
Oscar Wilde is running this morning but was cancelled most of yesterday and is also cancelled tonight. It should be busy with Cheltenham goers today.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 11, 2019, 07:14:35 PM
Quote from: jgf on March 11, 2019, 10:45:43 AM
Oscar Wilde is running this morning but was cancelled most of yesterday and is also cancelled tonight. It should be busy with Cheltenham goers today.

Over the weekend we had strong winds blowing from the west, no wonder Rosslare - Pembroke sailings were at risk.

There are storms blowing through every couple of days.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on March 11, 2019, 07:26:56 PM
Quote from: IFPete on March 11, 2019, 07:14:35 PM
Quote from: jgf on March 11, 2019, 10:45:43 AM
Oscar Wilde is running this morning but was cancelled most of yesterday and is also cancelled tonight. It should be busy with Cheltenham goers today.

Over the weekend we had strong winds blowing from the west, no wonder Rosslare - Pembroke sailings were at risk.

There are storms blowing through every couple of days.

yes its going to be lively over the next few days
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 12, 2019, 11:27:38 AM
Big switch day on Thursday, Swift scheduled to return to service (hope the breeze dies down)
Epsilon and WB Yeats to swap routes and IOI due back in Rosslare no word yet where the OW will be heading.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 12, 2019, 11:46:13 AM
Rumour has it IOI is staying in Drydock until Saturday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 15, 2019, 07:58:44 PM
Inishmore has left Birkenhead, currently on way to Rosslare.

Oscar Wilde will go to H&W Belfast for drydock
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 15, 2019, 08:21:25 PM
Oscar is expected in Belfast early next week. 

Inishmore must have had some issues - she was a month in DD! 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DaveW1946 on March 16, 2019, 03:58:08 PM
Poor old Oscar looks doomed to wander round and round in circles on the Irish Sea, like the Marie Celeste. At least that's what today's track looks like.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Trucker on March 16, 2019, 11:04:27 PM
Inishmore departed Rosslare this morning 10.22 and returned after 2 hours due to stabilizer issues according to Captain Burns.
Rolled a nice bit In heavy seas before turning back to Rosslare.
We will asess any damage before access to the vehicle decks was the next announcement.
No damage thankfully, and we all drove off to await the 20.45 departure tonight, which went on time.
My trailer went direct to France this afternoon, and I went home, happily.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Trucker on March 16, 2019, 11:06:12 PM
Thats my first post by the way.
Frequent traveller as I'm a truck driver, so any first hand information, I will pass on.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on March 17, 2019, 07:01:59 PM
thanks for that information Trucker, was looking at the Isle of Inishmore on marine traffic yesterday and was wondering what was up.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Trucker on March 17, 2019, 10:49:59 PM
Bit of a bad situation when a ship spends a month in dry dock, and then have a major malfunction.
All good now though.
She nearly back on track.
45 minutes or so late leaving Rosslare tonight.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on March 20, 2019, 02:13:39 PM
OW has arrived into Belfast this morning.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 20, 2019, 04:13:28 PM
IOI looks magnificant after her refit. Complete makeover of Boylans Brasserie.

New Powerpoints with USBs on backs of couches. 

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 26, 2019, 11:04:14 AM
Lack of berths in Dublin meant the WB spent the night at anchor just outside the port (quadrant 1) she moved onto berth 49 this morning but will have to move off to let Swift in and out this afternoon. Oscar Wilde is scheduled to leave H&W today destination unknown.
HSC Manannan which is currently in dry dock at Cammel Lair is due in Dublin tomorrow for trials! perhaps she has had some structural work done like new ramps?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: alfie79 on March 26, 2019, 01:04:56 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on March 26, 2019, 11:04:14 AM
Lack of berths in Dublin meant the WB spent the night at anchor just outside the port (quadrant 1) she moved onto berth 49 this morning but will have to move off to let Swift in and out this afternoon. Oscar Wilde is scheduled to leave H&W today destination unknown.
HSC Manannan which is currently in dry dock at Cammel Lair is due in Dublin tomorrow for trials! perhaps she has had some structural work done like new ramps?

OSCAR WILDE DESTINATION SUPPOSED TO BE ROSSLARE
THAT RUMOR CAME FROM ROSSLARE
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on March 26, 2019, 01:47:42 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on March 26, 2019, 11:04:14 AM
Lack of berths in Dublin meant the WB spent the night at anchor just outside the port (quadrant 1) she moved onto berth 49 this morning but will have to move off to let Swift in and out this afternoon. Oscar Wilde is scheduled to leave H&W today destination unknown.
HSC Manannan which is currently in dry dock at Cammel Lair is due in Dublin tomorrow for trials! perhaps she has had some structural work done like new ramps?

WB moved out ok south of Howth Head. Swift leaving now so presume WB will move back in to 49 for 16:00 departure to Cherbourg.

OW still appears to be in the dry dock in H&W @ 13:45.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 26, 2019, 10:25:22 PM
Belfast Harbour updated Oscar Wilde now erxpected to depart on the 4th April.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on March 28, 2019, 03:32:32 PM
 I just heard from a reliable source  who has seen the Oscar wilde today.  She has had some New paint work, her name and her Logo have remained and possibly being re painted. As we know I.F. are very tight lipped about it but if  there are any clues  this Probably means she must not going anywhere but where would she be deployed if she is staying in the fleet  ??
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: alfie79 on March 28, 2019, 04:46:41 PM
Quote from: SEA on March 28, 2019, 03:32:32 PM
I just heard from a reliable source  who has seen the Oscar wilde today.  She has had some New paint work, her name and her Logo have remained and possibly being re painted. As we know I.F. are very tight lipped about it but if  there are any clues  this Probably means she must not going anywhere but where would she be deployed if she is staying in the fleet  ??

ohhh rosslare to where?cherbourg???
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 28, 2019, 08:43:06 PM
My money is on Rosslare and Dublin to Brittany (Roscoff or Brest) three times a week and Dublin - Holyhead at weekends with Epsilon doing one round trip to Cherbourg a week at weekends running opposite WB Yeats.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on March 28, 2019, 08:45:32 PM
WB Yeats linked up with a coastguard helicopter just now off the Wexford coast.  Returned to her track to Cherbourg now. Emergency or practice?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bissiere on March 28, 2019, 09:27:54 PM
maybe ireland spain?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 28, 2019, 10:06:06 PM
Thats definately another possibility
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: hhvferry on March 28, 2019, 11:36:40 PM
Quote from: IFPete on March 28, 2019, 10:06:06 PM
Thats definately another possibility
I'm going to put my neck on the line and say Ireland-Spain is definitely not another possibility for the OW...!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LongTimeReader on March 29, 2019, 07:03:03 AM
Quote from: hhvferry on March 28, 2019, 11:36:40 PM
Quote from: IFPete on March 28, 2019, 10:06:06 PM
Thats definately another possibility
I'm going to put my neck on the line and say Ireland-Spain is definitely not another possibility for the OW...!

Spain feels a bit far for a ferry that liked to operate around 16/17 ktns
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bissiere on March 29, 2019, 07:44:04 AM
Maybe two ships on the road Dublin Cherbourg?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bissiere on March 29, 2019, 07:55:30 AM

When is the maintenance of the Oscar Wilde finished
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on March 29, 2019, 08:39:38 AM
Cropped image of some very fresh paintwork on Oscar wilde taken yesterday . Please note on my previous post is pure speculation but by the picture below it looks promising
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: alfie79 on March 29, 2019, 09:08:52 AM
Quote from: SEA on March 29, 2019, 08:39:38 AM
Cropped image of some very fresh paintwork on Oscar wilde . Please note on my previous post is pure speculation but by the picture below it looks promising

defo going by that she seems to be staying in the fleet
cork-roscoff(think port of roscoff confirm termination of irish ferries) or/brest?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 29, 2019, 01:40:26 PM
Epsilon has reportedly been sold by her owners "Cartour Srl" to her former operatos Caronte and Tourist.
https://www.informazionimarittime.com/post/caronte-tourist-potenzia-la-flotta
Irish Ferries have a lease on her until end of 2020 with an option for 1 more year.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on March 30, 2019, 07:56:41 AM
Quote from: alfie79 on March 29, 2019, 09:08:52 AM
Quote from: SEA on March 29, 2019, 08:39:38 AM
Cropped image of some very fresh paintwork on Oscar wilde . Please note on my previous post is pure speculation but by the picture below it looks promising

defo going by that she seems to be staying in the fleet
cork-roscoff(think port of roscoff confirm termination of irish ferries) or/brest?

Of course they're going to paint her if she needs it... and she badly needed it. Doesn't necessarily mean she's staying with Irish Ferries though.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bissiere on April 02, 2019, 10:25:44 PM
Do you have any news on the future of Oscar Wilde?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 02, 2019, 10:30:43 PM
She is in Drydock reportably until tomorrow, She is being offered for sale , but no announcements yet as to her future.

Given the state of Brexit and the fact the Dublin Swift will be in Drydock for four weeks it would make sense she hangs around for the summer.

We will have to wait and see.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on April 02, 2019, 11:13:02 PM
As above, of all years this is the time to have a spare ship available, also given likelihood of delays to Georgie Burgess (FSG new build 2) we might see Oscar around for a bit longer to provide additional services and cover.

Assuming it has not been sold already that is !
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chef on April 02, 2019, 11:21:41 PM
She could always be chartered back from new owners if sold  , Epsilon was sold recently and is still under charter to IF .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on April 04, 2019, 12:45:48 PM
Oscar Wilde now scheduled to leave Belfast on the 10th April at 1600. No word of her destination as of yet.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 04, 2019, 07:48:39 PM
I would of thought she would stay in extended layup in Belfast unless of course they have plans for her.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bissiere on April 10, 2019, 08:15:53 PM
Why is Oscar Wilde still not out of dry dock technical problems?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on April 10, 2019, 08:36:56 PM
Due out of dry dock on Friday
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bissiere on April 10, 2019, 08:44:01 PM
I would say he has technical problems?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bissiere on April 10, 2019, 08:48:05 PM

Sorry problem with the translator
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bissiere on April 10, 2019, 08:49:53 PM

I mean maybe there are technical problems to be late
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jimjoe on April 10, 2019, 10:14:06 PM
She finished dry dock works last week. No berth available by DD operator in Belfast since Friday so she's just laid up in the dry dock until one frees up.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jimjoe on April 11, 2019, 09:02:09 AM
So off to the Med she sails.....
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on April 11, 2019, 10:17:33 AM
Quote from: jimjoe on April 11, 2019, 09:02:09 AM
So off to the Med she sails.....

A sad day! Some very happy memories.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DaveW1946 on April 27, 2019, 10:36:18 AM
With W B Yeats 8 hours behind schedule because of the bad weather, wouldn't it make sense to dock her at Rosslare and save 4 hours abd get the next passengers down to Rosslare.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on April 27, 2019, 09:34:35 PM
Is it just me or would it have made more sense to Dock wb yeats is Rosslare earlier as previously suggested. Or at least move the swift off 51a wb yeats is currently being held up even more because of the berth availability. Or does she have to dock on 49?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 28, 2019, 11:48:54 AM
Epsilon spent 4 hours off howth due to a lack of a berth in Dublin port last night.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: LongTimeReader on April 28, 2019, 12:59:52 PM
Wouldn't you just be delighted to be onboard.

Ive no doubt this idea will be shot to pieces but would Dun Laoghaire have the capacity to accomodate Swift or a bigger boat?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: conor on April 28, 2019, 01:17:36 PM
It just seem mad from IF when the swift wasn't even running so could easily have been moved to have a free berth for wb and epsilon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on April 28, 2019, 07:33:44 PM
Maybe Swift's crew were on the far side of the Irish sea on Ulysses.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 29, 2019, 12:23:39 PM
Swift have a crew on board 24 / 7 in case Dublin Port Requests Swift to be relocated.

They normally carry out cleaning and maintenance at night.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jimjoe on April 30, 2019, 01:42:13 AM
Quote from: IFPete on April 29, 2019, 12:23:39 PM
Swift have a crew on board 24 / 7 in case Dublin Port Requests Swift to be relocated.

They normally carry out cleaning and maintenance at night.

Swift crew have cabins on the Ulysses. They work during day hours and then transfer over to Ulysses in the evening to have dinner and sleep (all whilst taking a return spin to Holyhead)

There's a separate cleaning crew that come onboard whilst overnighting in Dublin.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on May 04, 2019, 08:30:54 AM
Another thing to bear in mind is vessels all have their own individual safe parameters for berthing.  Just because a berth is free doesn't mean a given vessel can safely berth there!

Again with Swift, even if she was fully crewed it doesn't mean they could just move her (to where?) on a whim.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 04, 2019, 01:41:54 PM
Maybe it was too windy to move Swift safely in the Liffey
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on September 21, 2019, 11:29:42 AM
Ulysses still on berth in Dublin at 11.25 no update on IF site she is scheduled to move off berth at 1200  maybe just to let Epsilon berth as WB is also in port this morning. No idea if she has gone tech or what's happening? Epsilon is circling off Howth atm waiting to enter the port.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on September 21, 2019, 12:31:23 PM
Ulysses is now sheduled to depart at 1230 Pm and leave holyhead at 1710 PM.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jimjoe on September 21, 2019, 02:22:35 PM
Irish Ferries customer service on facebook stated technical issues
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on September 21, 2019, 03:20:15 PM
This afternoons Epsilon sailing...
"Irish Ferries regrets to advise that due to berth congestion, the MV Epsilon Cruise Ferry is delayed by approximately 30 mins. Irish ferries would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this delay"
Four vessels into two berths is not a good idea (when the swift is running) Congestion in Dublin is becoming a major problem and is set to get worse as works to improve the port proceed.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on September 21, 2019, 04:29:04 PM
Epsilon departed Dublin around 75 mins late and Yeats is updated to dep 30 mins late. Ulysses just approaching  Holyhead now at 4.30 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on September 21, 2019, 05:10:50 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on September 21, 2019, 03:20:15 PM
This afternoons Epsilon sailing...
"Irish Ferries regrets to advise that due to berth congestion, the MV Epsilon Cruise Ferry is delayed by approximately 30 mins. Irish ferries would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this delay"
Four vessels into two berths is not a good idea (when the swift is running) Congestion in Dublin is becoming a major problem and is set to get worse as works to improve the port proceed.

This could be the reason they might switch French services back to Rosslare in 2020. There are definitely rumours to that effect doing the rounds plus there have been too many occasions where berth congestion at Dublin has led to too many delays this year.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jimjoe on September 21, 2019, 08:23:38 PM
Quote from: RorieLen on September 21, 2019, 05:10:50 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on September 21, 2019, 03:20:15 PM
This afternoons Epsilon sailing...
"Irish Ferries regrets to advise that due to berth congestion, the MV Epsilon Cruise Ferry is delayed by approximately 30 mins. Irish ferries would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this delay"
Four vessels into two berths is not a good idea (when the swift is running) Congestion in Dublin is becoming a major problem and is set to get worse as works to improve the port proceed.

This could be the reason they might switch French services back to Rosslare in 2020. There are definitely rumours to that effect doing the rounds plus there have been too many occasions where berth congestion at Dublin has led to too many delays this year.

Not going to happen. Wishful thinking and nothing more.

Yeats was brought in based on building a year round freight business for Dublin-France - can't see them abandoning that after a single season
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on September 21, 2019, 09:19:23 PM
Epsilon delayed docking in Holyhead as awaiting Ulysses to leave the berth, which happened at 19.30. was she slow crossing or delayed docking?

all Ulysses 2055 ex Dublin pax transferred to Stena  Adventurer tonight.

WBY dep 1 hour late
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on September 22, 2019, 01:36:01 PM
Rosslare - France might come back with least tonnage. WBY will stay in Dublin.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on September 22, 2019, 04:41:16 PM
Quote from: RorieLen on September 21, 2019, 05:10:50 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on September 21, 2019, 03:20:15 PM
This afternoons Epsilon sailing...
"Irish Ferries regrets to advise that due to berth congestion, the MV Epsilon Cruise Ferry is delayed by approximately 30 mins. Irish ferries would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this delay"
Four vessels into two berths is not a good idea (when the swift is running) Congestion in Dublin is becoming a major problem and is set to get worse as works to improve the port proceed.
This could be the reason they might switch French services back to Rosslare in 2020. There are definitely rumours to that effect doing the rounds plus there have been too many occasions where berth congestion at Dublin has led to too many delays this year.

This is what I've been hearing as well.  It's not due to the lack of traffic that any switch will happen, but more to do with the lack of space at Dublin - particularly when something goes wrong.  Freight in particular depends on reliability and if Irish Ferries can't provide it at Dublin they will go elsewhere!

Quote from: jimjoe on September 21, 2019, 08:23:38 PM
Quote from: RorieLen on September 21, 2019, 05:10:50 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on September 21, 2019, 03:20:15 PM
This afternoons Epsilon sailing...
"Irish Ferries regrets to advise that due to berth congestion, the MV Epsilon Cruise Ferry is delayed by approximately 30 mins. Irish ferries would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by this delay"
Four vessels into two berths is not a good idea (when the swift is running) Congestion in Dublin is becoming a major problem and is set to get worse as works to improve the port proceed.

This could be the reason they might switch French services back to Rosslare in 2020. There are definitely rumours to that effect doing the rounds plus there have been too many occasions where berth congestion at Dublin has led to too many delays this year.

Not going to happen. Wishful thinking and nothing more.

Yeats was brought in based on building a year round freight business for Dublin-France - can't see them abandoning that after a single season
Agree, but it could be a case of Irish Ferries hand being forced.  They are using essentially the same infrastructure for ULYSSES, EPSILON, Swift, and W.B. YEATS as was previously designed for use just by ULYSSES and JONATHAN SWIFT at Dublin. 

The problems with ULYSSES yesterday just highlighted the problem further when she was blocking 51 all morning due to a technical issue (requiring two tugs to get her on her way). Yeats had to go bow in at 49a - far from ideal given its single tier and the narrowness of the bow ramp with everything having to come off through that one door.  Luckily 49a wasn't in use yesterday as Swift is off service or it would have been an even bigger headache.

As with all rumours, it's just a rumour.  As I said above it would be a huge U-turn on the part of Irish Continental Group and see them surrendering their big advantage at being located in Dublin over the competition from Rosslare and Cork.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: NathanBrady on September 23, 2019, 08:18:44 PM
Is something wrong with Inishmore?  She's going on backwards at Rosslare and Milford Haven
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Jeans on September 23, 2019, 10:37:24 PM
Going out to Rosslare all was ok but coming back on Saturday Inishmore had reversed into Rosslare. Never had that before. The coaches went on as normal but had to swing round to disembark.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on September 24, 2019, 08:00:29 PM
Looks like she has issues with her bow door.  Off service tonight because of "weather".  Will be interesting to see if she loads through the bow tomorrow!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DaveW1946 on September 25, 2019, 04:15:31 PM
W B Yeats 2020 schedule out today on IF website. It's all Dublin-Cherbourg, and you can't book it yet. No sign of anything from IF out of Rosslare fir France.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: alfie79 on September 26, 2019, 06:28:29 AM
doubt very much there will be IF rosslare to france
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on September 26, 2019, 10:20:32 PM
Seems the rumour was just that.  They couldn't be any clearer that it's Dublin to France

https://www.irishferries.com/uk-en/routes-and-times/france2020/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on September 28, 2019, 07:06:25 PM
Inishmore having bow door issues, going Stern first in Rosslare at the moment.

Apparently WB is going to visit Pembroke in the next couple of weeks for berthing trials according to the Facebook.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on September 29, 2019, 12:02:40 PM
Inishmore gone technical this morning was running late anyway.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on September 30, 2019, 11:25:16 AM
WB just completed her final Cherbourg -Dublin for the year, swaps with Epsilon from the 0200 Dublin to Holyhead from tomorrow morning with Epsilon back on the Cherbourg run from tomorrow evening at 1830.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on October 12, 2019, 01:59:50 PM
WB just pulling out of Dublin destination Rosslare according to AIS.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Andrew White on October 12, 2019, 05:47:59 PM
W.B. Yeats in Rosslare now 17.45 with her destination showing as Pembroke, is she doing sea trails for cover, as the Isle of Inishmore is on her way to Rosslare on AIS
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 13, 2019, 12:37:37 PM
WB now en route to Dunkirk eta 1030 tomorrow. Meanwhile the MV Kerry is taking bunkers in Gibraltar.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cladyman on October 13, 2019, 08:12:44 PM
Odd - epsilon tues Cherbourg sailing cancelled as covering. Has to be brexit related docking trails.

Probably received  a payment from government to do sO
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: pdnr777 on October 13, 2019, 08:24:28 PM
What's the WB Yeats going to Dunkerque for?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on October 13, 2019, 08:33:50 PM
Quote from: pdnr777 on October 13, 2019, 08:24:28 PM
What's the WB Yeats going to Dunkerque for?

Drydock presumably related to guarantee and being done before Brexit
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 14, 2019, 01:42:18 PM
WB is in dry-dock at the Damen Shipyard in Dunkirk. According to Dunkirk port she is then scheduled to leave on Friday with Rotterdam as her destination?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: RorieLen on October 14, 2019, 06:41:04 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on October 14, 2019, 01:42:18 PM
WB is in dry-dock at the Damen Shipyard in Dunkirk. According to Dunkirk port she is then scheduled to leave on Friday with Rotterdam as her destination?

The Dunkerque port website shows her next destination as Cherbourg which is what is expected? I thought she was to work a sailing from there to Dublin at the weekend?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on October 18, 2019, 09:07:52 AM
Quote from: RorieLen on October 14, 2019, 06:41:04 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on October 14, 2019, 01:42:18 PM
WB is in dry-dock at the Damen Shipyard in Dunkirk. According to Dunkirk port she is then scheduled to leave on Friday with Rotterdam as her destination?

The Dunkerque port website shows her next destination as Cherbourg which is what is expected? I thought she was to work a sailing from there to Dublin at the weekend?

WBY has left Dunkirk and approaching Cherbourg.  I thought it was doing a run? But nothing bookable on Irish Ferries and not showing on the sailing updates.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on October 18, 2019, 11:19:17 AM
WBY will be back in Dublin tomorrow
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 29, 2019, 12:48:30 PM
Irish Ferries unable to take bookings beyond the 1st week in January 2020. They seem to be extremely slow in sorting out their Irish Sea timetables every year. No such problems for any other operator.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on October 30, 2019, 07:42:17 PM
They are still planning their winter overhaul program. Dublin Swift returns 15th March 2020
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on October 31, 2019, 12:59:13 AM
Quote from: IFPete on October 30, 2019, 07:42:17 PM
They are still planning their winter overhaul program. Dublin Swift returns 15th March 2020
Taking their time...
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on October 31, 2019, 10:37:17 AM
Ulysses is going to Poland for Scrubbers. No Decision yet on Isle of Inishmore.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on November 07, 2019, 08:08:31 PM
Inishmore currently unable to dock in Rosslare due to adverse weather/gale force winds. ( Stena Europe left on time this evening)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on November 07, 2019, 10:18:52 PM
Docked in Rosslare at 2050 this evening
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on November 12, 2019, 07:01:47 PM
Ulysses has gone technical didn't leave Dublin until after 11 this morning and has been unable to berth in Holyhead?

Tonight's sailing from Dublin cancelled and pax transferred to Stena
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on November 12, 2019, 08:54:38 PM
Quote from: jgf on November 12, 2019, 07:01:47 PM
Ulysses has gone technical didn't leave Dublin until after 11 this morning and has been unable to berth in Holyhead?

Tonight's sailing from Dublin cancelled and pax transferred to Stena

from reading passengers tweets 'the captain is saying they cant dock due to weather, next update 10pm' but WB Yeats and Stena Superfast X have both docked, turned around and departed this evening while Ulysses  sits at the mouth of the port.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cladyman on November 12, 2019, 10:54:13 PM
Long day at sea - not on vessel finder finally about to dock
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 14, 2019, 12:21:53 PM
IF dry-docking for 2020. Ulysses will be off from 6th Jan until the 15th Feb with WB taking over her duties and Epsilon taking over the WB sailings except for when she does her Cherbourg run at the weekends. A fairly lengthy dry docking for Ulysses maybe a big overhaul due. The IOI is the off for her dry docking on the 15th Feb with WB going to take over the southern route, she is not expected back until the 24th March again quite a long time. Swift is now due back on the 2nd April.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Shano on November 14, 2019, 02:34:08 PM
Can anyone explain why the Epsilion is not on Dublin Cherbourg sailings for 2020 only WB Yates.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on November 14, 2019, 03:48:09 PM
WBY returns to the France schedule in March. Epsilon then returns to her Holyhead schedule
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on November 14, 2019, 08:34:32 PM
The Lengthy Drydock for both Ulysses and IOI is to install Scrubbers
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on November 29, 2019, 08:26:13 AM
Looks like Irish Ferries are to charter STENA FORETELLER as the dry dock relief vessel. This would appear to mean that weekday sailings to France are being dropped.  EPSILON doing a single weekend roundtrip and on the Holyhead route for the rest of the week. As posted elsewhere here, Yeats relieving both ULYSSES and Inishmore.

https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-to-charter-stena-ship/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on December 10, 2019, 09:26:51 PM
Lots of delays cancellations the last few days with the bad weather.

Epsilon arrived in Dublin this am having delayed Sundays departure from Cherbourg by 24 hrs.

Inishmore only did one rotation yesterday the 8.45 ex Rosslare and 14.45 ex Pembroke having been cancelled the previous 24 hrs. Cancelled today also, picked up the timetable tonight with a brought forward departure of 20.00 from Rosslare act dep 20.20 per marinetraffic.

Ulysses is currently 6.5 hrs late with the 14.10 hrs dep from Holyhead leaving at 20.40, The Big U had arrived at 16.40 so it took 4hrs to turn her around.

WBYeats had an EU inspection so was cancelled yesterday and was 1.5hrs late resuming its schedule this morning departing Dublin at 3.25am. Is now on the berth in Holyhead after Ulysses departing.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on December 11, 2019, 08:54:21 PM

Due to the delays over the past few days Ulysses and Yeats have now swapped schedules. a handy way to get things back on time!

I wonder when will they swap them back?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 11, 2019, 10:06:22 PM
Quote from: jgf on December 11, 2019, 08:54:21 PM

Due to the delays over the past few days Ulysses and Yeats have now swapped schedules. a handy way to get things back on time!

I wonder when will they swap them back?
Best chance will be Sunday morning as there is no 0200 ex Dublin so they can hold Ulysses over to operate the 0815.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chris2016 on December 11, 2019, 11:28:07 PM
Apparently Ulysses has being also having technical and operational issues,  so it makes sense to switch the WB yeats to it's the Ulysses schedule.  The yeats is more reliable . I would keep the yeats on the Ulysses schedule until it returns from Poland.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DaveW1946 on December 12, 2019, 06:06:50 AM
IF haven't quite got their act together on sailing updates as both ships appear to be in two places at the same time.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Wilty on December 13, 2019, 03:39:20 PM
Quote from: IFPete on December 12, 2019, 02:39:36 AM
Thats exactly what IF Managment have decided to do. Yeats will operate Ulysses schedule until Ulysses comes back from Poland.

Wrong!!!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chris2016 on December 13, 2019, 10:16:02 PM
I would honestly be shocked as a good frequent user off irish ferries if they took the WB yeats off the Ulysses schedule.  The Ulysses really needs an overhaul . Its constantly having problems as where the Yeats is a fantastic ship.and very reliable compared to the Ulysses.  There is more bad weather on the way .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 13, 2019, 11:39:28 PM
Stena Adventurer is Berthing in Holyhead this week Bow on with the help of St David holding her on berth.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on December 15, 2019, 09:49:34 AM
Ulysses now back on its own schedule. As the 02.00 exDublin / 8.15 ex Holyhead were cancelled.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 18, 2019, 10:21:29 PM
WB unable to dock in Holyhead this evening due to weather she is currently outside and about to make another attempt at docking. Ulysses late leaving Dublin.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 01, 2020, 10:13:32 PM
Stena Foreteller which is anchored off Dun Laoghaire in Dublin bay since the 27th is expected to begin berthing trials on 49 and 51A from Friday prior to providing cover for the dry-docking of Ulysses. She will take over Epsilon's schedule weekdays and provide additional freight capacity to Holyhead at the weekends while Epsilon does the weekend France service.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 02, 2020, 11:25:23 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on January 01, 2020, 10:13:32 PM
Stena Foreteller which is anchored off Dun Laoghaire in Dublin bay since the 27th is expected to begin berthing trials on 49 and 51A from Friday prior to providing cover for the dry-docking of Ulysses. She will take over Epsilon's schedule weekdays and provide additional freight capacity to Holyhead at the weekends while Epsilon does the weekend France service.

Worth adding for completeness that from Feb 16 until March 23, Yeats will replace Inishmore on the Pembroke run.  She next pops up back on the Dublin - France schedule from March 28.  Ulysses currently from the timetable absent between this coming Monday until February 15.

https://www.niferry.co.uk/seasonal-fleet-movements-update/

Iirc Foreteller goes back to Stena RoRo in early April.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 06, 2020, 10:55:31 AM
Ulysses off for her dry docking currently off Wexford coast. WB taking her place with Epsilon back on the central corridor.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 09, 2020, 11:42:33 AM
Ulysses passed copnhagen at @ 1900 last night and arrived outside port of Gdansk at @ 0900 this morning.

She is scheduled to enter the port @ 1500
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on January 16, 2020, 10:04:35 AM
Interesting to compare the adherence to schedule of IF's WB Yeats and Isle of Inishmore. WB has managed to stick more or less to schedule over the recent windy episodes. IOI has not, it has been cancelled frequently [as it is today]. Now accepting that the wave heights have been considerably higher on the southern corridor, it does make one consider that a the Dublin-Holyhead route is much more reliable than the southern route in winter. One other point is that Stena Europe has ventured out on some occasions while IOI has remained in port.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 16, 2020, 12:31:32 PM
WB Yeats having trouble docking in Holyhead she made on failed attempt and is now making her way back in again.
Meanwhile in Dublin the Estrid is being held on her berth by 2 port tugs.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Finneys13 on January 16, 2020, 03:12:57 PM
On the WB Yeats now, we are going to try and dock again now for the third time. Has been a long day, got a complimentary lunch...
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 16, 2020, 05:10:52 PM
Its depends on wave height tides and wind direction. IOI was pretty reliable during her stints on Dublin - Holyhead.

WB Yeats problems at holyhead today relate to her not having a rear thruster unit.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: alfie79 on January 19, 2020, 08:36:26 PM


they might have to splash the cash and invest in a stern thruster
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: DaveW1946 on January 20, 2020, 06:04:01 AM
More to the point, why was that not in the original design, knowing the ports it would be mooring at?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 20, 2020, 11:38:48 AM
As WB Yeats will spend most of its operating career on Dublin - Cherbourg the installation of a rear thruster would have created drag and added to her fuel consumption.

Build 777 will be build with a rear thruster installed.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on January 24, 2020, 08:20:55 PM
WB Yeats is having a rest on Sunday with the 0805 ex Dublin and 1410 ex Holyhead cancelled due to technical reasons. Passengers transferred to Stena.
Are they expecting a man in a van to do some job on WBY?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on January 26, 2020, 10:32:52 AM
Ulysses three weeks in Gdansk now. Any word /pictures of the work in progress?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on January 27, 2020, 06:49:27 PM
Quote from: A83 on January 26, 2020, 10:32:52 AM
Ulysses three weeks in Gdansk now. Any word /pictures of the work in progress?

Found this (https://www.instagram.com/p/B7zHN9th8T0/) of her along side.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chef on January 27, 2020, 11:33:53 PM
She entered drydock this morning .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bissiere on February 04, 2020, 10:59:34 AM
do you know when the epsilon charter ends?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 04, 2020, 01:27:01 PM
Current lease expires Nov 2021
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bissiere on February 04, 2020, 03:37:22 PM
it is time for fsg to start the new ship!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 04, 2020, 04:13:16 PM
Maybe FSG will go bankrupt
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: bissiere on February 04, 2020, 04:33:48 PM

if irish had ordered it in china as stena maybe it would be already finished
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 04, 2020, 05:42:25 PM
FSG should partner up with fittout provider and focus on designing and building hulls which they are good at.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on February 09, 2020, 09:55:10 PM
WB Yeats seems to be coping well with Storm Ciara  leaving Dublin pretty much on time tonight for Holyhead where as Stena Estrid has been cancelled twice ex Dublin today.

Inishmore cancelled all day as you would expect.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on February 10, 2020, 09:58:51 PM
Today Monday Epsilon cancelled Yeats sailing pretty much to schedule. Inishmore cancelled until tomorrow night.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 11, 2020, 10:47:19 AM
Quote from: jgf on February 09, 2020, 09:55:10 PM
WB Yeats seems to be coping well with Storm Ciara  leaving Dublin pretty much on time tonight for Holyhead where as Stena Estrid has been cancelled twice ex Dublin today.

Inishmore cancelled all day as you would expect.
A few weeks ago in high winds WB was unable to dock at Holyhead  and spent a few hours circling waiting for the winds to die down. Today SFX is being held on her HH berth by a tug.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 11, 2020, 10:49:24 AM
Great photo opportunity for anybody in Gdansk Ulysses and Pont Aven side by side in dry dock.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 13, 2020, 06:39:03 PM
Ulysses departed Drydock in Gdansk @ 1615 local time and carried out manouvering trials in Martwa Wisla River.

She is now berth on the Martwa Wisla Quayside completing her refit.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on February 16, 2020, 04:19:33 PM
I seen a photo of Ulysses leaving the drydock with pont aven in the backround, I have attached it
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on February 16, 2020, 11:45:52 PM
Her funnel looks to have escaped any major surgery
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 19, 2020, 03:00:31 AM
Quote from: Niall on February 16, 2020, 11:45:52 PM
Her funnel looks to have escaped any major surgery

It has but that doesn't mean the decks below haven't - all that piping has to go somewhere!  She's also late back which surely puts Inishmore's installation in doubt given Easter is approaching, unless they drop more France sailings!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on February 19, 2020, 03:03:41 AM
The new Dublin Swift timings are interesting.  Different departure times on alternate days.  IF said this was in response to passenger feedback when I asked, but it's surely no coincidence that the days she sails later are when W.B is in port!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on February 19, 2020, 06:27:00 PM
Quote from: Steven on February 19, 2020, 03:03:41 AM
The new Dublin Swift timings are interesting.  Different departure times on alternate days.  IF said this was in response to passenger feedback when I asked, but it's surely no coincidence that the days she sails later are when W.B is in port!

Is the Swift being fixed while its wintering in Holyhead? Didn't it have issues before the end of the season last year?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 20, 2020, 06:38:21 PM
Swift is booked to go to Belfast for Drydock Mid - March 2020
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: pdnr777 on February 22, 2020, 10:35:51 AM
When is Ulysses due back in service? When is Isle of Inishmore going into dry dock and where is it going for dry docking? How long is WB Yeats operating the Pembroke service and when does this commence?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 23, 2020, 10:05:13 PM
Ulysses taking bunkers today at Gdansk
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 27, 2020, 11:02:35 AM
Swift in Belfast for planned works prior to her return to service, no sign of Ulysses making a move back as of yet. HSC Manannan in Cammell Laird dry dock, Adventurer back and due to take the 1400 ex Holyhead this afternoon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on March 04, 2020, 04:05:22 PM
It looks like Ulysses will remain in Poland for the time being, NIFS reported that Ulysses isn't expected back on the Holyhead to Dublin service until the 16th March. Dublin Swift has also entered dry dock
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on March 05, 2020, 10:37:15 AM
She has been gone 2 months surely enough time for the refit. Are they waiting for a part to be made?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 05, 2020, 10:57:55 AM
I could be wrong, but i suspect Isle of Inishmore's Scrubber installation will be deferred to October 2020 when WB Yeats comes back on the Irish Sea,

She is most likely going to belfast for drydocking when Ulysses returns.

The work on Ulysses was planned to take between six weeks and three months.

Nowone really knew exactly how long given the complexity of the installation.

There was not going to be much passender interior work done above a normal drydocking.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 05, 2020, 11:20:35 AM
ICG full annual report presentation for 2019 available from icg.com today. Report shows growth in ferries division and in earnings. Hull 777 is mentioned as due for delivery in late 2020?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on March 05, 2020, 11:42:57 AM
Hull 777 won't be ready until late 2021 I'd say.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 05, 2020, 12:19:14 PM
It depends on when and where it is built.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 05, 2020, 01:27:32 PM
You have to remember ICG have already handed over €33 million to FSG for this ship.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 05, 2020, 02:56:17 PM
I hope its built in Flemsburg and fitted out elsewhere.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chef on March 05, 2020, 04:11:09 PM
Quote from: IFPete on March 05, 2020, 02:56:17 PM
I hope its built in Flemsburg and fitted out elsewhere.
I'm pretty sure it wont be built in Flemsburg .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 06, 2020, 01:08:02 PM
ICG would not be making the statements they are to the markets if they were going to cancel the order with FSG.            If FSG cancel the order at this stage FSG will enter insolvancy.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 07, 2020, 12:17:55 AM
Dublin Swift heading to Holyhead from Belfast @ 32 - 33 knots
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 08, 2020, 03:21:08 PM
Ulysses Receiving Bunkers in Gdansk. Hopefully she is departing this afternoon. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on March 08, 2020, 05:23:50 PM
Not as far as I know. That bunker is moored across from her
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 08, 2020, 09:27:10 PM
Ulysses was taking bunkers this afternoon, Pont Avon spent the day undergoing sea trials and is now on her way home via Skagen. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on March 09, 2020, 10:17:05 AM
Quote from: IFPete on March 08, 2020, 03:21:08 PM
Ulysses Receiving Bunkers in Gdansk. Hopefully she is departing this afternoon.
She has had the bunkering tanker alongside a few times over the last 2 weeks. They must be burning an awful lot of fuel sitting there!  :)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 12, 2020, 11:11:30 AM
If Ulysses is to make her scheduled return to service ex Dublin 0805 on Sunday, she will need to depart Gdansk today.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on March 13, 2020, 01:17:16 PM
Its confirmed ULysses back in Service 19th March
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 13, 2020, 02:19:48 PM
Quote from: SEA on March 13, 2020, 01:17:16 PM
Its confirmed ULysses back in Service 19th March
Or the 18th as per booking engine but ? no need for her back as bookings for St Patricks festival have collapsed
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 17, 2020, 04:33:14 PM
Ulysses AIS showing destination Dublin 2200 on the 20/03/20.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 18, 2020, 06:01:03 PM
Ulysses is still stuck in Poland,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on March 18, 2020, 08:09:46 PM
Are the ferries being affected by this travel ban that poland have. If so will Ulysses be able to leave Gdansk?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on March 18, 2020, 08:34:15 PM
Quote from: Futureskipper on March 18, 2020, 08:09:46 PM
Are the ferries being affected by this travel ban that poland have. If so will Ulysses be able to leave Gdansk?
Poland has a ban on entering the country, (should be) no issues exiting.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chef on March 18, 2020, 10:17:38 PM
As I type it is 22.00 hrs 18th  Irish time and Ulysses is still  alongside in Poland, so very unlikely she would make it to Dublin in 48 hours for 22.00 hrs on the 20th . She is listed by Dublin Port for arrival on the 23 of March at 05.30 hrs which seems more plausible .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on March 19, 2020, 04:21:55 PM
4 tugs now around Ulysses. Must be getting ready to go.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on March 19, 2020, 05:02:24 PM
Ulysses underway and ETA in Dublin: 2020-03-22 22:00
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on March 19, 2020, 05:43:16 PM
Ulysses has now just left the entrance of Gdansk doing 7.5 knots (when I last checked). Does anyone else wonder if there was more work done beside the fitting of the exhaust scrubber?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 19, 2020, 05:57:11 PM
she might need to undergo sea trials. She is slowly speeded up.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on March 19, 2020, 06:57:09 PM
Ulysses was doing 14knots a while ago now she is doing 2.3knots
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 19, 2020, 07:47:53 PM
Sea Trials,

As soon as they are happy with her she will be on her way,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on March 20, 2020, 07:12:17 AM
Ulysses is now steaming to Dublin
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 20, 2020, 08:27:01 AM
Ulysses routing south of Bornholm. She should pass Copenhagen in a few hours
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on March 21, 2020, 12:00:53 PM
Ulysses' position has been the same for over 2 hours according to marine traffic, it's faded out on the app would this mean the tracker has been switched off
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on March 21, 2020, 02:26:58 PM
Quote from: Futureskipper on March 21, 2020, 12:00:53 PM
Ulysses' position has been the same for over 2 hours according to marine traffic, it's faded out on the app would this mean the tracker has been switched off

She's in the North Sea at the moment, heading for the English Channel.

I think a faded out icon just means it hasn't been updated (only the Navy turn off AIS usually, more likely it's to do with her position and what she is in range of).
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 21, 2020, 03:35:09 PM
Ulysses possition was last reported 6 hours ago, This means she is in a blind part of North Sea due toher distance from land. The same happens in Bay of Biscay and North Atlantic. She should reappear again as she approaches northern holland. I would expect she will pass Dover around midnight tonight.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 21, 2020, 05:46:52 PM
Ulysses has reappeared in Marine Traffic travelling down the north sea opposite Great Yarmouth at 22.5 Knots.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chef on March 21, 2020, 06:52:43 PM
If  you subscribe to Marine Traffic you will get the position in real time from the satellite system .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on March 22, 2020, 10:48:52 AM
From the IF website booking engine and sailing updates page.

The Ulysses returns with the 2055 ex Dublin Monday Night 23/03.

WB Yeats takes over Rosslare Pembroke with the 2045 from Rosslare Monday Night also.

As a result of this IF  have cancelled the 0805 ex Dublin and 1410 ex Holyhead on Monday. Pax transferred to Stena Line.

I suppose with current COVID 19 situation Inishmores trip to Poland wont be an issue as long as the yard there is allowed to stay open.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 22, 2020, 11:01:54 AM
Ulysses is passing Falmouth @ 19 Knots, I would imagine tomorrow Ulysses will get her passenger certificate renewed.

Isle of Inishmore will either go to Belfast or Falmouth for drydocking on monday evening.

Poland is not taking any more work until this crisis lifts. IOI scrubber installation will most likely be delayed until October.

I would not be surprised if WB Yeats stays on Irish Sea until Mid May with Epsilon covering Cherbourg service.

Perhaps Stena Foreteller will be kept on in freight capacity, time will tell.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on March 22, 2020, 10:19:32 PM
Looking at marine traffic, Ulysses seems to be an hour out of Dublin
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 23, 2020, 11:38:56 AM
Ulysses undergoing EU inspection and due to return to service tonight. WB will be heading south to take over from IOI, not sure where she is going.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 23, 2020, 09:11:24 PM
Isle of Inishmore heading to Belfast,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chef on March 24, 2020, 06:23:48 AM
Has Ulysses funnel ended up looking like Brittany Ferries Pont Aven after having her scrubbers installed , i.e looking like a block of flats .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on March 24, 2020, 05:04:30 PM
Quote from: Chef on March 24, 2020, 06:23:48 AM
Has Ulysses funnel ended up looking like Brittany Ferries Pont Aven after having her scrubbers installed , i.e looking like a block of flats .

I haven't seen the Ulysses in person yet but when I seen a photo of her leaving the drydock the funnel seemed to be normal I'll repost that photo below
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chef on March 24, 2020, 05:19:48 PM
Quote from: Futureskipper on March 24, 2020, 05:04:30 PM
Quote from: Chef on March 24, 2020, 06:23:48 AM
Has Ulysses funnel ended up looking like Brittany Ferries Pont Aven after having her scrubbers installed , i.e looking like a block of flats .

I haven't seen the Ulysses in person yet but when I seen a photo of her leaving the drydock the funnel seemed to be normal I'll repost that photo below
Thank you , looking forward to that , and speaking of the Pont Aven she can be seen in the background of you picture in the floating dry dock .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on March 24, 2020, 05:33:43 PM
That picture isn't very clear as it was taken at twighlight and at a sharp angle that doesn't show the funnel in full view
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on March 24, 2020, 10:48:13 PM
I do have a zoomed in picture of the funnel in another photograph which is somewhere in my gallery, the image is a picture from Brittany Ferries' twitter page and it is in daylight and the funnel looks normal from the exterior. It's good to see the Ulysses back running.
Is the Swift meant to start operation in the next few days or weeks or has it been stopped due to this virus outbreak
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on March 25, 2020, 08:01:18 AM
Quote from: Futureskipper on March 24, 2020, 10:48:13 PM

Is the Swift meant to start operation in the next few days or weeks or has it been stopped due to this virus outbreak

On booking engine from Dublin on 2nd April. But that can obviously change
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on March 25, 2020, 04:25:53 PM
Can you put up that photo on here please?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on March 26, 2020, 01:24:25 AM
Aye will do
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on March 26, 2020, 01:32:50 AM
Here it is  it's slightly cropped too much but from the photo it seems normal
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on March 27, 2020, 09:51:04 AM
Anyone know how long more WB Yeats will be on Rosslare-Prembroke route?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 27, 2020, 11:10:41 AM
Not sure how long IOI will be in dry dock but we do know that WB will not be starting her France service as planned this weekend Epsilon sailings to Holyhead over weekend cancelled as she will be making the France crossing.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on March 27, 2020, 04:01:46 PM
I think Inishmore is due back in Rosslare this weekend
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 27, 2020, 05:49:54 PM
No rush to bring IOI or Swift back into service due to Covid 19,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on March 28, 2020, 10:11:05 PM
Could Harland and Wolfe (H&W) do the scrubber installation on the Isle Of Inishmore or does it have to go to Poland after this pandemic situation
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 28, 2020, 10:16:31 PM
She will go to Poland in October when WB Yeats comes off France route
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on March 30, 2020, 06:36:09 PM
Found a recent photo of the Ulysses and the funnel seems to be normal as it was on the exterior.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 30, 2020, 10:13:07 PM
Isle of Inishmore on her way back to Rosslare. WB will be returning to take up her Dublin Holyhead route with Epsilon taking the France service.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chef on March 31, 2020, 11:00:10 AM
Quote from: Futureskipper on March 30, 2020, 06:36:09 PM
Found a recent photo of the Ulysses and the funnel seems to be normal as it was on the exterior.
Thanks for posting, looks like all her bits and pieces are still the same .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on March 31, 2020, 01:59:42 PM
WB  Yeats on her way from Rosslare to Holyhead to pick up this evenings   8.15 departure.
Epsilon is cancelled this afternoon ex Dublin Foreteller is sailing instead. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on April 06, 2020, 02:54:57 PM
Dublin Swift sailings have been postponed until further notice
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 11, 2020, 01:29:22 PM
I doubt we will see demand for Swift until mid June
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Alan G on April 14, 2020, 02:37:58 AM
I doubt we will see Swift in service this year.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on April 27, 2020, 05:43:54 PM
Ísle of Inishmore cancelled today due to 'extraordinary circumstances'. Any idea what these are?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on May 24, 2020, 01:37:30 AM
Does anyone know why WB Yeats is moored near the cruise ship terminal and near P&O's berth sorry idk the terminal number
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on May 24, 2020, 11:14:14 AM
Is it just moored there because there is no Sunday morning rotation ie 02.00ex Dublin and 08.15 ex Holyhead are not running. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on May 24, 2020, 07:42:25 PM
Alright sound, I was just curious
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chris2016 on June 08, 2020, 11:49:28 AM
According to the Irish ferries schedule the WB yeats is back on the france run tomorrow
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on June 09, 2020, 08:03:08 AM
Quote from: Chris2016 on June 08, 2020, 11:49:28 AM
According to the Irish ferries schedule the WB yeats is back on the france run tomorrow
Yes, although they haven't reverted to the original schedule. We were supposed to be sailing from Cherbourg on Thursday. I suspect they are not yet going to full, every 2nd day service yet.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on June 09, 2020, 08:45:25 AM
Epsilon and WB Yeats have swapped rosters for now.

Swift is appearing on the Booking engine later this week.

I would be surprised if she goes into servive before 30 June 2020.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on June 09, 2020, 11:23:46 AM
Quote from: IFPete on June 09, 2020, 08:45:25 AM
Epsilon and WB Yeats have swapped rosters for now.

Swift is appearing on the Booking engine later this week.

I would be surprised if she goes into servive before 30 June 2020.
I have noticed Swift on the engine a couple of times but it seems they only update a few days at a time Swift's movements are not noted in Dublin Port's transfer letter.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on June 10, 2020, 05:48:57 PM
Quote from: Chris2016 on June 08, 2020, 11:49:28 AM
According to the Irish ferries schedule the WB yeats is back on the france run tomorrow

Anyone got any idea of how busy the sailing was?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on June 14, 2020, 11:54:48 AM
Inishmore is having 24hrs off due to technical issues cancelled ex Rosslare tonight until tomorrow night.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on June 29, 2020, 10:47:28 PM
Anyone know why at the WB Yeats is travelling past skerries? (At the time of typing)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on June 30, 2020, 10:39:26 AM
Quote from: Futureskipper on June 29, 2020, 10:47:28 PM
Anyone know why at the WB Yeats is travelling past skerries? (At the time of typing)

Probably just freeing up the berth. There was no France sailing on Monday. It starts the 2 day rotation from today.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on July 06, 2020, 04:16:41 PM
I note WB Yeats is sailing to Cherbourg today so the full Summer Schedule 2020 is kicking from today. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on August 31, 2020, 01:55:52 AM
Isle Of Inishmore was involved in the locating of an upturned Orkany Longliner or fast liner (one or the other forgotten which one it was). There is an article on afloat.ie about it
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on September 09, 2020, 08:45:23 AM
WB Yeats cancelled yesterday due to 'technical difficulties'. Anyone know what the problem is?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on September 09, 2020, 11:28:26 AM
Quote from: A83 on September 09, 2020, 08:45:23 AM
WB Yeats cancelled yesterday due to 'technical difficulties'. Anyone know what the problem is?

I have heard engine issues, but not sure how true that is. She limped into Dublin last night at 6kts with a tug, so would make sense.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on September 29, 2020, 08:49:14 PM
Inishmore has moved to berth three in Rosslare tonight, bow in.

A rare sight on that berth.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 06, 2020, 12:28:59 PM
WB Yeats running late since last night due to "Extraordinary Circumstances"?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on October 06, 2020, 02:24:44 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on October 06, 2020, 12:28:59 PM
WB Yeats running late since last night due to "Extraordinary Circumstances"?

Sadly, a crew member is missing since 9pm last night, the ship, along with Coast Guard helis from both sides of the Irish Sea searching last night.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on October 06, 2020, 02:34:10 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on October 06, 2020, 12:28:59 PM
WB Yeats running late since last night due to "Extraordinary Circumstances"?
I've just seen something on the news about a crew member being reported missing from the WB Yeats. The articles said WB Yeats was traveling from dublin to holyhead and the alarm was raised at 9pm. The crew member was last seen between 3:30pm and 4pm. ICG, HMC and local RNLI crews are out searching. This could be the extraordinary circumstances.
www.thejournal.ie/irish-ferries-crew-member-missing-5225000-Oct2020/
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/newslondon/major-search-launched-for-man-reported-missing-from-ferry-in-irish-sea/ar-BB19KjZ9?ocid=msedgntp
What I've said above are from both of these articles.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on October 08, 2020, 04:06:47 PM
A body has been located on the shore on Anglesey, near Carmel head.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/body-found-search-missing-irish-19068501
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on October 19, 2020, 11:39:17 PM
Quote from: Davy Jones on October 08, 2020, 04:06:47 PM
A body has been located on the shore on Anglesey, near Carmel head.

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/body-found-search-missing-irish-19068501

Sad to report the ID was positive
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 25, 2020, 11:03:48 AM
November trading statement covering the first 10 months of 2020 shows a 26% of ?79 million drop in revenues compared to the same period last year.Car volumes down 67% and passengers down 68%.

Full statement here
https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/uk/icg2/rns1/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=500&newsid=1431220
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 01, 2020, 09:53:21 PM
Anybody know anything about the delays to IF schedule today.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 11, 2020, 01:30:17 PM
IF schedule for 2021 up to end January available. It shows WB Yeats until 3rd Jan and one ship service for the rest of the month Dub-HHD. Epsilon "operating primarily as a freight service" for the month of January.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 11, 2020, 01:41:14 PM
Irish Ferries Full timetable will be released in the coming days.

My guess is there may be a surprise in store.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 12, 2020, 11:15:58 AM
What we do know so far about IF sailings for 2021 -
from the timetable available for January we can see that the WB Yeats is off service from the 4th January for the rest of the month with no replacement service. (This seems a long time for a regular dry docking).
According to the France 2021 schedule WB is only taking up the route on the 25th May which seems to be quite a late start given that in 2018 the Oscar Wilde was on the route from February with Epsilon operating a Saturday crossing.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: pdnr777 on December 15, 2020, 04:02:22 PM
Anybody know what's happening with IF website as not able to book ferry travel from Britain to Ireland after the end of January
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cupcoffee on December 17, 2020, 12:15:36 PM
I.F. seem to be totally immobilised by Brexit. The rest of us are flummoxed, but I.F. seem to be a bit more paralysed than most. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 17, 2020, 01:47:36 PM
Irish Ferries are working on a post brexit solution.

They will release plans in the coming days.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: awaityourreply on December 17, 2020, 11:40:24 PM
I understand the below situation and I quote:

"the European Parliament issued a three-day ultimatum to negotiators to strike a trade deal if it's to be in a position to ratify an agreement this year. European lawmakers said they will need to have the terms of any deal in front of them by late Sunday if they are to organize a special gathering before the end of the year.

If a deal comes later, it could only be ratified in 2021, as the parliament wouldn?t have enough time to debate the agreement before that."


Above quotes contained in an article sourced from the Associated Press (AP) PUBLISHED 4:10 PM ET DEC. 17, 2020 (USA)
https://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/ap-top-news/2020/12/17/eu-parliament-issues-3-day-ultimatum-for-post-brexit-deal

I would not be at all surprised if ICG's Irish Ferries have deliberately chosen to hold off from making public announcements until they know what will be happening from 1st January going forward. Not sure if this is the right strategy given that competitors like Stena Line, DFDS and Brittany Ferries have all revealed their intentions with regards to direct services between Ireland and European continent despite all operators being in the same predicament of not knowing how things will pan out once the Brexit transition period ends at 23:00hrs UK/IRL local time on 31st December 2020.

Could we see Irish Ferries operating any direct crossings in 2021 to/from the Continent
(1) ex-Rosslare - (I.F. had ceased Rosslare/France services not very long ago) or;
(2) Introduce additional capacity ex-Dublin Port or;
(3) Run new services out of the Port of Cork given it's a useful European gateway and may not suffer as much congestion & delays as anticipated at Dublin Port.

Other sources:
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/irish-concerns-over-delays-at-ports-if-it-is-bad-now-it-will-be-standstill-in-january-1.4438852
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 20, 2020, 04:04:05 PM
Looks like all services will be freight only shortly!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on January 05, 2021, 09:31:04 AM
Epsilon and WB Yeats swapping round tomorrow. Yeats heads to Cherbourg Wednesday evening and Epsilon to Holyhead in the afternoon according to IF sailing updates but not according to the booking engine.

Any idea what is going on and when the refits are scheduled?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chef on January 06, 2021, 07:30:39 AM
Quote from: A83 on January 05, 2021, 09:31:04 AM
Epsilon and WB Yeats swapping round tomorrow. Yeats heads to Cherbourg Wednesday evening and Epsilon to Holyhead in the afternoon according to IF sailing updates but not according to the booking engine.

Any idea what is going on and when the refits are scheduled?
I had noticed that too ,but it appears to be for just one return crossing and then back to their normal routes , it could be that they need the bigger ship that day on Dublin /Cherbourg .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on January 07, 2021, 02:09:14 PM
Further information from NI ferries site.

WBY is taking the Dublin-Cherbourg route in order to increase the number of cabins available to freight drivers and therefore increase the number of trucks that can go direct. She is running this route for around 3 weeks prior to returning to Dublin-Holyhead to allow Ulysses to depart for her annual dry docking. No word on when / if Isle of Inishmore is to go for her refit.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on January 15, 2021, 04:54:39 PM
Given the current situation with GB route quite and Cherbourg busy it will be interesting to see how IF manage the dry docking season. Last year they hired a Freighter in Stena Foreteller. With the current timetable only set until the end of the month we will surly see some news soon. 

Could they do something drastic such as suspend Rosslare Pembroke for a month?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 15, 2021, 08:05:17 PM
Quote from: jgf on January 15, 2021, 04:54:39 PM
Given the current situation with GB route quite and Cherbourg busy it will be interesting to see how IF manage the dry docking season. Last year they hired a Freighter in Stena Foreteller. With the current timetable only set until the end of the month we will surly see some news soon. 

Could they do something drastic such as suspend Rosslare Pembroke for a month?

Would make perfect sense if they did, would save the cost of chartering another vessel and put their bookings on Stena Europe, Stena have done it several times before, similar to a code share with airlines, you book on IF website but your sailing would be on Europe. Would imagine both operators could make this work at a local level.

Inishmore is well overdue some attention soon, even if they postpone scrubbers and run on cleaner fuel, it will still require maintenance delayed from last year.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 22, 2021, 11:07:07 AM
Irish Ferries have released a timetable up to 15/02/21. Services remain the same as now with Epsilon taking a weekend trip to Cherbourg.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on January 25, 2021, 03:06:31 PM
IF normally do their refits in the post Christmas period. What plans do they have for 2021 refits? I recall Isle of Inishmore was supposed to be fitted with scrubbers last year and this was postponed. Will it happen this year? Will they retain a 2 ships service on the Holyhead -Dublin run and  how will they manage the demand for freight direct to France if all four ships have to take a couple of weeks off service?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 29, 2021, 02:47:37 PM
Epsilon doing a Cherbourg run this afternoon WB tomorrow with return crossings on Saturday and Sunday with Epsilon available to take up the 14:30 Dublin to Holyhead on Sunday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 01, 2021, 04:34:02 PM
Isle of Inishmore crossings today cancelled for "operational reasons" ?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 05, 2021, 04:24:03 PM
NIFERRY reporting that IF are to charter Mega Express 4 from Corsica ferries expected arrival by end of next week
https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-to-charter-corsican-ferry/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: hhvferry on February 05, 2021, 09:05:04 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on February 05, 2021, 04:24:03 PM
NIFERRY reporting that IF are to charter Mega Express 4 from Corsica ferries expected arrival by end of next week
https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-to-charter-corsican-ferry/
The most interesting charter for a few years!
She's a big, big passenger ship now but still has decent freight meterage.

Interesting to see if they need to make any modifications to make her fit the berths.

I assume IF have done their homework and she won't encounter any regulatory or inspection difficulties when she arrives.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: scomac on February 06, 2021, 08:51:32 AM
Important to note this charter is for refit cover only
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chef on February 06, 2021, 10:05:43 AM
I can see the need for a vessel with plenty of passenger/ cabin space as it's needed to  allow truck drivers to have their own cabin due to Covid on the longer crossing to the continent and as scomac  pointed out the vessel is only for refit cover so no modifications would be on the cards plus I doubt IF would charter a vessel if it was not compatible with the ports that they operate  to and from .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 06, 2021, 11:03:53 AM
It looks like Ulysses will be heading off first with WB Yeats taking up her schedule from Monday 15th February. There is nothing for Ireland - France on the booking engine for that week.
There will be no concerns about Mega Express 4 fitting berths as she is a Superfast Vessel originally built as Superfast 2.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 06, 2021, 11:15:05 AM
When was the last time Irish Ferries charted a ropax vessel other than Epsilon. (not counting Stena Foreteller last year)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 06, 2021, 12:11:59 PM
Mega Express 4 has more lane metres than Oscar Wilde had.

She was modified to increase her cabin capacity from 1950 LM to 1400 LM.

She is a sister of the Brittany Ferries Vessel Cap Finist?re.

She has a dip pool on her upper deck and good facilities on board.

The lease is initially for 2 months, however given Covid and Brexit and post covid demand she may hang around for longer.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: hhvferry on February 06, 2021, 02:19:34 PM
Quote from: IFPete on February 06, 2021, 12:11:59 PM
Mega Express 4 has more lane metres than Oscar Wilde had.

She was modified to increase her cabin capacity from 1950 LM to 1400 LM.

She is a sister of the Brittany Ferries Vessel Cap Finist?re.
No, the only real relationship she has with Cap Finistere is her original owners and their funnel design - this is the ex-Superfast II and the first two prototype Superfasts were rather different in lots of ways - less evolved hull shape, different shipyard, different interior designers, rather less opulent and less extensive passenger facilities.

Since then Corsica Ferries have bolted on the new accommodation blocks (Spirit of Tasmania added the nasty little conservatory type thing on the upper deck) and overall there's very little you would identify as common in the passenger spaces between her and ships like the Superfast V, VII, VIII and X which have sailed on Irish routes before.
Still, she is quite tidy on board but largely fitted out in Corsica Ferries' corporate style which has barely evolved over the past 40 years.

As built they had decent freight capacity and the ship had facility for twin level loading, which have never been used as none of her operators have ever sailed anywhere with the required ramps so own her internal ramps have always been used to get to the upper vehicle deck. The early refit with Corsica Ferries built cabins, reclining seat lounges and a new reception area into the aft upper vehicle deck which now means, at the stern, single level loading is the only option. I've not seen her bow visor operational for years and years but, as far as I can tell, it could plausibly work and there's nothing to suggest the upper vehicle deck door forward couldn't be made to work either - unless her owners have made modifications which mean this isn't possible. Best guess is she operates as a stern-only loader.

My point on compatibility with ramps is that this ship for almost all her career has operated to ports without linkspans, she just presents her on-board ramp to the quayside and parks up. As a comparison the Superfast X had her bow and stern access equipment rebuilt when she was on the Dover-Calais run which made her easily compatible for the Holyhead route. For a brief charter obviously they won't do that but they may need to tinker with things to make her fit properly, similar to what, if anything, the Epsilon has had done to her.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 06, 2021, 03:15:09 PM
Epsilon was delayed going into service first due to issues with training and a life boat.

Hopefully Mega Express 4 will not take too long to go into service.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 06, 2021, 03:52:05 PM
Both Visenti's departing Dublin for Cherbourg this evening. I hope some of the new ferry routes and ships are still around when we are allowed travel again.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: hhvferry on February 09, 2021, 07:09:47 PM
Here's a quick look around the Mega Express Four - she's a bright, colourful ship whose primary market is people heading on holiday to Corsica:

http://hhvferry.com/blog/?p=7221
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 09, 2021, 10:46:42 PM
Quote from: hhvferry on February 09, 2021, 07:09:47 PM
Here's a quick look around the Mega Express Four - she's a bright, colourful ship whose primary market is people heading on holiday to Corsica:

http://hhvferry.com/blog/?p=7221

Great article the interior reminds me of the Stena Hibernia in the 1990's.
Irish Ferries have updated their timetable WB is taking over Ulysses schedule with Epsilon taking up the Dublin Cherbourg run and Mega Express covering Dublin to Holyhead with a weekend run to Cherbourg.


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chef on February 09, 2021, 11:59:16 PM
Quote from: hhvferry on February 09, 2021, 07:09:47 PM
Here's a quick look around the Mega Express Four - she's a bright, colourful ship whose primary market is people heading on holiday to Corsica:

http://hhvferry.com/blog/?p=7221
Well if anything she'll add a splash of colour to Holyhead .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on February 11, 2021, 08:16:09 AM
Mega Express 4 going onto the berth in Holyhead now.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chef on February 11, 2021, 01:30:16 PM
Quote from: A83 on February 11, 2021, 08:16:09 AM
Mega Express 4 going onto the berth in Holyhead now.
Big difference in the weather for the crew , hope they brought wooly jumpers .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: anglesey_boy on February 11, 2021, 01:46:38 PM
Quote from: A83 on February 11, 2021, 08:16:09 AM
Mega Express 4 going onto the berth in Holyhead now.

ME4 looks so small in comparison to Ulysses! I was driving along by Tinto or would have managed a pic of them both!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 14, 2021, 04:07:53 PM
Mega Express 4 due to commence service with the 1430 ex Dublin tomorrow afternoon with a crossing to Cherbourg on Saturday FYI "Duty free sales of cigarettes and spirits are available at the reception desk"
Does anyone know where Ulysses is going for her dry docking?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on February 14, 2021, 06:30:55 PM
Cammel Laird I think
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on February 15, 2021, 12:07:34 PM
Ulysses is about to enter the Cammal Laird dry dock
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jgf on February 20, 2021, 07:14:16 PM

20/02/2021
WB Yeats had trouble berthing in Holyhead this afternoon due to high winds presumably finally on the berth at 5pm.

Mega Express Four departed Dublin 16.00ish for its first weekend sailing to Cherbourg.
Mega Express Four was can cancelled yesterday afternoon ex 14.30 Dublin and return due to the weather.

Epsilon sailing to Cherbourg ex Dublin was delayed last night departing 5 hours late after a 4 hour late from Cherbourg.

IOI Rosslare Pembroke was running around 10 hours late this morning arriving in Rosslare at 16.45 vice 06.45. With the  08.45 ex Rosslare and return cancelled it is now back on time for the 20.45 tonight.

Wound not fancy being on any sailing on the Irish Sea this weekend. 

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on March 05, 2021, 09:12:27 AM
Ulysses scheduled to be back in service tomorrow. Taking the 8.05 from Dublin.

Which ship goes next for refit?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on March 05, 2021, 10:19:03 AM
Quote from: A83 on March 05, 2021, 09:12:27 AM
Ulysses scheduled to be back in service tomorrow. Taking the 8.05 from Dublin.

Which ship goes next for refit?

Inishmore
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: St Columba on March 05, 2021, 10:44:41 AM
Ulysses due out of Cammel Laird on this afternoons high tide. Back on the run with tomorrow's early morning sailing from Holyhead. No Sailing from Dublin this morning as WBY taking over cherbourg route from this afternoon. On Epsillons ŕeturn from cherbourg she will make a single sailing to Holyhead at 20.55 tonight. Following that she will head to Harland and Wolf for dry docking and refit.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on March 05, 2021, 04:43:03 PM
Ellinikiaktoploia (https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=el&u=https://ellinikiaktoploia.net/&prev=search&pto=aue) is claiming Blue Start 1 is being chartered to Irish Ferries (no word on for how long)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: scomac on March 05, 2021, 05:50:11 PM
EPSILON is due at Harland and Wolff tomorrow morning.

Quote from: Niall on March 05, 2021, 10:19:03 AM
Quote from: A83 on March 05, 2021, 09:12:27 AM
Ulysses scheduled to be back in service tomorrow. Taking the 8.05 from Dublin.

Which ship goes next for refit?

Inishmore
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 05, 2021, 09:49:43 PM
Quote from: admin on March 05, 2021, 04:43:03 PM
Ellinikiaktoploia (https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=el&u=https://ellinikiaktoploia.net/&prev=search&pto=aue) is claiming Blue Start 1 is being chartered to Irish Ferries (no word on for how long)

Looks like they going to double up on crossings to France from Dublin
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 05, 2021, 10:36:50 PM
Mega Express 4's charter is until the end of March ( i think). Epsilon is due to take over from IOI on the 20th March and with WB full time on France run it leaves Dublin to Holyhead with only one ship so perhaps any other ship being chartered will be for cover here,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 17, 2021, 01:11:15 PM
Quote from: admin on March 05, 2021, 04:43:03 PM
Ellinikiaktoploia (https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=el&u=https://ellinikiaktoploia.net/&prev=search&pto=aue) is claiming Blue Start 1 is being chartered to Irish Ferries (no word on for how long)

Rumours are that charter is for two years, hull is now plain blue with no Blue Star Ferries branding so that would imply not a short term charter.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 18, 2021, 12:13:03 PM
Looking at the IF timetable it appears that Epsilon will be taking over from IOI from the 5th April until the 11th April while IOI dry docks, leaving Ulysses as the only ship on the central corridor.Epsilon does not reappear on the timetable after her covering duties. Ireland-France timetable is currently blank for April until the 25th May when the WB advertised summer schedule takes over.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on March 18, 2021, 02:37:53 PM
I think Mega Express 4 will be operating Epsilon's Holyhead schedule. Don't forget that Blue Star 1 is due next month
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: scomac on March 20, 2021, 12:24:02 PM
Quote from: Niall on March 18, 2021, 02:37:53 PM
I think Mega Express 4 will be operating Epsilon's Holyhead schedule. Don't forget that Blue Star 1 is due next month

Has BLUE STAR 1 been officially confirmed by Irish Ferries? I haven?t seen anything official apart from various rumours to date. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 20, 2021, 01:44:54 PM
Nothing official on Blue Star 1 most reports coming from Greek shipping sites. Epsilon due to take over from IOI taking the 0845 to Pembroke Monday morning.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on March 20, 2021, 04:56:36 PM
Once Inishmiore returns from drydock Epsilon will return to the Dub-HYD service
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 21, 2021, 12:44:11 PM
Looks like Biue Star 1 is coming for awhile, getting branded in IF name
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on March 21, 2021, 12:48:57 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on March 21, 2021, 12:44:11 PM
Looks like Biue Star 1 is coming for awhile, getting branded in IF name

Assume she'll mainly be on the Dublin-Cherbourg run?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on April 04, 2021, 09:23:03 AM
Mega Express 4 has left our shores. She is currently off Cornwall heading for Genoa. Such are the strictures of lockdown I never got to see her or travel on her but she seems to have done a pretty good job.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on April 07, 2021, 08:35:46 PM
Lovely video of the Inishmore departing Rosslare for the final time before refit in Brest and starting service on Dover-Calais

https://youtu.be/2pePxt5BpR4



Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on April 07, 2021, 08:40:10 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on April 07, 2021, 08:35:46 PM
Lovely video of the Inishmore departing Rosslare for the final time before refit in Brest and starting service on Dover-Calais

https://youtu.be/2pePxt5BpR4

Great video. Sorry to see her go!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on April 07, 2021, 08:47:11 PM
Quote from: ccs on April 07, 2021, 08:40:10 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on April 07, 2021, 08:35:46 PM
Lovely video of the Inishmore departing Rosslare for the final time before refit in Brest and starting service on Dover-Calais

https://youtu.be/2pePxt5BpR4

Great video. Sorry to see her go!

Sure is, lovely to see the send off.

There is also a nice video on the Facebook of Stena Europe and Inishmore passing each other for the last time after 20 years of sailing together on Ireland Wales routes

https://twitter.com/Rosslareuroport/status/1379738843646164992
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on April 20, 2021, 11:27:37 AM
Video of night crossing from Holyhead to Dublin onboard Mega Express 4
https://youtu.be/J4GwjtVmv6g
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: pdnr777 on April 20, 2021, 07:31:52 PM
Does anyone know what service is like onboard the blue star 1 ferry on the Pembroke to rosslare route. Is there a club class lounge too???
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: hhvferry on April 21, 2021, 08:10:16 AM
Quote from: pdnr777 on April 20, 2021, 07:31:52 PM
Does anyone know what service is like onboard the blue star 1 ferry on the Pembroke to rosslare route. Is there a club class lounge too???
She didn't have a premium lounge in her previous guise but the IF website indicates they are offering one. I guess the forward lounge is the most likely space for it.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on April 29, 2021, 04:57:23 PM
Dublin Swift is back on the IF booking engine from May 25th.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on April 30, 2021, 02:01:07 PM
Quote from: A83 on April 29, 2021, 04:57:23 PM
Dublin Swift is back on the IF booking engine from May 25th.
I don't think she will resume sailings for a bit yet as travel restrictions have not eased. Before she does resume she will be probably be dry-docked remembering she hasn't been in service for over 18 months.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on April 30, 2021, 08:34:57 PM
Meant to post yesterday, Blue Star 1 used its speed on 28th April, leaving Pembroke at 17.09 and arriving in Rosslare at 19.47.just over 2hrs30mins for the crossing, possibly the fastest crossing from  Pembroke by a regular ferry.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on May 01, 2021, 12:32:46 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on April 30, 2021, 08:34:57 PM
Meant to post yesterday, Blue Star 1 used its speed on 28th April, leaving Pembroke at 17.09 and arriving in Rosslare at 19.47.just over 2hrs30mins for the crossing, possibly the fastest crossing from  Pembroke by a regular ferry.

Great asset for Irish Ferries to this ability to make up time if needed.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: pdnr777 on May 01, 2021, 01:22:59 PM
About time that this happened. The amount of times that the Inishmore has been delayed, and hardly anything done to catch up on the schedule. Only way they would catch up would be by cancelling sailings.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 07, 2021, 01:40:30 PM
Swift sailing not showing on booking engine now until 11th June. Epsilon disappears from bookings from 21st May on all routes. Is Epsilon heading for English Channel?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 09, 2021, 03:10:31 PM
Epsilon may be covering Dublin Cherbourg while WB Yeats goes to Drydock
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on May 22, 2021, 01:33:51 PM
Interesting video from Epsilon during recent storm on Thursday

Second post on this thread on BFE from Fine Whine

https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/13840-stena-estrid-docking-in-bad-weather/?do=findComment&comment=234984

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on June 04, 2021, 10:30:58 AM
Dublin Swift on her way to Belfast eta 1400 this is the first time she as moved in over a year.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 16, 2021, 11:54:06 AM
Dublin Swift's return has been pushed back again! Now not on schedule until 2nd week of August. I suspect she won't see any service this year and I wouldn't book to travel on her better to have not paid the extra fare than to try getting it back from IF.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 16, 2021, 11:56:17 AM
My guess bookings are flat due to travel uncertainty to Britian
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on July 23, 2021, 06:34:39 AM
Update on Dublin Swift, Definately coming back , first Sailing 6th August .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Fast Ferry Fan on July 24, 2021, 11:34:31 AM
I'll believe it when I see it.

It's been in the booking engine, for about 2 weeks ahead for the last 15 months, and they keep taking it off.

She's also untested after engine problems from 2 years ago, when it took 3 hours to make each crossing.

We're hoping to make a return crossing after 6 August, but the only way I'd book it is if there was no premium for doing so.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on July 24, 2021, 03:21:52 PM
Swift had two engines fully rebuilt in March to May 2020

Shes fully operational when the demand comes back.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on July 28, 2021, 07:36:23 AM
Dublin Swift due in Dublin Sunday 1.8.21.She is due to take up the run Friday 6.8.21. This of course may change
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on July 28, 2021, 10:54:01 AM
Swift has changed berths in Liverpool this morning the first time she has moved since June.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on August 01, 2021, 11:06:15 AM
Swift en route to Dublin after having made a call to Holyhead.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Fast Ferry Fan on August 03, 2021, 01:37:14 PM
Surprisingly, Swift sailings are still up, so assume at this stage she will be sailing.

What's unusual about her timetable is the daily alternating 7.30am / 8.20am starts.

Pre-covid, I recall that IF were intending to implement an early / late start depending on the day of the week, but this is not what is showing on the booking platform.

Did they change their mind or is it an unintended error?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on August 04, 2021, 01:54:31 PM
Hard to believe but after an absence of almost two years Swift's return tomorrow Thursday the 5th August is now "In Doubt" due to weather!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on August 06, 2021, 10:30:24 AM
How long can IF keep Dover a one ship operation? It's all going well at the moment with the ship in good condition and the weather being fairly good. Are there any rumours about additional tonnage being lined up to join IOI?
Meanwhile Swift is back in business today.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 17, 2021, 01:30:20 PM
2nd ship planned in September and 3rd in early 2022.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on August 19, 2021, 02:27:37 PM
Any reason why Epsilon takes this scenic route?
Thanks
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on August 19, 2021, 05:51:03 PM
Defective Lifeboat
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on September 02, 2021, 12:33:27 PM
Irish Ferries have been ordered by the European Courts of Justice to pay compensation to 20,000 customers who had to change their holidays and/or bookings in 2018 due to the late delivery of WB Yeats full story here on rte.ie
https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2021/0902/1244283-irish-ferries-ruling/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Shipmate on September 03, 2021, 10:11:42 PM
Thanks for posting that, missed it.  Looks like it will be a while yet before it is finally sorted. Was handled very badly by the senior management.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on September 04, 2021, 03:28:47 PM
A child was airlifted from Ulysses on the 28th August, news story link below
https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/child-airlifted-irish-sea-ferry-21430399
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 02, 2021, 11:06:36 AM
Last scheduled sailing of the season for Swift (weather permitting currently "in doubt") is tomorrow.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on October 06, 2021, 07:45:06 AM
Dublin Swift on her way back to Liverpool this morning.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on November 09, 2021, 12:09:47 PM
WB Yeats gone to Harland and Wolff for a refit. Epsilon is in Dublin, heading for Cherbourg this afternoon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: hhvferry on November 13, 2021, 07:17:28 PM
Blue Star 1 out of service after reportedly hitting the pier in Rosslare. Services currently cancelled up to Sunday evening.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on November 13, 2021, 10:49:12 PM
Quote from: hhvferry on November 13, 2021, 07:17:28 PM
Blue Star 1 out of service after reportedly hitting the pier in Rosslare. Services currently cancelled up to Sunday evening.

Thanks for the info! Was down there earlier photographing Cotentins arrival and was surprised to Blue Star 1 at the berth. .     
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on November 14, 2021, 12:46:06 PM
Quote from: ccs on November 13, 2021, 10:49:12 PM
Quote from: hhvferry on November 13, 2021, 07:17:28 PM
Blue Star 1 out of service after reportedly hitting the pier in Rosslare. Services currently cancelled up to Sunday evening.

Thanks for the info! Was down there earlier photographing Cotentins arrival and was surprised to Blue Star 1 at the berth. .   

If you're a member of below group on FB there is a post about Cotentin. One of the comments shows the large gash on the side of Bluestar. It is someones personal picture, so I don't want to post it myself.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ferriesglobal/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ferriesglobal/)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 15, 2021, 11:07:56 AM
Re Blue Star 1, I seen that photo it is some gash, could it be repaired at the berth or will it require a visit to dry dock?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: hhvferry on November 15, 2021, 11:14:57 AM
Reported she may need to go to Belfast for dry dock but not sure it looks that serious?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 15, 2021, 07:58:37 PM
Possibly due to the location of the damage and the steel work behind may need to fixed, seem to be some ripples in the bodywork.

Probably needs to be fixed to keep the inspectors happy, and for sailing in stormy weather possibly the best option is drydock and new steels.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 15, 2021, 08:34:19 PM
Due in Belfast tomorrow morning
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on November 19, 2021, 10:30:00 PM
https://youtu.be/5b8oWni5d8w
Video of Blue Star 1 and WB Yeats together in Belfast
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 24, 2021, 10:50:19 AM
With the recent additions to the Dover Calais route I wonder if there will be any announcements regarding a permanent replacement for Rosslare - Pembroke.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on November 24, 2021, 11:12:20 PM
Hull777 would be an ideal replacement on the Pembroke run
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 27, 2021, 01:36:52 PM
Blue Star 1 just leaving H&W ais has her destination as Pembroke she is scheduled to take up the 0245 crossing to Rosslare tomorrow morning
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Shiplover62 on November 27, 2021, 09:09:23 PM
Isle of Innisfree this morning at Dunkerque 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 28, 2021, 11:22:42 AM
There must be some serious work being carried out on the WB she has been in H&W for 20 days and is now expected back on Tuesday 30/11/21 but the return date has been put back a couple of times already.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on December 02, 2021, 08:55:36 AM
Quote from: ferryfan on November 28, 2021, 11:22:42 AM
There must be some serious work being carried out on the WB she has been in H&W for 20 days and is now expected back on Tuesday 30/11/21 but the return date has been put back a couple of times already.

Appears to be back on bookings from Tuesday 7th Dec.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on December 04, 2021, 11:34:28 AM
WBY has left Belfast.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 04, 2021, 09:59:24 PM
Epsilon departed late for Holyhead this afternoon was slow crossing and has been in and out of Holyhead a couple of times not sure if she even got to dock currently outside the port
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on December 08, 2021, 03:22:33 PM
As of 3pm Epsilon and Estrid have docked in Dublin. However Adventurer and Ulysses are still cruising around Anglesey waiting for the weather to improve so they can dock. They have been at this for some hours now. The Met Éireann website suggests the seas are subsiding but the wind on the central corridor is unusually strong and is persisting into the evening.

Interesting that the ships can make the crossing but it is the docking that causes much of the delay.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 08, 2021, 09:50:58 PM
Ulysses still not docked

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 09, 2021, 06:48:44 PM
Not sure if this is the case, but apparently Epsilon not on schedule for next summer

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/fears-future-service-irish-ferries-22401593
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on December 09, 2021, 10:11:10 PM
Disappears of Dub - HLY on Dec 20th. Takes up sailing to France before Christmas then disappears off the schedule again on 21st January......Caronte must want her back.....
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 13, 2021, 10:23:49 PM
Isle of Innisfree due to depart Dunkirk tomorrow at 0530 destination Dover.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on December 15, 2021, 09:39:34 PM
Innisfree straight into action first full day of service tomorrow.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 12345teacher on December 16, 2021, 12:06:13 PM
first commerical crossing uploaded to youtube...by.A2B via Sea, on TV.  isle of innisfree departing dover...       https://youtu.be/CyBLOCKP6BM
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on December 16, 2021, 03:18:13 PM
It appears the upper tier linkspan at Pembroke Dock is being dismantled
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: hhvferry on December 16, 2021, 07:33:48 PM
Quote from: Niall on December 16, 2021, 03:18:13 PM
It appears the upper tier linkspan at Pembroke Dock is being dismantled
That's interesting, is it permanent or maintenance?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 12345teacher on December 16, 2021, 07:55:19 PM
mentioned on shipspotting facebook that Just looks like the fingers  are being dismantled but are down and crane is there swapping one of fingers out for refurbishing.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Irish_Steve on December 27, 2021, 05:45:44 PM
Been looking at the schedules for later in to 2022, and it seems that Epsilon is out of the schedule after the dry docking loop, and the Dublin Swift is being brought back in to the loop much earlier, to sort of fill the slot that's being left empty by the absence of Epsilon.

Dublin Swift is showing up in the April sailings, doing the same sorts of timings as previous years, 2 return crossings a day, it's going to be interesting to see what the longer term plan is for the Holyhead route, it seems that freight volumes are down, and Covid has been badly affecting the leisure and car traffic, so it could well be the case that there's not the volumes to justify a second larger ship on the route.

That said, I'm surprised to see that the Epsilon is at present operating the Dublin - Cherbourg route, with Ulysses and WB Yeats both operating to Holyhead at the moment, knowing from painful experience what Epsilon is like in rougher seas, I'm surprised that WB Yeats hasn't been put back on to Cherbourg at the moment.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 27, 2021, 06:55:22 PM
WB Yeats is covering Christmas period on Dublin - Holyhead and then taking over from Ulysses when she goes to Drydock.

Epsilon does not have enough cabins to work effectively on France route during Covid.

Honfluer would make a more suitable replacement. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on December 28, 2021, 09:10:31 AM
Honfleur and WB Yeats working in tandem on the Dublin Cherbourg route would represent a powerful commercial statement and commitment to the Ireland France link.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Irish_Steve on December 28, 2021, 10:48:14 AM
Hadn't thought of the Epsilon cabin situation, but that's a valid point.

Does anyone know if the recent dry docking of W B Yeats was a scheduled docking, as it seemed to be a long visit at a strange time of year, on a relatively new vessel, and it seems to have caused a lot of schedule disruption, which made me wonder if there were some issues that could not wait till the after christmas period when they all rotate through docking.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on December 28, 2021, 01:08:56 PM
Yes it was a scheduled drydocking for annual refit I beleieve.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chef on December 28, 2021, 06:48:19 PM
Quote from: A83 on December 28, 2021, 09:10:31 AM
Honfleur and WB Yeats working in tandem on the Dublin Cherbourg route would represent a powerful commercial statement and commitment to the Ireland France link.
Honfleur was built to operate on LNG with a pretty unique system of LNG tanks delivered by road transport from an LNG terminal in France and loaded onboard using the ships own gantry crane, if IF  ferries were to operate her they would be very limited  as to what route she could operate on. She was built with only one route in mind for Brittany Ferries Portsmouth/Caen .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on December 28, 2021, 10:15:50 PM
Honfleur can operate with convential fuels too,

This would free up vehicle space on the upper deck.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chef on December 29, 2021, 06:27:05 AM
Yes the engines can operate on conventional fuel but does she have the fuel tanks to do that , any info about her propulsion system seems to be about LNG and nothing else .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: hhvferry on December 29, 2021, 02:16:42 PM
Do Irish Ferries have the financial muscle any more to acquire an expensive piece of kit like the Honfleur? Better surely to keep a supremely cost effective vessel like the Epsilon in place. Or simply drop the extra roster at Holyhead which would make most sense.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on December 29, 2021, 05:13:52 PM
Purely speculation, but I would suggest if Irish Ferries are looking at Honfleur, it may be as a permanent replacement for Blue Star 1. She is a short crossing design originally intended for Portsmouth-Caen - about the same distance as Rosslaire-Pembroke, and LNG is most probably available at Milford Haven. Chartering 3 ferries will no doubt be dipping into the coffers a bit, but to return Epsilon (as HHV says, probably not really needed - extra tourist traffic will be handled by the Swift) and Blue Star to their owners would make savings and possibly get them back on track to making a purchase in lieu of what was to be FSG777 which again, is not now needed at Holyhead anyway.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Irish_Steve on December 29, 2021, 05:38:32 PM
Epsilon supremely cost effective? Are you speaking as an accountant or a regular traveller on Irish Ferries?

I have my doubts on how cost effective it is, it can't properly service the Cherbourg route at the moment because of the lack of cabins while Covid restrictions are in place, and it is supremely uncomfortable to travel on in less than optimum weather conditions, even on the Holyhead route, let alone the Dublin Cherbourg route, and there's a balance to be struck between cheap and cheeful, and happy customers, I for one will do everything in my power to avoid Epsilon in future after an evil crossing a few weeks ago from Holyhead to Dublin, it was an experience I've not had to endure for over 40 years, when we had a similarly vile crossing from Weymouth to Jersey, even the crew were horizontal that night.

If I'd known just how bad Epsilon is in bad weather, I'd have endured an additional number of hours at Holyhead to get on to the Ulysses instead, the difference between the 2 is chalk and cheese, Ulysses is acceptable even in Strong Gale 9, a long time ago now, it was the only ship operating on the Irish Sea for 4 days, everything else was tied up due to adverse weather, but we had to go as it was our daughter's wedding at a venue in the UK. In the end, Ulysses just carried on with the schedule, and the crossing itself was not out of the ordinary.

Given that ICG were expecting to finance a new cruise ferry for the Holyhead Dublin route, and have taken on 3 ferries to go head to head with the existing operators from Dover to Calais, I think they would be capable of finding an acceptable replacement for Epsilon without too much trouble.

That said, I wasn't particularly impressed with Blue Star 1, it's very evident that it's been worked hard mechanically during its life, there are some unpleasant vibration and noise issues with it that have to be down to an engine or prop shaft issue, and it's very pervasive no matter where you are on the ship.

A lot will depend on how Holyhead Dublin recovers, Brexit has clearly had an impact on the numbers being carried, and it could well be the case that Ulysses and the Dublin Swift are able to provide an acceptable level of service for the next 12 months, and after that, who knows, Covid's not going away any time soon, the long term implications of Brexit are still an uunknown, so I suspect that they'll not be making any quick decisions about how to keep that route going and competitive, and Stena are a strong competitor on that route, and have the advantage of control of Holyhead port, and in brutal honesty, it's not a nice port to travel through, the facilities are non existent, and Stena clearly have no interest in making improvements that will benefit their competition.

Time will tell.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: hhvferry on December 29, 2021, 06:38:13 PM
I think you may be the first person to claim that the Visentini class have an issue in bad weather.
They need to be treated carefully as any vessel does - and the major incident on her was an example of that not happening in my view.  But unless virtually empty the consensus is they are very, very good sea boats. Certainly I'd be happier in rough weather on one of them crossing from Ireland to France than almost any other ship sailing around the British Isles.

Cost effective means exactly that - crewing costs, running costs, maintenance costs and capital cost if you own one. They are very highly thought of in the industry for all those reasons. But they're also not purpose-built so would never be as absolutely operationally perfect as something that is - hence your reported cabin issues.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Irish_Steve on December 29, 2021, 10:06:13 PM
I think you got the issue from our crossing. It was running about 2 hours late due to weather issues on earlier sailings, and there was very little freight on the crossing, and not that many cars as such. There wasn't much sold in the catering, and even the few in there thought better of it when there were several loud crashes as piles of plates went over and landed on the floor with a resounding crash. We eventually docked in Dublin at about 02:30. having taken an additional hour to get across from Holyhead, and by the time we did eventually get in, there wasn't many people who hadn't been sick to one degree or another, not helped by the issue of seats that can't be prevented from rotating through 360 degrees unless you keep your feet on the floor, and with the sea conditions that night, rotation was very much an issue, the sea was a quartering sea, so both pitch and roll were significant.

I will admit that we've been spoilt by how good Ulysses is in even appalling weather, the best place is the circular area above the duty free, but even the seats around the tables on the "main" deck are better, in that they don't as such move, as they are not mounted on a rotating pillar, which was what made Epsilon so unpleasant, being unable to sit back and relax as doing so then ended up with constant rotation made for a very uncomfortable crossing.

I think it's going to be interesting to see what changes after Covid, the low cost airlines are using the present issues as a way to change how things like baggage is handled, and the result could mean more people will revert to using vehicles rather than flying for UK to Ireland travel, which has to be good for the ferry operators.


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 02, 2022, 11:02:56 AM
Firstly I would like to wish everyone a happy new year and here's hoping it's an improvement.
With Epsilon apparently departing shortly I wonder if this has prompted Stena to switch vessels on Dublin -Holyhead. It would certainly add capacity on the sailings now only covered by one vessel.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 04, 2022, 11:18:07 AM
Ulysses has arrived in Belfast for her dry dock.
btw admin login button top right of page not working thanks
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on January 04, 2022, 02:39:56 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on January 04, 2022, 11:18:07 AM
btw admin login button top right of page not working thanks

Good spot, will hopefully sort that later in the week with an update to SMF.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 06, 2022, 12:31:04 PM
Epsilon is now on the schedule up and until the end of March.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on January 06, 2022, 05:04:01 PM
Just seen Epsilon on apollo duck commercial and GRS Ferry and Cruise brokers
https://grs.group/grs-ferry-cruise/purchase/ferry-cruise-vessels-for-sale/ferrycruise-vessels-for-sale-results/ferrycruise-vessels-for-sale-detail/?type=purchase&vid=%231072206
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: hhvferry on January 06, 2022, 06:35:06 PM
Quote from: Futureskipper on January 06, 2022, 05:04:01 PM
Just seen Epsilon on apollo duck commercial and GRS Ferry and Cruise brokers
https://grs.group/grs-ferry-cruise/purchase/ferry-cruise-vessels-for-sale/ferrycruise-vessels-for-sale-results/ferrycruise-vessels-for-sale-detail/?type=purchase&vid=%231072206
Interesting that she's for sale not charter. A few years ago Stena RoRo were snapping up all of the Visentinis which became available. Putting the Flexers to one side I wonder if they still want to top up their shorter term ro pax charter fleet.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on January 09, 2022, 03:50:27 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on November 15, 2021, 07:58:37 PM
Possibly due to the location of the damage and the steel work behind may need to fixed, seem to be some ripples in the bodywork.

Probably needs to be fixed to keep the inspectors happy, and for sailing in stormy weather possibly the best option is drydock and new steels.

The hull was pierced, though because of the nature of the twisted metal on the outside it wasn't really visible

Quote from: Futureskipper on January 06, 2022, 05:04:01 PM
Just seen Epsilon on apollo duck commercial and GRS Ferry and Cruise brokers
https://grs.group/grs-ferry-cruise/purchase/ferry-cruise-vessels-for-sale/ferrycruise-vessels-for-sale-results/ferrycruise-vessels-for-sale-detail/?type=purchase&vid=%231072206

I'd be very cautious- ships actually for sale often don't appear on publicly accessible websites!  Many of these websites advertise vessels speculatively.  In other words they aren't actually for sale, but are advertised as such so if someone bites the third party agent will approach the actual owner and hopefully (for them) get a cut!

On the other hand, C&T could be wanting to sell her on to raise capital, but that doesn't mean any charter would be terminated.  As for the schedules, it would be dangerous to read to much into them at this stage.  They can and do change.  Especially during a global pandemic!  IF schedules, especially EPSILON's, have been very changeable over the past couple of years.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 07, 2022, 11:28:02 AM
No Ulysses sailing this morning, she is currently berthed at Alexandra Basin berth 30, inspection?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on February 07, 2022, 01:38:02 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on February 07, 2022, 11:28:02 AM
No Ulysses sailing this morning, she is currently berthed at Alexandra Basin berth 30, inspection?
Epsilon also didn't sail.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 12, 2022, 11:43:41 AM
Swift arrived in Holyhead yesterday
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 07, 2022, 03:41:37 PM
Swift on her way back to Dublin ahead of her expected return to service this Friday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 07, 2022, 08:22:12 PM
Reports tonight that Epsilon has been sold by Caronte & Tourist for approximately 50 million euro.

https://frenchferryfans.boards.net/thread/183/epsilon-imo-9539054



Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on March 08, 2022, 05:15:00 PM
I wonder if this puts Honfleur back on the possible acquisitions list for Irish Ferries if Polferries have not already secured her? Would be good to see WB Yeats half twin sailing as a sister ship
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 11, 2022, 10:57:55 AM
Dublin Swift's return today cancelled due to weather!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 13, 2022, 09:10:21 AM
WB has had to abort its crossing to Cherbourg due to bad weather and is returning to Dublin port for repairs.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on March 13, 2022, 01:03:05 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on March 13, 2022, 09:10:21 AM
WB has had to abort its crossing to Cherbourg due to bad weather and is returning to Dublin port for repairs.

Anyone know what happened?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 13, 2022, 02:25:57 PM
Apparently some windows broken and had to turn back, no photos have been posted publicly yet.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 13, 2022, 05:49:12 PM
WB. Has left Dublin for H&W Belfast, repairs required.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 14, 2022, 05:11:33 AM
The WB is in Belfast and it's not windows, the upper car deck door has been damaged and appears to be buckled and no longer water tight.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on March 14, 2022, 09:23:51 AM
Quote from: giftgrub on March 14, 2022, 05:11:33 AM
The WB is in Belfast and it's not windows, the upper car deck door has been damaged and appears to be buckled and no longer water tight.

Saw some pictures last night after she arrived, she must have gotten some wallop!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 12345teacher on March 15, 2022, 08:22:34 AM
youtube upload of w.b.yeats in belfast  14/03/22 for repair damage to watertight door under bridge ...in belfast 
video thanks to tom mc clean...https://youtu.be/NQC01c-JdcU
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 15, 2022, 08:07:35 PM
Video has been posted on the Facebook of one of the waves breaking through the door, it does not look like it's the first wave to hit as the centre of the door appears damaged already, it's frightening to see the water coming in on deck 5 with such force.

Lessons to be learned here for Irish Ferries (and the industry) they have got away with it this time.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 15, 2022, 10:10:07 PM
Those video's are amazing to watch. Anyone looking just search #irishferries on facebook.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Irish_Steve on March 15, 2022, 11:40:04 PM
to find the video, I had to search on irish ferries, then select video, and it's in that selection, but for some reason, the #irishferries search didn't find it.

There's a second video along side the main one, in the comments, and that door took one mighty big wallop to be that deformed. It was also clear from the earlier video in Belfast that some of the windows above the door were also taken out, given the way that the internal curtains are blowing in the wind, that must have been some wave to get to that height above the water line.

I do wonder if the marine accident investigators are going to have something to say about it in the fullness of time, given the size of the ship, that's some serious damage so far above the water line. I wasn't aware of any significant warnings for that period.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 16, 2022, 11:13:58 AM
one of the videos has been posted on the Daily Post website

https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/shocking-moment-wave-bursts-car-23399295



Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on March 16, 2022, 03:30:01 PM
Quote from: Irish_Steve on March 15, 2022, 11:40:04 PM
I do wonder if the marine accident investigators are going to have something to say about it in the fullness of time, given the size of the ship, that's some serious damage so far above the water line. I wasn't aware of any significant warnings for that period.

The other question is who investigates it? Is it Cyprus or Ireland? No mention of it on the MCB website (https://www.mcib.ie/investigations.52.html) yet.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 12345teacher on March 17, 2022, 06:13:54 AM
inside footage of the damage....irish ferries are playing down the damage as minor ? https://youtu.be/tNAP836ZhI8
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Shipmate on March 17, 2022, 10:59:30 AM
WB is down to return to service next Tuesday, wonder will it make that deadline?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 17, 2022, 12:22:08 PM
Getting deck 5 door plated over in Belfast so should be ready to go by then but will not be able to use the deck 5 upper level bow door.

Have heard that the bill for repairs will be substantial with quite a lot of damage done, with the water damage and what we can see running into the million or millions to fix.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 21, 2022, 08:55:58 PM
Looks like WB is about to return to service with the upper deck door plated over. Will obviously have to return to Belfast to have door replaced at some stage.

Great images on this link

https://www.niferry.co.uk/damaged-irish-ferries-ship-undergoes-repairs-in-belfast/?amp

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 22, 2022, 10:58:03 AM
WB on her way back to Dublin this morning with Stena Nordica en route from Holyhead to Belfast. Meanwhile in Odense all work reported as complete on Inisheer and she is expected to be departing soon for the Channel.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Steven on March 23, 2022, 11:29:37 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on March 22, 2022, 10:58:03 AM
WB on her way back to Dublin this morning with Stena Nordica en route from Holyhead to Belfast. Meanwhile in Odense all work reported as complete on Inisheer and she is expected to be departing soon for the Channel.

I believe they are only starting on the interior actually!

Quote from: giftgrub on March 21, 2022, 08:55:58 PM
Looks like WB is about to return to service with the upper deck door plated over. Will obviously have to return to Belfast to have door replaced at some stage.

Great images on this link

https://www.niferry.co.uk/damaged-irish-ferries-ship-undergoes-repairs-in-belfast/?amp



Thanks for the share.  Door may well be fabricated and fitted elsewhere.  I believe it'll be MacGregor who arranges the fabrication as they suppled all the access equipment including ramps and doors to my knowledge.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Shipmate on March 26, 2022, 08:45:02 AM
What would be lead time on fabrication like that door? Wonder where they will fit it?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 30, 2022, 09:12:21 PM
Two interesting video guides for the Dover based Inishmore and Innisfree, from A2B

https://youtu.be/BJqoaDa4NSs

https://youtu.be/mBylvO9ICrE
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on April 01, 2022, 11:10:03 AM
The UK has proposed introducing legislation which will prevent ferry companies, who pay slave wages to staff, from using UK ports. This will sicken the slave masters at Irish Ferries and if the legislation is introduced and is workable then there is no reason why our lazy government could not follow suit and protect the livelihoods of hard working seafarers.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: shipbiulder101 on April 01, 2022, 07:10:13 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on April 01, 2022, 11:10:03 AM
The UK has proposed introducing legislation which will prevent ferry companies, who pay slave wages to staff, from using UK ports. This will sicken the slave masters at Irish Ferries and if the legislation is introduced and is workable then there is no reason why our lazy government could not follow suit and protect the livelihoods of hard working seafarers.
I believe Irish Ferries worked a deal with ROI to pay Irish minimum wage so might be safe if they work out an agreement with the government.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Shipmate on April 14, 2022, 11:26:51 AM
The WB Yeats much slower with deck 5 bow door out of action. Added a good 20/30 minutes more than usual for me to disembark.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on April 25, 2022, 12:38:52 PM
Inisheer has not yet commenced service apparently she is having difficulty (like P&O) passing her Maritime and Coastguard Agency inspections.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on April 27, 2022, 10:03:42 AM
Inisheer has entered service and Inishmore is in Dunkirk for repairs
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on April 27, 2022, 01:40:46 PM
On Another note I hear Blue Star 1 is coming to Dublin to releive WB Yeats for Drydocking repairs.I would presume its to have her new Upper Bow dooor fitted ,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on April 27, 2022, 05:20:25 PM
Quote from: SEA on April 27, 2022, 01:40:46 PM
On Another note I hear Blue Star 1 is coming to Dublin to releive WB Yeats for Drydocking repairs.I would presume its to have her new Upper Bow dooor fitted ,

Looking at booking engine, it looks like WBY arrives back into Dublin on 2nd May and is not back sailing until 10 May. Only appears to the normal weekend Epsilon sailings happening.

No signs of WBY on the Belfast Harbour schedule yet.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: shipbiulder101 on April 27, 2022, 09:48:55 PM
Quote from: marsav68 on April 27, 2022, 05:20:25 PM
Quote from: SEA on April 27, 2022, 01:40:46 PM
On Another note I hear Blue Star 1 is coming to Dublin to releive WB Yeats for Drydocking repairs.I would presume its to have her new Upper Bow dooor fitted ,

Looking at booking engine, it looks like WBY arrives back into Dublin on 2nd May and is not back sailing until 10 May. Only appears to the normal weekend Epsilon sailings happening.

No signs of WBY on the Belfast Harbour schedule yet.
WBY might not be going to H&W as they are very busy ATM with Queen Victoria waiting for either the Horizon or Foreteller to leave dock before she can go in. WBY might be off to Cammel Laird or A&P in Falmouth or even Dunkirk or Rotterdam.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on May 02, 2022, 12:57:57 PM
WBY has just left Dublin with destination Belfast. Going by Belfast harbour traffic she is expected to be there for a week.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 03, 2022, 12:48:31 PM
Blue Star 1 arriving in Dublin to take over the Cherbourg run for the week, with Horizon still out of action this leaves passenger capacity from Ireland to Cherbourg severely reduced
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on May 09, 2022, 12:22:40 PM
Bluestar 1 due to leave Dublin and pick up the 20:45 Rosslare - Pembroke this evening.
WBY due to leave Belfast 18:00 and do tomorrows Cherbourg run.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 11, 2022, 01:49:11 PM
ICG trading statement
https://otp.tools.investis.com/clients/uk/icg2/rns1/regulatory-story.aspx?cid=500&newsid=1581998
pinch of salt required as massive figures based on growth since covid and the addition of Dover Calais but still some strong growth
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 27, 2022, 04:01:00 PM
Looks like IF are finally up to a 3 ship service on Dover Calais
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Irish_Steve on May 27, 2022, 07:49:53 PM
There seems to have been a lot of swapping on the Dover route in recent weeks, I'm guessing that they had a number of maintenance issues to resolve, but were holding off until they were in a position to maintain a 2 ship operation, made more significant by the P & O debacle, which seems to be ongoing even now.
I'm assuming that the long lay off of Inishmore was to enable the necessary exhaust scrubbers to be fitted, as for the work that was being done on the other two, that's anybody's guess, presumably, they're set for the summer now, and won't be cancelling any significant numbers of sailings going forward.

Have there been any hints as to their plans for Epsilon and Blue Star 1, we sailed on both of them in the not too distant past, and were not exactly impressed by either of them, Blue star 1 had either an engine issue, or a prop shaft issue, the vibration on it was not at all pleasant as a result, and Epsilon is just not set up to deal with the conditions that can occur on the Irish Sea, seats that rotate through 360 degrees are just not pleasant when the sea is causing pitch and roll movements, being unable to lock the seats to prevent rotation makes for very tiring travel.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on June 06, 2022, 01:00:32 PM
Interesting video review on the W B Y from Planet Patrick on YouTube

https://youtu.be/LwVqCpXTc1U

Post COVID regulations and filmed in late April.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on June 14, 2022, 12:27:03 PM
Blue Star 1 has been cancelled (operational reasons)with passengers being accommodated on Stena Europe. Does anyone know what is wrong with her? Meanwhile it seems that Swift is now taking 2 hours fifteen minutes to cross the Irish sea.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on June 15, 2022, 11:19:20 AM
Blue Star not going anywhere .I hear Dept of the Marine have issues  with the Crew .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on June 15, 2022, 08:49:46 PM
Quote from: SEA on June 15, 2022, 11:19:20 AM
Blue Star not going anywhere .I hear Dept of the Marine have issues  with the Crew .

Back running this evening.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: pdnr777 on July 08, 2022, 03:07:28 PM
My parents travelled on blue star from rosslare to Pembroke and back. They said it was the worst experience they've ever had on Irish ferries and would not be using the service again if this ship is on the route. Also said how can the ferries make money when there was hardly nobody on the ship, either cars or trucks
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on July 08, 2022, 07:36:41 PM
Quote from: pdnr777 on July 08, 2022, 03:07:28 PM
My parents travelled on blue star from rosslare to Pembroke and back. They said it was the worst experience they've ever had on Irish ferries and would not be using the service again if this ship is on the route. Also said how can the ferries make money when there was hardly nobody on the ship, either cars or trucks

I,ve never travelled on the ship but out of interest what were their problems with it?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: pdnr777 on July 11, 2022, 01:36:22 PM
Seats onboard not very comfortable, problems with stuff working in their cabin, problems communicating with staff onboard, get priority boarding with having a cabin yet then unaccompanied freight parked around them so having to wait until the tugs come on to take the freight off before they could drive off. They prefer the Pembroke route due to the road network from the port up to St Clears is better than the road that comes down from Fishguard. They said such a let down of an experience with Irish Ferries, the last time they travelled over it was on the Isle of Inishmore
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on July 12, 2022, 02:36:44 PM
Quote from: pdnr777 on July 11, 2022, 01:36:22 PM
Seats onboard not very comfortable, problems with stuff working in their cabin, problems communicating with staff onboard, get priority boarding with having a cabin yet then unaccompanied freight parked around them so having to wait until the tugs come on to take the freight off before they could drive off. They prefer the Pembroke route due to the road network from the port up to St Clears is better than the road that comes down from Fishguard. They said such a let down of an experience with Irish Ferries, the last time they travelled over it was on the Isle of Inishmore

Thats very poor from Irish Ferries :o If they haven't done so already Your parents should definitely contact IF to outline their problems
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on July 14, 2022, 08:43:02 AM
Nothing official but I heard from the Crew Blue Star 1 is supposed to go back to Her owners next year ..I have to say her interior is dreadful .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: hhvferry on July 15, 2022, 08:35:20 AM
Quote from: SEA on July 14, 2022, 08:43:02 AM
Nothing official but I heard from the Crew Blue Star 1 is supposed to go back to Her owners next year ..I have to say her interior is dreadful .
I feel like I'm travelling on different ships  sometimes. She's not perfect operationally but, unless something has changed dramatically, to me she is a nice, smart ship.

The charter is up I believe but whether they extend it is up to IF and what alternatives they can find. Her owners would be delighted if they did carry on with the charter.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on July 31, 2022, 05:18:59 PM
Was anything made official about Epsilon changing flag? On marine traffic it is now showing a Cypriot flag where as it was Itallian earlier in the year?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: archer on July 31, 2022, 08:53:37 PM
Maybe they should buy the for Brittany Ferries new built LNG ferry Honfleur. She is still standing in virgin white at the Gdyna shipyard and it looks like Siem is planning to sell her or charter her out. Could be a good Deal, Maybe its ceap to get.  ;)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 31, 2022, 12:00:09 PM
Swift finished her seasonal service. I expect she will be laid up somewhere, other than Dublin, for the winter.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on October 31, 2022, 05:55:17 PM
Liverpool
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 24, 2022, 04:07:49 PM
Lots of online rumours that Blue Star 1 charter is to end in 2023 and return to its owners, Epsilon is also rumoured to be ending charter so that leaves IF looking for two replacement ferries for 2023 on the Irish Sea.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 04, 2023, 10:56:39 PM
Ulysses arrived at H&W today for her dry docking with the WB covering her sailings.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on January 17, 2023, 10:46:03 PM
Isle Of Inishmore is in dry dock in Lindoe, Denmark. There is a photo on Matrix Ship Management's LinkedIn.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/matrix-ship-management-ltd_lifeatsea-merchantnavy-shipping-activity-7021145946595975168-0USJ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 21, 2023, 02:49:25 PM
Blue Star 1 does not appear on Irish Ferries Booking Engine beyond 31st May 2023.

Epsilon appears on Booking Engine throughout the year.

Its possible Isle of Inishmore will return to Rosslare - Pembroke route by then,
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on January 25, 2023, 01:05:50 PM
Ulysses left H&W dry dock this morning and is expected to return for the 20:55 sailing from Dublin to Holyhead
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on January 26, 2023, 11:21:35 AM
So Blue Star is leaving in Q2 and needs to be replaced. Can it be that the  Isle of Inishmore may be returning to Rosslare / Pembroke it seems like a somewhat backward step?

Also surely Epsilon will require q little TLC if she is stay on service for the year.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on January 26, 2023, 01:14:38 PM
Surely if Inishmore were to return, she would have to be converted back to fit the linkspans again. Then they may have to modify any potential replacement at Dover.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on January 26, 2023, 04:13:30 PM
Quote from: Davy Jones on January 26, 2023, 01:14:38 PMSurely if Inishmore were to return, she would have to be converted back to fit the linkspans again. Then they may have to modify any potential replacement at Dover.

True. Cant see Inishmore returning to Rosslare any time soon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on January 27, 2023, 01:00:00 AM
Quote from: ccs on January 26, 2023, 04:13:30 PM
Quote from: Davy Jones on January 26, 2023, 01:14:38 PMSurely if Inishmore were to return, she would have to be converted back to fit the linkspans again. Then they may have to modify any potential replacement at Dover.

True. Cant see Inishmore returning to Rosslare any time soon.

Inishmore's stern ramp is stored at Fayard. It wouldn't take much work to remove her cow catcher also
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 27, 2023, 11:52:48 AM
They dont need to remove the cow catcher.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on January 27, 2023, 11:54:18 AM
The fealing in Dover at the end of the year was that three ship operation was too much capacity and that Isle of Inishmore was most likely going back to irish sea.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 31, 2023, 07:54:08 PM
Just finished reading this book on the latest Isle of Innisfree, the one time Prins Filip / Stena Royal / Pride of Aquitaine / Norman Sprit etc.

A great read with some interesting photos and information on the ferry, available to purchase from the link below

https://www.ferrypubs.co.uk/product/isle-of-innisfree-a-ship-of-ten-lives/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 01, 2023, 08:09:20 PM
https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wexford/news/concerns-expressed-for-future-of-irish-ferries-rosslare-to-pembroke-route-42321671.html

Plenty of these reports in the press today, hopefully not true.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 02, 2023, 08:50:53 AM
New look to the Inishmore with exhaust Scrubbers fitted in Fayard Odense Shipyard

https://www.doverferryphotosforums.co.uk/mv-isle-of-inishmore-past-and-present/

scroll to the end of the above link
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 08, 2023, 10:06:27 PM
Another shot of the Inishmore with its new scrubbers fitted and slightly modified funnels at the bottom of the page on the link below.

The Dover Calais cow catcher on the bow is still fitted so looks like it's going back to the UK France route rather than returning to Rosslare Pembroke as some rumours were suggesting.

The ferry has now left drydock and is alongside the quay at the Fayard shipyard.


https://www.shipfriends.gr/forum/topic/7126-isle-of-inishmore-imo-9142605%EF%BB%BF/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: archer on February 09, 2023, 02:59:44 PM
Maybe yet Honfleur (https://www.sevenyield.com/honfleur/)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: archer on February 11, 2023, 04:33:03 PM
Quote from: archer on February 09, 2023, 02:59:44 PMMaybe yet Honfleur (https://www.sevenyield.com/honfleur/)
It could be renamed after Isabella Augusta Lady Gregory
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: archer on February 12, 2023, 11:55:15 AM
Possibly for Roscoff-Cork or Rosslare crossings.  Wouldn't it be nice to come to France with Irishferries from the south again.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 14, 2023, 04:44:45 PM
Rosslare possibly but not from cork
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on February 15, 2023, 06:07:22 AM
I just Heard Isle of Inisheer will likely Dry dock in Belfast sometime soon. When I have no idea
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 15, 2023, 11:58:55 AM
Inisheer will go to Drydock when Isle of Inishmore returns from Odense
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 18, 2023, 06:34:59 AM
Inishmore on the way back to Calais, has left the dockyard in Odense
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 21, 2023, 08:47:27 PM
New images of the Isle of Inishmore refitted with Scrubbers posted on link below, scroll to the end.

https://www.doverferryphotosforums.co.uk/mv-isle-of-inishmore-past-and-present/

Very subtle changes compared to the monstrous carbuncles added to the Pont Aven, Optima Seaways and some of the GNV ferries.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on February 21, 2023, 10:26:19 PM
That is very neat and tidy.

To be fair, I think with the ships you mentioned, it came down to space for the scrubber equipment.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jpwoodh on February 22, 2023, 10:48:34 PM
Is there any sign of a rosslare replacement?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 23, 2023, 04:25:38 PM
Options are

1) Blue Star 1 stays until November 2023 or May 2025,
2) Blue Star 1 is purchased and modified to allow two deck bow loading in Pembroke Dock.
3) Honfleur is leased for Rosslare - Pembroke Route.
4) Atlantic Vision or Corsica Linea replaces Blue Star 1
5) TBA replacement ferry comes from Baltic or Med
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 12345teacher on February 24, 2023, 12:24:38 PM
rumours are on other ferry forums...it now seems Honfleur might be sailing with Balearia.....but unconfirmed
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 24, 2023, 12:29:18 PM
Balearia operate LNG ferries.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on February 24, 2023, 08:01:27 PM
Quote from: IFPete on February 23, 2023, 04:25:38 PMOptions are

1) Blue Star 1 stays until November 2023 or May 2025,
2) Blue Star 1 is purchased and modified to allow two deck bow loading in Pembroke Dock.
3) Honfleur is leased for Rosslare - Pembroke Route.
4) Atlantic Vision or Corsica Linea replaces Blue Star 1
5) TBA replacement ferry comes from Baltic or Med

1) Unlikely to be the case due to IF not wanting to extend the charter but stranger things have happened.

2) This is possibly the most likely outcome, but along with Blue Star 2. I seem to recall that both were available to charter around the same time so potentially could be sold together.

3) As has been reported, seems to be destined to Baleria for a 6-month charter with a prospect of future purchase. (Unless IF have purchased already and are the chartering agent) wishful thinking on my part more so.

4) Not sure a Superfast would be economical enough for this route and have considerably less pax and lane meters also. Vision will remain in Canada until at least the new e-flexer arrives next year and similarly the old SuperFast X is chartered for another 2 years or so.

5) Isle of Inisheer in the short term with a reduced service at Calais possibly?

Another outside option could be a charter with option to purchase one of the Tallink ferries. They all seem to be available for a price currently. Most notable would be Star (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS_Star_(2006))
only thing is time is running short for an announcement and ship to be brought to service....Interesting times ahead though!

Time to start a Poll?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 24, 2023, 08:50:02 PM
Based on above would the Star go to Dover and Inisheer to Rosslare ?

Another option is Visborg (assuming finished charter with DFDS) Destination Gotland don't need both Drotten and Visborg, they only need one to cover the Summer alongside Visby and Gotland.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on February 24, 2023, 09:37:07 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on February 24, 2023, 08:50:02 PMBased on above would the Star go to Dover and Inisheer to Rosslare ?

Another option is Visborg (assuming finished charter with DFDS) Destination Gotland don't need both Drotten and Visborg, they only need one to cover the Summer alongside Visby and Gotland.

If both Stars are bought, I would think BS1 stays in Rosslare and BS2 takes over for Epsilon, Inisheer remaining in Calais.

With the reduction in PAX capacity on Rosslare - Fishguard with Nordica replacing Europe, there would be a need to have greater capacity through Pembroke.

Totally forgot about Visborg, would make a good replacement in Rosslare, good PAX capacity but reduction in lane meters again, however with shift of traffic away from Landbridge may be a practical alternative for sure.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on February 24, 2023, 09:42:31 PM
Quote from: mightymax23 on February 24, 2023, 09:37:07 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on February 24, 2023, 08:50:02 PMBased on above would the Star go to Dover and Inisheer to Rosslare ?

Another option is Visborg (assuming finished charter with DFDS) Destination Gotland don't need both Drotten and Visborg, they only need one to cover the Summer alongside Visby and Gotland.

If both Stars are bought, I would think BS1 stays in Rosslare and BS2 takes over for Epsilon, Inisheer remaining in Calais.

With the reduction in PAX capacity on Rosslare - Fishguard with Nordica replacing Europe, there would be a need to have greater capacity through Pembroke.

Totally forgot about Visborg, would make a good replacement in Rosslare, good PAX capacity but reduction in lane meters again, however with shift of traffic away from Landbridge may be a practical alternative for sure.

Nordica is getting as full rebuild in Gdansk and will have 99% of the pax capacity as Europe has now.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on February 24, 2023, 09:44:44 PM
Not sure I can see a 1000 PAX increase from a Stena plus and Hyyge lounge on deck 10. Have the new specs been published yet?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on February 25, 2023, 12:20:20 AM
Quote from: mightymax23 on February 24, 2023, 09:44:44 PMNot sure I can see a 1000 PAX increase from a Stena plus and Hyyge lounge on deck 10. Have the new specs been published yet?

https://www.niferry.co.uk/stena-line-announces-new-fishguard-rosslare-ferry/?fbclid=IwAR0jgx-lmSiX1O_Kl42YEDDEC3a1Qot1BvcExhC8xS50QFiCc01lUn9TbEc
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: mightymax23 on February 25, 2023, 09:28:03 AM
I saw that alright but still does not confirm the increase in PAX volume.

"In her rebuilt configuration, STENA NORDICA can accommodate (TBC) passengers and up to (TBC) freight vehicles or (TBC) cars."  (https://www.niferry.co.uk/stena-nordica-stena-line-fishguard-rosslare-ferry/)

Credit to Steven for being on the ball with these updates as usual.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on February 25, 2023, 10:57:17 AM
Quote from: mightymax23 on February 25, 2023, 09:28:03 AMI saw that alright but still does not confirm the increase in PAX volume.

"In her rebuilt configuration, STENA NORDICA can accommodate (TBC) passengers and up to (TBC) freight vehicles or (TBC) cars."  (https://www.niferry.co.uk/stena-nordica-stena-line-fishguard-rosslare-ferry/)

Credit to Steven for being on the ball with these updates as usual.

Scott Mackey tells me that the aim is for a passenger capacity of up to around 700 which is more than sufficient for the route 99.9% of the time.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Frogman on March 01, 2023, 10:15:08 AM
Blue star 1 is available back on the Blue star site for booking from the 1st July, Piraeus to Santorini.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 03, 2023, 08:33:39 PM
Isle of Innisfree has had something go wrong, three lifeboats nearby and another vessel



67DD3C1D-37BF-4C75-8B02-FE4603BC7C69.png
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 03, 2023, 08:41:48 PM
Fire reported on board Isle of Innisfree (extinguished) and ferry stopped in channel.

https://www.kentonline.co.uk/dover/news/ferry-fire-off-the-kent-coast-283156/


https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-kent-64844048
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 04, 2023, 09:49:35 AM
Innisfree has made it to Calais, no reported injuries.

IF 0403.JPG
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 05, 2023, 07:39:24 PM
Innisfree being held alongside in Calais with a tug, no power for many systems on board (from reports on the Facebook) preventing the mooring lines from being tightened (visible in images) pumping ballast water and presumably pumping out fire fighting water.

The vehicles on board have presumably been removed at this stage.

Could be out of service for awhile if it has affected the power systems onboard.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jpwoodh on March 08, 2023, 06:10:49 PM
'The ship, carrying 94 passengers and 89 crew'

That's a very light load and demonstrates the overcapacity that DFDS mention every month on their results announcement.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 11, 2023, 07:34:18 PM
Isle of Innisfree returned to service this evening making a round trip to Dover and is on the way again. Thankfully the damage cannot have been too bad.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 14, 2023, 10:34:23 AM
Blue Star one on booking engine up to 1st June after that the sailings are still being offered for sale but no ship is mentioned. Has anyone had any hints or information as to what ship might be replacing Blue Star 1?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jpwoodh on March 15, 2023, 07:40:05 PM
I expect the route to be either dropped or a Calais ship to return to rosslare.

Where is Horizon these days?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 15, 2023, 07:54:29 PM
Two ferries that have been mentioned are the Pelagos (which DFDS had on charter for the Rosslare Dunkerque route) and the Ariadne of Hellenic Seaways.

https://www.doverferryphotosforums.co.uk/mv-pelagos-past-and-present/

https://www.directferries.ie/hellenic_seaways_ariadne.htm


Of the two Pelagos would be a practical fit for the route and is available.



Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on March 15, 2023, 10:13:09 PM
Quote from: jpwoodh on March 15, 2023, 07:40:05 PMI expect the route to be either dropped or a Calais ship to return to rosslare.

Where is Horizon these days?

Doubt if the route will be dropped as Irish Ferries signed a 10 year deal with Pembroke a few years ago.


Quote from: giftgrub on March 15, 2023, 07:54:29 PMTwo ferries that have been mentioned are the Pelagos (which DFDS had on charter for the Rosslare Dunkerque route) and the Ariadne of Hellenic Seaways.

https://www.doverferryphotosforums.co.uk/mv-pelagos-past-and-present/

https://www.directferries.ie/hellenic_seaways_ariadne.htm


Of the two Pelagos would be a practical fit for the route and is available.

Pelagos at Rosslare in May 2021 when on charter to DFDS for the Rosslare to Dunkerque route

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51188949075_bd1b1e57c5_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on March 16, 2023, 05:20:38 PM
Pelagos is a stern loader only and has limited passenger capacity required for the route
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 17, 2023, 10:44:44 AM
Stena Spirit
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on March 23, 2023, 03:00:31 PM
Photos of the Isle Of Inishmore's Scrubber Installation





https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nanomarine_egcs-scrubber-maritime-activity-7044616658044297217-84vR?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on March 30, 2023, 08:21:21 AM
Good to see Dublin Swift back running. We've booked a mini break leaving Easter Monday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on March 31, 2023, 09:08:28 AM
WB Yeats sailed out into the teeth of storm Mathis which is currently [9am Irish time]  blowing at 100km/h up the English Channel. Met Eireann forecast high seas off land End last night. Horizon and Salamanca stayed in port yet WBY is currently north west of Guernsey sailing at 20 knots. A creditable performance, however I wonder what conditions on board were like when she rounded Lands End.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on March 31, 2023, 10:45:48 AM
Quote from: A83 on March 31, 2023, 09:08:28 AMWB Yeats sailed out into the teeth of storm Mathis which is currently [9am Irish time]  blowing at 100km/h up the English Channel. Met Eireann forecast high seas off land End last night. Horizon and Salamanca stayed in port yet WBY is currently north west of Guernsey sailing at 20 knots. A creditable performance, however I wonder what conditions on board were like when she rounded Lands End.

Lively I'd guess!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on April 01, 2023, 09:46:58 AM
Interestingly France Meteo forecast 'un mer croisee' off the coast of Ushant for Thursday/Friday. This is a cross sea where the waves generated by one depression cross at an angle with those generated by another. There are some suggestions that this can be a dangerous maritime situation as, if the waves are high, it is not possible to run directly into them [or with them] as they are coming at the ship from all angles. Perhaps this would have been a concern for the Salamanca and Port Aven.

Meanwhile WBY left Cherbourg late last evening, I wonder did it wait to pick up the passengers and freight that was destined for the Stena Horizon.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_sea

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on April 06, 2023, 02:33:40 PM
Star to Irish Ferries confirmed initially on bareboat charter with option to purchase.

(https://i.imgur.com/xNq1Ndk.jpg)


https://view.news.eu.nasdaq.com/view?id=b92d59bb8f61a288b5a39ef25a3cade3b&lang=en&src=listed (https://view.news.eu.nasdaq.com/view?id=b92d59bb8f61a288b5a39ef25a3cade3b&lang=en&src=listed)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on April 06, 2023, 03:08:23 PM
WOW

https://www.irishferries.com/ie-en/news-listing/irish-ferries-introduces-new-cruise-ferry/

Irish Ferries is pleased to announce the addition of a new cruise ferry to its fleet. The ship, originally called the STAR, was built in 2007 in Finland for Tallink Grupp.

The ship will be renamed as the OSCAR WILDE.


The OSCAR WILDE will be the largest and fastest passenger cruise ferry on the Irish Sea with an impressive capacity of over 2,080 passengers, 134 cabins, and ample space with over 2,380 lane meters for cars, coaches, and freight vehicles.

With the largest duty-free shopping space for any cruise ferry on the Irish Sea of more than 17,000 square feet, it will be an ideal shopping destination for those travelling between Ireland and Britain.

The ship interiors have a classic, modern feel and boasts Freight Drivers facilities, Club Class lounge, a self-service restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, a bar, gaming facilities, pet facilities and family-friendly features such as a children's play area.

One of the most exciting features of the OSCAR WILDE is its available speed. With a possible top speed of 27.5 knots, it is the fastest cruise ferry with the largest passenger capacity on the Irish Sea. This will enable Irish Ferries to offer tourism passengers and freight an efficient service, getting them to their destination reliably and comfortably.

Commenting on the new addition, Irish Ferries Managing Director, Andrew Sheen, said, "We are delighted to announce the addition of the OSCAR WILDE to our fleet. This new ship will be a fantastic addition to our service, offering customers the very best in terms of comfort, speed, and amenities. Along with usual advantages of ferry travel in terms of no luggage restrictions or security queues, we are confident that the OSCAR WILDE will become a firm favourite with our passengers and freight drivers, and we look forward to welcoming them on board."

The OSCAR WILDE will initially enter service on the Rosslare / Pembroke route in early June, replacing the chartered BLUE STAR 1 for the busy summer period. Irish Ferries is now taking bookings on www.irishferries.com for the new ship with fares starting from just €246 or £206 for a return journey with a car plus 1 adult. With its impressive size, speed, and range of facilities, it is set to become the ultimate choice for those travelling between Ireland and the UK on the southern corridor between Wales and Ireland.

A selection of images of the new ship can be found here

6th April 2023

ENDS

Media contact – Colin Taylor, Q4PR, 0864671748, colin@q4pr.ie
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jpwoodh on April 06, 2023, 08:07:49 PM
Impressed with the ship choice I have to say. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on April 06, 2023, 10:18:56 PM
Suggested Paint Job !!!!!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on April 06, 2023, 11:03:46 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on April 06, 2023, 10:18:56 PMSuggested Paint Job !!!!!
Was wondering how long it would take one of ye!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on April 07, 2023, 05:53:08 PM
Great to see IF investing in what looks like a very good ship. Can't help but wonder though with Nordica going head to head with Oscar Wilde [2] will there be over capacity on the southern corridor outside of the main holiday seasons?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on April 07, 2023, 07:52:06 PM
Quote from: A83 on April 07, 2023, 05:53:08 PMGreat to see IF investing in what looks like a very good ship. Can't help but wonder though with Nordica going head to head with Oscar Wilde [2] will there be over capacity on the southern corridor outside of the main holiday seasons?

The Fishguard route will likely close down later in the year as Oscar will hoover up all the traffic from Stena
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Alan G on April 07, 2023, 10:31:01 PM
Quote from: Niall on April 07, 2023, 07:52:06 PM
Quote from: A83 on April 07, 2023, 05:53:08 PMGreat to see IF investing in what looks like a very good ship. Can't help but wonder though with Nordica going head to head with Oscar Wilde [2] will there be over capacity on the southern corridor outside of the main holiday seasons?

The Fishguard route will likely close down later in the year as Oscar will hoover up all the traffic from Stena

That's a rather bold claim. If "Nicer Ship" was the sole criteria for generating custom then Epsilon would have disappeared long ago from Dublin - Holyhead.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ncol on April 11, 2023, 10:07:36 PM
Great choice.

I actually had the pleasure of travelling from tallinn to helsinki return around 2010/2011. It was very smart interior at the time. Fun breaking through ice entering helsinki too.

From what i remember the lower deck was simply an alcohol warehouse selling significantly lower than Finnish prices - people came off with pallets - wonder if IF will change that!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 12, 2023, 11:52:54 AM
Oscar Wilde is on the route for the summer. She might be replaced by one of the dover calais vessels in november.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on April 12, 2023, 02:25:56 PM
When does Epsilon finish?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on April 12, 2023, 04:32:54 PM
November I think
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on April 13, 2023, 07:37:46 PM
Has Epsilon got a issue with bow doors. Seen her loading from rear in Holyhead this afternoon and she appears to be also unloading from rear in Dublin.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: anglesey_boy on April 13, 2023, 08:11:39 PM
 
Quote from: marsav68 on April 13, 2023, 07:37:46 PMHas Epsilon got a issue with bow doors. Seen her loading from rear in Holyhead this afternoon and she appears to be also unloading from rear in Dublin.

Epsilon is stern loading. No bow doors.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on April 14, 2023, 07:54:01 AM
Quote from: anglesey_boy on April 13, 2023, 08:11:39 PM
Quote from: marsav68 on April 13, 2023, 07:37:46 PMHas Epsilon got a issue with bow doors. Seen her loading from rear in Holyhead this afternoon and she appears to be also unloading from rear in Dublin.

Epsilon is stern loading. No bow doors.

Doh! I'll go back to sleep now! 🤣
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: St Columba on April 14, 2023, 08:17:03 AM
I notice IF using Stena Berth in Holyhead anyone know why?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on April 14, 2023, 08:28:17 AM
I know she had problems berthing the other night when it was windy. She finally ended up on Terminal 5 (Stena) with the St David holding her against the berth.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: marsav68 on April 14, 2023, 09:04:10 AM
Quote from: Davy Jones on April 14, 2023, 08:28:17 AMI know she had problems berthing the other night when it was windy. She finally ended up on Terminal 5 (Stena) with the St David holding her against the berth.

Forgive me as I am unsure which berth is which. But yesterday all 3 IF were using the berth on right as you look out to sea. It was a bit chaotic with all the delays from that morning and Wednesday. Epsilon was loading when we got there about 14:00 and didn't leave until near 5pm. This meant Swift and Ulysses holding off the port. They brought Swift in next and as we were leaving about 17:45 Ulysses was coming in and went to the same berth.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ncol on April 14, 2023, 02:09:49 PM
Ulysses seems to be operating significantly off schedule due to "extraordinary circumstances".

Anyone know what the reason is? Is it due to the recent weather?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on April 14, 2023, 03:39:08 PM
Quote from: marsav68 on April 14, 2023, 09:04:10 AM
Quote from: Davy Jones on April 14, 2023, 08:28:17 AMI know she had problems berthing the other night when it was windy. She finally ended up on Terminal 5 (Stena) with the St David holding her against the berth.

Forgive me as I am unsure which berth is which. But yesterday all 3 IF were using the berth on right as you look out to sea. It was a bit chaotic with all the delays from that morning and Wednesday. Epsilon was loading when we got there about 14:00 and didn't leave until near 5pm. This meant Swift and Ulysses holding off the port. They brought Swift in next and as we were leaving about 17:45 Ulysses was coming in and went to the same berth.

There's a technical problem with the linkspan at T3
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on April 14, 2023, 08:09:59 PM
Just guessing but it sounds like something on T3 may have got damaged when Epsilon tried to berth the other evening in the nasty weather.

For the record....

Terminal 1 is - or was - the old HSS berth.
Terminal 2 is the single deck linkspan alongside Admiralty pier, formally used by Jonathan Swift.
Terminal 3 is the west side double deck linkspan- normally used by Irish Ferries.
Terminal 4 is - or was - the single deck linkspan in the 'New' harbour. Linkspan removed some years ago and now only used by the odd oil tanker.
Terminal 5 is the East side double deck linkspan, normally used by Stena Line.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on April 18, 2023, 10:58:18 AM
Are they going to build a new berth in the outer harbour at Holyhead.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on April 19, 2023, 08:05:16 AM
Plenty of interior images posted on this link from Tallink's Star the new Oscar Wilde, very nice looking ferry.

https://theferryforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=14426#p14426

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on April 22, 2023, 02:07:32 PM
Interesting onboard video from the Star (Oscar Wilde) on the following link

https://youtu.be/6zTH22gvyaM
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: archer on May 01, 2023, 07:13:25 PM
Anyone know where she will be refurbished?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on May 01, 2023, 11:00:44 PM
Quote from: archer on May 01, 2023, 07:13:25 PMAnyone know where she will be refurbished?

Probably at Fayard in Lindoe
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: scomac on May 02, 2023, 10:47:07 AM
Quote from: Niall on May 01, 2023, 11:00:44 PM
Quote from: archer on May 01, 2023, 07:13:25 PMAnyone know where she will be refurbished?

Probably at Fayard in Lindoe

Harland and Wolff
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: archer on May 06, 2023, 09:32:51 AM
Quote from: scomac on May 02, 2023, 10:47:07 AM
Quote from: Niall on May 01, 2023, 11:00:44 PM
Quote from: archer on May 01, 2023, 07:13:25 PMAnyone know where she will be refurbished?

Probably at Fayard in Lindoe

Harland and Wolff

The name and the flag have apparently already changed

https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/details/9364722

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on May 09, 2023, 11:02:34 AM
Quote from: archer on May 06, 2023, 09:32:51 AM
Quote from: scomac on May 02, 2023, 10:47:07 AM
Quote from: Niall on May 01, 2023, 11:00:44 PM
Quote from: archer on May 01, 2023, 07:13:25 PMAnyone know where she will be refurbished?

Probably at Fayard in Lindoe

Oscar due in Cherbourg on Saturday afternoon.

Harland and Wolff

The name and the flag have apparently already changed

https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/details/9364722


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: archer on May 09, 2023, 01:35:30 PM
Quote from: Niall on May 09, 2023, 11:02:34 AM
Quote from: archer on May 06, 2023, 09:32:51 AM
Quote from: scomac on May 02, 2023, 10:47:07 AM
Quote from: Niall on May 01, 2023, 11:00:44 PM
Quote from: archer on May 01, 2023, 07:13:25 PMAnyone know where she will be refurbished?

Probably at Fayard in Lindoe

Oscar due in Cherbourg on Saturday afternoon.

Harland and Wolff

The name and the flag have apparently already changed

https://www.vesselfinder.com/vessels/details/9364722


Left Tallinn at 20 past 10 AM local time, direction Cherbourg.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on May 09, 2023, 08:40:30 PM
Berthing trials at Cherbourg, Pembroke and Rosslare. Then onto H&W in Belfast

Full details here https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-new-rosslare-ship-leaves-estonia-for-ireland/ (https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-new-rosslare-ship-leaves-estonia-for-ireland/)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 09, 2023, 10:50:31 PM
A replacement for the intended new vessel that was previously on order from FSG hull 777
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on May 10, 2023, 09:59:32 AM
Quote from: ccs on May 09, 2023, 08:40:30 PMBerthing trials at Cherbourg, Pembroke and Rosslare. Then onto H&W in Belfast

Full details here https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-new-rosslare-ship-leaves-estonia-for-ireland/ (https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-new-rosslare-ship-leaves-estonia-for-ireland/)

Will she not also test at Holyhead and Dublin on the way?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on May 12, 2023, 06:35:15 PM
https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-ferries-new-rosslare-ship-leaves-estonia-for-ireland/amp/

Image render of livery for Oscar Wilde



Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ncol on May 13, 2023, 01:00:29 AM
Hi folks.

Whats the ultimate plan for Epsilon?

Is she due to leave the fleet soon?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 13, 2023, 12:22:52 PM
Her charter is due for renewal on 1st November 2023.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Irish_Steve on May 13, 2023, 12:52:05 PM
Only travelled on Epsilon once, an awful trip from Holyhead to Dublin, took an hour and a half longer than scheduled due to the conditions on route, and it's one of the reasons we've been using Stena for some crossings since, I hope that they don't renew the charter, it's not a suitable vessel for the Irish Sea conditions, things like seats that rotate through 360 degrees are not what's needed in a rough sea, it was an appalling and uncomfortable crossing, and Irish Ferries customer services never responded to the complaint letter.

We only did one crossing on Blue Star 1, not long after it arrived, it didn't impress me at the time, there was a mechanical issue of some sort with one engine out of sync with the rest, which caused a most unpleasant repetitive pulsing vibration throughout the seating area, anything that could rattle, like lights, did so.

It will be interesting to see what the new ship is like, depending on which route it eventually ends up on.   
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on May 13, 2023, 03:28:10 PM
Quote from: IFPete on May 13, 2023, 12:22:52 PMHer charter is due for renewal on 1st November 2023.

Thought it was leaving the fleet in November to join Unity Line in Poland.

https://www.marinepoland.com/officially-euroafrica-has-a-new-ferry-1571

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: scomac on May 13, 2023, 04:10:31 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on May 13, 2023, 03:28:10 PM
Quote from: IFPete on May 13, 2023, 12:22:52 PMHer charter is due for renewal on 1st November 2023.

Thought it was leaving the fleet in November to join Unity Line in Poland.

https://www.marinepoland.com/officially-euroafrica-has-a-new-ferry-1571



It is. The new owners want the ship to use themselves once the charter expires. This is why we can probably expect Oscar Wilde to be the ultimate replacement for Epsilon and something else to appear at Pembroke.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on May 13, 2023, 09:06:08 PM
Oscar Wilde due into Rosslare for the first time tomorrow morning according to destination on Marine Traffic. Carried out berthing trials in Cherbourg earlier today.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on May 14, 2023, 09:13:20 AM
Quote from: giftgrub on May 13, 2023, 09:06:08 PMOscar Wilde due into Rosslare for the first time tomorrow morning according to destination on Marine Traffic. Carried out berthing trials in Cherbourg earlier today.

Short video of her arriving on Coffee Dock Rosslares instagram

https://instagram.com/stories/coffeedockrosslare/3102365486455807495?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on May 14, 2023, 10:26:05 AM
Couple of pics of Oscars arrival in Rosslare earlier from The Coffee Dock instagram

(https://i.imgur.com/EWwzrXR.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/dbYmKP2.jpg)


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 16, 2023, 11:55:37 AM
It seems there has been a last minute mid voyage change of plan as the Oscar Wilde is now expected in Birkenhead tomorrow morning. She appears to have sailed right into Belfast Lough did a 180 and at the moment is mid North Channel ais showing Birkenhead
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on May 16, 2023, 07:54:09 PM
Think there could have been some weird shenanigans in Belfast in the early hours should be heading into Belfast soon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on May 17, 2023, 06:26:42 AM
On the way into Belfast again, going into the large building dry dock.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on May 18, 2023, 10:34:11 PM
Photo of Oscar Wilde in dry dock

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/matrix-ship-management-ltd_shipmanagement-merchantnavy-activity-7064872528548171776-ssi1?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 12345teacher on May 19, 2023, 01:52:36 PM
upload on yoytube of oscar wilde in belfast https://youtu.be/aV2pv0kCDms
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on May 19, 2023, 03:48:08 PM
Quote from: scomac on May 13, 2023, 04:10:31 PMIt is. The new owners want the ship to use themselves once the charter expires. This is why we can probably expect Oscar Wilde to be the ultimate replacement for Epsilon and something else to appear at Pembroke.

This is thinkable - or another new used ferry (f.ex. one of the Australian Superfasts or Atlantic Vision Superfast - all 3 soon available - and with 222 cabins bigger than Oscar Wilde with 134) will arrive anytime in next winter or spring for overtake the actually Epsilon-timetable. Then Oscar Wilde would stay in Pembroke.

Will Irish Ferries just accept only that Stena is now from June the leader on the routes France-Irland with the big Stena Vision ? If not they would need a bigger 2nd ferry than Oscar Wilde or more departures.
 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 20, 2023, 03:45:17 PM
Irish ferries focus is on landbridge. If they aquire pride of canterbury and pride of kent from P&O , that would release Isle of Innisfree for Rosslare - Pembroke route.   
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Shiplover62 on May 20, 2023, 09:51:50 PM
P&O are in agreement with DFDS on the Calais Dover route against Irish Ferries. Do you really think that P&O will sell its ships to IF when they are doing everything to get them to leave?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jpwoodh on May 20, 2023, 10:25:30 PM
Mainland -> UK cargo is way down on last year, and with increased freight space, with a three ship Irish Ferries and P&O back operating this year, there is considerable excess capacity in the channel.

Just read the DFDS quarterly results presentation to see what I mean. 

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on May 22, 2023, 06:24:10 PM
If they aquire pride of canterbury and pride of kent from P&O

This was my proposal since long time - but i doubt that P&O will sell them to a direct competitor... .

So i can only see scrapping as future for Kent and Canterbury.
Only possible other idea would be Street of Gibraltar maybe... (Africa Morocco Link).

If i would be P&O - i would sell the old Norbank and Norbay now and put Kent and Canterbury on Liverpool-Dublin - and then a XXXL Tax-Free Shoppingcenter onboard, nice cheap restaurants, Sport Bar etc. and then with own connecting buses bringing pensioners from all the big midland-cities to Liverpool for a duty-free day-trip on sea... . (Liv. 9:00-15:00 Dublin 16:00-22:00 Liv.) and 1 slowly dep. in the night mostly for freight only. Cheap ticketprices, 5,- and 10,- (weekend) - and the ferry will be good booked daily.
So the capital-costs are 0,- (the ferries are paid), the fix-costs / operation-costs will be paid by the same trucks as today onboard of Norbank / Norbay. But there will be a lot of extra money from the duty free, profit in restaurants, bars etc. . And some cars / campers can also onboard bring more money. So there is nothing to loose - but big chances for complete new markets and customers.

So a kind of copy-mix from Viking Line (Viking has a number of own buslines bringing pensioners from half Sweden and Finland daily to the big ferries), Eckerölinjen (Grisslehamn) and Fjordline (Strömstad-Sandefjord, biggest Duty Free on sea over 2 floors, tickets from 0,- incl. car).

What is the alternative ? To scrap Kent and Canterbury for ca. 5 Mio. each. Can not see any other solution.
But i am awaiting nothing positive (starting new routes, buy bigger ferries etc.) anymore from P&O. Most important routes for P&O are Dover and Hull only. So they will not change a freight-route into a big "normal" ferry-route... .

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 23, 2023, 09:32:24 AM
At Christmas the rumour was P&O were exiting the market with DFDS taking over Dublin - Liverpool and Dover Calais routes.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on May 23, 2023, 03:14:31 PM
Ok - this would be for me surprising - but could explain why DFDS is talking about "from autumn booking of Rosslare-Dunkerque for Pax will be possible" = when they have ferries superfluous from Dover... .

But generally - P&O is just arriving with the big new double-enders - together with both "Spirits" the best fleet with biggest capacity in Dover - why should they give up the route ?

But if Irish Ferries could get the Kent and Canterbury maybe for 4 or 5 Mio. each - then they must buy them and Inishmore can go back to Pembroke and Oscar Wilde can replace Epsilon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 26, 2023, 10:13:24 PM
New paint job
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on May 27, 2023, 09:02:11 PM
Any date yet for when Oscar Wilde is taking over on the Rosslare - Pembroke route?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on May 27, 2023, 10:03:38 PM
The charter of Blue Star 1 ends next week.
So normally IF will hurry up to get all clear and finished with all paperwork, crew-schooling etc. so fast as possible.
Maybe 31.may evening from dock to South-Channel and 1.june in route-service ?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 28, 2023, 01:43:48 PM
Blue Star 1 is on the route until next Sunday unless Oscar Wilde passes regulatory inspections before that time.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 28, 2023, 11:13:23 PM
Oscar Wilde en route to Dublin for trials and probably for supplies before taking up her new role
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on May 29, 2023, 12:22:47 PM
Oscar Wilde getting the traditional welcome from tugs at Dublin Port Company this morning
pics from Dublin port Twitter
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Shiplover62 on May 29, 2023, 07:19:33 PM
Definitively the most beautiful Irish Ferries ship !
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on May 29, 2023, 08:03:58 PM
Hopefully there will be a photo opportunity to catch the 3 ladies together with Ulysses and W.B also around port at this time.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on May 30, 2023, 08:10:07 PM
Oscar Wilde back in Rosslare today

(https://i.imgur.com/RlWbtWr.jpg)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on May 31, 2023, 01:00:16 AM
Oscar Wilde of to a very fast start on its first crossing to Pembroke, running at 27 + knots (ignore time clock, out by five hours)

IMG_1257.png
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ncol on May 31, 2023, 07:36:18 AM
Shes tipping along at a nifty 28 this morning.

I wonder is she just making up time or do they plan on this as an inservice speed?

She regularly ran similar speeds between Tallin and Helsinki when i sailed her previously.

It would lessen the delta between Pembroke and Fishguard services but surely at that speed shed be better off on Holyhead runs.

IMG_0653.png
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on May 31, 2023, 09:31:34 AM
She will move to Dublin Cherbourg route during the world cup.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on May 31, 2023, 10:47:40 AM
Quote from: Ncol on May 31, 2023, 07:36:18 AMShes tipping along at a nifty 28 this morning.

I wonder is she just making up time or do they plan on this as an inservice speed?

She regularly ran similar speeds between Tallin and Helsinki when i sailed her previously.

That's 51km/h, seriously impressive for a ship! - must cost a fortune in fuel to run at that speed!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on May 31, 2023, 01:12:13 PM
I often names mistakes (in my eyes) from ferry-companies - but here now in this case it`s time to say:

Congratulations to Irish Ferries !

They have got a really very good comfortable ferry for their routes with OSCAR WILDE, maybe the best or one of the best and fastest ferries in operation to/from Ireland ! Nice look from outside now also, similar as new ! If there will arrive the first reviews and reports from travelers onboard normally it can be positive only. This ferry has a number of nice comfortable lounges, bars and restaurants - let`s hope that they are in use now for public also. Congratulations also for the fast preparing for the route-service just in time - this was also my info that the last possible day for use of BLUE STAR 1 is 30.may/31.may.

This ferry OSCAR WILDE can go empty with full max.speed without waves around 30 knots - so Irish Ferries is very flexible now, can go faster if there maybe was any delay in ports. Also possible to go faster in summer with 1 round-trip more / 24 hours and to go more slowly in winter with less round-trips in 24 hours. Just today maybe the bridge-crew is testing the speed, acceleration etc. - maybe also managers / owners from Irish Ferries, Media, Press etc. are onboard especially today. But i think normally they will go more slowly because with 28 knots it costs much more fuel-costs... .

But let`s be happy generally always about faster speeds, this is contemporary only that a ferry in 2023 is faster than in 1983. There are a number of other normal (not Catamaran) ferry-routes where speeds much more over 20 knots are normally, f.ex. the Superspeed 1 + 2 of Color Line, all 4 ferries between Tallin and Helsinki, the Spirit of Tasmania 1 and 2 are operating all the day and nights with 27-28 knots and f.ex. all ferries to Gotland are also operating fast.

I am awaiting much more faster ferries in the future (the 2030ies years) when the fuel-costs are more down with new technologies (electric, hydrogen etc.).

Just seen in Marinetraffic AIS:
Today around 6:00 in the morning the speed was 29,3 knots ! And just now in this minute again 29 knots.  :)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: scomac on May 31, 2023, 06:00:00 PM
She's making up time as she is massively out of schedule. She won't ordinarily operate at these speeds.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: 12345teacher on June 01, 2023, 01:23:11 PM
good upload on youtube....https://youtu.be/dnoP5ReQsRA
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on June 17, 2023, 07:49:38 PM
Interesting video from Trucker Jay, I think it's the night the Stena Europe could not dock in Rosslare due to bow thruster issues, as he was booked on Stena and transferred to IF Oscar Wilde.

Watch it all, great to see the Irish roads from a trucking perspective.

https://youtu.be/SpoCoDNblgg
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on June 18, 2023, 02:44:07 PM
For me his English is not easy to understand - but he is not happy with the cabin ???
This cabin is much much better than on 9 from 10 ferry-new-buildings from the last years !
- with carpet
- with a lot of racks (also if we forget the closed big one - there are some others open!)
- different big mirrors
- nice wood-design instead of grey plastic
- nice curtains
- big washing-table in the bathroom, soap etc.
- upholstered chair
- a lot of electric sockets, f.ex. also for the upper beds

USB-sockets are new since a couple of years - so a ferry from 2007 can not have it in the cabins.
Has the old Stena Europe USB-sockets in the cabins ?

So for me little bit strange that he is not happy with this relative nice standard-cabin, i have seen a lot more poor worse 2-bed-inside cabins on a lot of other ferries in Europe.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ncol on June 19, 2023, 09:55:25 PM
I gave up watching when he said Southern Ireland.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ncol on June 22, 2023, 01:19:01 PM
Pembroke dock from 29,000ft this morn
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on June 22, 2023, 06:40:26 PM
Great image of Pembroke / Milford Haven, just the right gap in the clouds to see the whole thing. Its an impressive area.

We spent a week staying just to the left of the old Royal Naval Air Station on the bottom left of the picture in a place called Marloes, really nice part of Wales, great beach and so peaceful.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ncol on June 22, 2023, 07:26:37 PM
Just missed what looked like the Europe out the opposite side! Eyesight isnt what it used to be lol
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on July 30, 2023, 01:05:57 PM
Very detailed blog on the Oscar Wilde on the link below from a2bviasea  plenty of images and details on the latest addition to the Irish Ferries fleet.

https://www.a2bviasea.co.uk/post/oscar-wilde-poetry-in-motion
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on August 17, 2023, 05:50:01 PM
Really nice report with a lot of pictures !

Just fast some positive points:
- positive that the bus for foot-passengers stays onboard = 1 bus for each ferry, no walking over truck-ramps or wait inside until the bus is arriving on the deck, luggage can stay in the bus.
- positive the green "deck-matts" on the sundeck, is much much much better and more safe especially if wet on the sundeck then without it
- positive the partitions / room-dividers in the restaurant, no big hall as f.ex. on Moby Fantasy
- comfortable stairs / stairhouses with carpet, mirrors etc.,  compare it with the new TT-Line ships or new Moby, then you see the difference
- cabins in wood-design and with wood-design floor etc. more cozy than on the most "white or grey cold" newbuildings from the last years
- different comfortable looking seating-possibilities, many also with well upholstered banks
- public spaces are looking big enough also if the ferry is well booked
- biggest shopping on sea in Irish Sea

Negative points:
- the "Full english" is ca. 3-times so expensive as in Tenerife (i know, Ireland is not Tenerife...) and the content, size of it is only ca. 60%...
(In Tenerife mostly (beside the eggs and bacon) with 2 sausages, beans, mushrooms, hot tomato, 2 toast-breads, butter, strawberry jam and 1 drink (orange juice) costs ca. 3,50, / 4,- / 4,50). So they offer onboard for 13 (!) Euro a really small breakfast in a simple canteen-style self-service-restaurant without white blanketts on the table, waiter-service etc., HP sauce also not to see on the tables on the ferry. 
- some staple-chairs in restaurants looking really cheap and uncomfortable, similar as in school
- the small sundeck-size is ok for the often rainy and windy Irish Sea, but with 1000, 1500 or 2000 people onboard in summer from Cherbourg too small... - and without really comfortable garden-furnitures also.
- 2 larger areas (club lounge and drivers club) are closed for "normal" people, no chance for "normal" people to look forward.
I generally prefer ferries which has some reserved tables for truck-drivers and without any lounges for extra-costs, these spaces could be much better used f.ex. for other entertainment-things, a-la-carte restaurant or just another bar-lounge with different atmosphere, Sports Bar, TV-lounge, cinema etc. . Why f.ex. there is no original really cozy Irish Pub onboard as it was on the "Joseph and Clara Smallwood" in the 90ies - best pub i ever have seen on any ferry - and also with live-music by a guitarre-player/singer. 

Irish Ferries is speaking on websites, media-infos, travel-agency-infos etc. about their "cruise-ferries" -
Yes, Oscar Wilde could this really be, a really nice ferry - but "cruise" would it be only with some improvements and upgrades in service onboard, entertainment, food etc. . 


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on September 19, 2023, 07:52:12 PM
There are rumours that the Visborg from Destination Gotland will replace the Epsilon from end oct. .
The dep. on the Pembroke-route are again to book now in nov. - but with an unknown ferry... .

Anybody can confirm this or know more ?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on September 27, 2023, 11:27:10 AM
Isle Of Innisfree is now in drydock in Dunkirk
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 05, 2023, 12:55:13 PM
Are Irish Ferries going to reduce Dublin-Holyhead to a one ship service for the winter?
There is no 2nd ship on the booking engine from November with Ulysses alone covering the route.
Any rumours of a replacement for Epsilon?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on October 05, 2023, 12:58:43 PM
Oscar Wilde will replace Epsilon when a replacement vessel arrives in Rosslare.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ccs on October 05, 2023, 08:27:57 PM
Quote from: IFPete on October 05, 2023, 12:58:43 PMOscar Wilde will replace Epsilon when a replacement vessel arrives in Rosslare.

Any idea of who the replacement will be?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 06, 2023, 11:39:39 AM
Quote from: IFPete on October 05, 2023, 12:58:43 PMOscar Wilde will replace Epsilon when a replacement vessel arrives in Rosslare.
That's what I thought but why leave booking engine blank for that roster while still selling OW cabins on the Rosslare service?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chris2016 on October 12, 2023, 07:17:59 PM
I really thought I irish ferries would have announced a replacement vessel by know for the rosslare route , Giving it just has the ulysses on the timetable is not good , Where Stena have two very good vessels over one for irish ferries
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on October 13, 2023, 06:40:58 PM
My speculation:
IF is actually hard trying to press down the prices of available ferries so much as possible.
And they try to get a big comfortable ferry - if possible, solution A) with more cabins than Oscar Wilde. Then this big new ferry will take the Epsilon-timetable and Oscar Wilde stays in Pembroke.
If to expensive, then they will take solution B) with a smaller ferry on the Pembroke-route and Oscar Wilde replace Epsilon.

All these ferries are actually available and, i guess, IF will buy (or charter) the cheapest and best of them:
- Original Superfast 3 and 4 (the both Australians, they have 222 cabins)
- Original Superfast 5 (now GNV Spirit, ex Brittanys Cap Finistere, now new again for sale, speed is reduced to 23 knots, maybe there is permanent trouble with 1 engine, 244 cabins)
- Original Superfast 9 (now Atlantic Vision)
- Original Superfast 11 (198 cabins)
- Janas, Athara, Moby Vinci (320 cabins and many Pullman seats)
- Moby Wonder, Moby Aki (320 cabins and 190 Pullman-seats)
- Moby Tommy
- Olympic Champion
- Visborg, Drotten (only for charter)
- Romantika (cruise-ferry, the only one for to overtrump Stena Vision in number of cabins)

Furthermore other "chartered + option ferries" could be available again if the option will not be taken, f.ex. Honfleur / Rusadir from Balearia, charter ends 1.nov. - but they have options for to hold the ship (much) longer.

Most of these ferries are fast, with service-speed between 27 and 31,5 knots.
With 28 knots service-speed Cherbourg-Dublin would be possible in very attractive 14 hours... .
Too fast ? Is the normal speed on a number of other ferry-routes... .

Thinkable efficiency timetable:
17:00 Cherbourg dep. - 7:00 Dublin arr. 8:30 dep. - 11:00 Holyhead arr. 12:30 dep. - 15:00 Dublin arr. - 16:30 dep. - 19:00 Holyhead arr. 20:30 dep. - 22:00 Dublin arr. 23:59 dep. - 14:00 Cherbourg arr. .
So with 2 of these fast ferries IF could offer 2 roundtrips daily to Holyhead and fastest daily dep. to/from France.
If they want to be the number 1 to Ireland again a similar concept like this is needed.

Furthermore thinkable:
- Ulysses move to Dover replacing the old "Prins Filip" from 1991
- WB Yeats takes the Ulysses timetable daytime mirror-symmetric to the "new" Cherbourg-ferry
- Oscar Wilde stays in Pembroke

Result:
On all IF routes best, big, fast, attractive, comfortable ferries, more capacity and departures as before. With small cheap investments in used ferries normally better ships in use than Stena f.ex. .


Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 23, 2023, 10:16:17 PM
Still appears that there is no replacement for Epsilon. Ulysses is the only ship showing on the route from November also no sailings at all to France from 5th to 20th November.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on October 24, 2023, 12:25:28 AM
According to the Dublin Port Vessel Booking System Epsilon is timetabled to be on the Holyhead route until December
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: stenaplus on October 24, 2023, 04:18:25 PM
likely the norbay is bound for irish ferries?
maybe for pembroke
maybe oscar wild to holyhead
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on October 24, 2023, 05:44:15 PM
Norbay might cover Dublin - Cherbourg freight movements while WB Yeats is in Belfast

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on October 29, 2023, 06:31:00 PM
I guess that IF is still in price-talks with other ferry-companies / ship-brokers about a "new" used ferry. They try to press down the prices so much as possible - also with the risk that then there is a ferry too less some weeks or month in the fleet.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jpwoodh on October 30, 2023, 08:10:49 PM
There's one other ferry out there that could easily cover Rosslare this winter for Irish Ferries - The Stena Europe.   
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on October 30, 2023, 10:17:31 PM
Swift finished for the season and Epsilon finished after her Cherbourg return trip next week. No sign of any replacement as of yet.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on October 31, 2023, 08:25:18 AM
Puts one in mind of Nelson's statement at Trafalgar;

'I see no ships'
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Chris2016 on November 01, 2023, 05:52:45 PM
Looks Like the Epsilon will be finished with Irish ferries after the 02.00 on Tuesday 7th of November , Rumor has it the Norbay done berthing trials in Dublin & Holyhead today . Irish ferries have it only for a 6 week charter while they look for a suitable vessel for the Rosslare - Pembroke route so the Oscar wilde can move to Dublin
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on November 02, 2023, 11:07:49 AM
Hello, Norbay is charted for Dry dock relief,firstly for W.B.Yeats.Epsilon will be deployed on Dublin Cherbourg route Norbay on Dublin Holyhead route.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 02, 2023, 04:21:36 PM
Norbay will also be taking Epsilon's Cherbourg weekend run from the 10th November.
IF are clear in their description of this vessel
"The "Norbay" offers an economy class service on both our Holyhead and Dublin Port to Cherbourg routes. Please note that the Norbay has limited passenger facilities. There are no lifts to the main passenger area and access is by steep staircase only and is therefore unsuitable for a person with a disability or reduced mobility, or young children. There is a simple restaurant and bar, a basic shop/reception desk, and en-suite cabins."
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cladyman on November 02, 2023, 10:05:48 PM
Are meals included ;-)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Frogman on November 03, 2023, 05:41:45 PM
IF asking €200 for a two birth cabin! The sailing for a car and one person €123... something wrong there.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 04, 2023, 07:20:42 AM
Info on Norbay charter here, mention six months time charter.

https://afloat.ie/port-news/ferry-news/item/61102-p-o-ferries-time-charter-former-dublin-liverpool-serving-ropax-to-irish-ferries
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Futureskipper on November 27, 2023, 01:02:44 PM
Just seen this on Irish Ferries Freight's LinkedIn..... Announcing their intention to sell a freight service from Scotland in early 2024.




https://www.linkedin.com/posts/irish-ferries-freight1_we-are-delighted-to-announce-our-intention-activity-7134886333587546112-PKpM?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Cladyman on November 27, 2023, 10:03:02 PM
Norbay to stick around?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: stenaplus on November 28, 2023, 10:40:48 AM
key word i think in press release is sell a freight service
sounds very much like a deal where they share slots p and o  and irish ferries
rather than any change/increase on ships en route
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 28, 2023, 06:31:51 PM
Looks like Epsilon has finished service with IF, in Dublin since yesterday morning and not on any timetables. Would imagine drydock and refurbishment next before beginning service with Unity Line.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: boathansm on November 28, 2023, 07:58:19 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on November 28, 2023, 06:31:51 PMLooks like Epsilon has finished service with IF, in Dublin since yesterday morning and not on any timetables. Would imagine drydock and refurbishment next before beginning service with Unity Line.

She is has destination Cherbourg. She has leave Dublin now.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on November 28, 2023, 08:46:22 PM
Quote from: boathansm on November 28, 2023, 07:58:19 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on November 28, 2023, 06:31:51 PMLooks like Epsilon has finished service with IF, in Dublin since yesterday morning and not on any timetables. Would imagine drydock and refurbishment next before beginning service with Unity Line.

She is has destination Cherbourg. She has leave Dublin now.

Weird, timetable says WB cancelled,(still in Belfast) no sailing.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 29, 2023, 12:29:20 PM
I wonder if Epsilon was just doing a last "freight only" crossing because of WB delays in dry dock. There is no sign of her doing a return trip
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on November 30, 2023, 02:10:03 PM
looks like Epsilon hanging around covering for the delayed return of the WB Yeats taking her place to and from Cherbourg today and tomorrow
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 01, 2023, 07:51:46 AM
Interesting review of the Oscar Wilde on link below:

https://www.merriganmarcom.com/post/how-good-is-the-oscar-wilde-better-than-good-she-s-magnificent?fbclid=IwAR1Q-497mrFSciT2JYRMhtHeZgdjMOeMzg5GP-v_82rCWh4DSBZ2NF3rkIw
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on December 02, 2023, 08:25:54 AM
WB Yeats still in Belfast, off the Cherbourg duty roster for the weekend. I wonder is the refit nearly completed but are they waiting for a part?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on December 04, 2023, 08:24:59 AM
WBY left her hibernation in Belfast and returning to Dublin.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: SEA on December 04, 2023, 02:35:23 PM
Epsilon is finished her service for Irish Ferries and is going to Belfast tonight
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 07, 2023, 09:39:45 PM
Looks like Epsilon has gone into the drydock in Belfast, might have to return it clean and unbranded now the charter has finished (would have thought it would have gone straight to Poland as it's owners are based there.

Some images of the Epsilon in Belfast at the end of this link

https://www.doverferryphotosforums.co.uk/mv-epsilon-past-and-present/

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on December 08, 2023, 01:57:59 PM
A refit could have been a term of the charter, and ICG would have a deal with H&W to do all their ships.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jpwoodh on December 09, 2023, 10:15:32 AM
No live lost for the Horizon - by far the worst Irish Sea travel experience.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 10, 2023, 09:22:15 PM
Epsilon scheduled to leave the drydock and the Belfast on the 12th.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: scomac on December 11, 2023, 06:02:19 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on December 10, 2023, 09:22:15 PMEpsilon scheduled to leave the drydock and the Belfast on the 12th.

Departure now put back until Saturday.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on December 23, 2023, 02:29:32 PM
Epsilon left Belfast this morning, destination Trelleborg, currently sailing south down the Irish Sea for the final time.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 02, 2024, 08:57:59 PM
Former Irish Ferries workhorse Epsilon will be going back into drydock tomorrow in the Gryfia shipyard in Szczecin Poland. It seems the visit to H&W Belfast before departing the Emerald Isle was a very good idea, reading reports on The Facebook Unity Line & Polferries fan club, they have been surprised at the relatively poor condition of the Epson arrival in Poland.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 02, 2024, 08:59:51 PM
Image from the Unity Line Polferries facebook showing a drone shot of the Epsilon. Can only imagine the backlash if it had not been cleaned and sent home without a wash a touch up.

Also link to the Facebook on the ferry forums page below

https://theferryforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=2385&start=75
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on January 04, 2024, 09:12:02 PM
Surely I'm reading this wrong!

Just been on Marine Traffic, where W B Yeats has taken over Ulysses roster. No problem there, but I find Ulysses rounding the top of Ireland with an AIS destination of Newcastle, Auckland.

Explanations will be gratefully received.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 04, 2024, 09:26:24 PM
Ulysses is going to refit in Newcastle UK at presumably the A&P shipyard on the Tyne.

Presumably where this documentary on the Pride of Bruges refit was filmed quite a few years ago

https://youtu.be/jCLjLldQ4nE?si=szxIOKf0zdsakfUG
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 04, 2024, 09:46:13 PM
C
Quote from: Davy Jones on January 04, 2024, 09:12:02 PMSurely I'm reading this wrong!

Just been on Marine Traffic, where W B Yeats has taken over Ulysses roster. No problem there, but I find Ulysses rounding the top of Ireland with an AIS destination of Newcastle, Auckland.

Explanations will be gratefully received.

Confirmation of Ulysses destination here

https://www.niferry.co.uk/irish-sea-ferry-updates-january-2024/?fbclid=IwAR3ednUYDhWlQZZtYOv80Un2j6h8NFMHhHAZ3tPW9bAqbrdVqEGf9X4DADY
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Davy Jones on January 04, 2024, 10:45:44 PM
Seems like whoever was setting the AIS destination simply picked the wrong Newcastle then.

I hope they notice!
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jpwoodh on January 14, 2024, 07:53:04 AM
I'm convinced that the lack of a long term new ferry to replace the Epsilon is down to their Calais experiment not working out as they hoped.

The Dover short sea cargo market continues to shrink on average 3.4%, whilst capacity has increased from seven to ten ships, with P&O introducing larger ferries. 

Attached is the video of the DFDS capital markets day, outlining the ferry division plans for the future.

A large proportion of the discussion is around Dover Calais, and the discussion around a significant drop in yields due to more competition in a smaller market. 

Reading between the lines - something has to give in Dover, and to DFDS, it's Irish Ferries who are in the weakest position.


https://getvisualtv.net/stream/?dfds-cmd-2023 (https://getvisualtv.net/stream/?dfds-cmd-2023)


They also discuss merger potential and they have a map of their network. A big gap is UK<~> Ireland, and I wonder if a play could be made for Irish Ferries?

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on January 14, 2024, 02:47:48 PM
Why ?
Since Irish Ferries has started in Dover only DFDS is whining always about overcapacity there etc. . But i have never read similar things anywhere from P&O or Irish Ferries.

Ticket-prices and freight-rates was going down a bit - but are still much much higher per sea-mile as on many many other ferry-routes in Europe. F.ex. 7, 8, 9 hours Travemünde-Trelleborg or Livorno-Olbia goes often for 49,- for car incl. Pax only. Calais-Dover costs much more, often around 100,- - but the costs are much much lower there. They can sell 2 or 3-times all tickets with 1 ferry as the others on the long routes in the same time - and have furthermore less fuel-costs and all is duty free. So for all 500 Mio. people in Europe all this with Dover-Calais in the last years is very very positive - for their private travelling to/from UK and Ireland, but also with low fright-rates for to hold product-costs low. High Freight rates would mean that all things in shops, supermarkets etc. would costs more also.

So DFDS has now less profit than before Irish Ferries was there - but i can not see really a problem there. They use 6 ferries, Irish only 3 - so DFDS could take directly 1 or 2 from their own ferries away from Dover for to save costs and that the capacities are going down again.

So not so happy with the Dover-situation are only the owners and shareholders from DFDS.
And Irish Ferries will have in-calculated lower ticket-prices and rates there than before.
It is logical if there is coming a new competitor in any business-market that then the prices for the people goes down, the "pieces of cakes" will be smaller for all companies.

It really stands out the what are - in opinion from their managers - the only one problems of their ferry-company: Brittany Ferries is always whining about cheapest crews from others and DFDS is whining about overcapacity in Dover - both sadly since years now.


If i have 6 supermarkets in a 90.000 middle-size-town anywhere, and "B" has 4 and now suddenly is coming "C" with 3 new stores additionally. Then i can offer cheaper prices, more comfortable shopping, better more fresh products, entertainment-actions etc. for to get more customers into my markets OR i shut down 1 or 2 or 3 from my supermarkets because there are now too less customers still for each market to make well profit.

Exactly this happens f.ex. in a lot countries with the fast expansion from LIDL and ALDI.

So DFDS should stop whining and instead better make their ships more attractive than the others, offer cheaper prices, then also more people are travelling more often etc. .
Why there is no live-music onboard all the day from morning to night ? Is a worn-out old UK-country-music singer with a guitar really that expensive ? In holiday-destinations even the last poorest bar and the last restaurant with coldest dishes - all are having these singers daily, playing often for tipps-money and free food and drinks only. Would be possible similar (nearly) "for free" if DFDS would offer him living permanently in a free cabin long time.

And where i am living all the old UK-people are playing Bingo day and night, is it offered on DFDS ferries also ? Are there many screens onboard also showing all sports-events ? Also Dart, Snooker, Formula 1 car-race etc. ? Are there big well meal-dishes for cheap prices ? Drinks cheap(er) as on land (no problem because Duty Free - would be still big profit). If i would travel several times a year there i would prefer the ferry with the cheapest best meals and most comfortable seating.

Are there many sun-deck-games, Shuffleboard, Boule, Dart, big chess, here in shopping-centers they have 1,50m big "connect4" games also - with long waiting times, all very popular by UK people.
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/DzIAAOSwLNti9PH-/s-l1600.jpg
But it`s raining often in Dover ? Then build a transparent roof / sun-sail there on parts of the outside-deck ! Are there films showing for free for adults and kids separated on many screens ? Waterslides maybe not the right solution for Dover - but why not indoor-slides ?
https://img.archiexpo.de/images_ae/photo-m2/91974-10896970.jpg
Picture is from a cinema-center.
What about own cheapest ferry-buses, f.ex. at least from Dover-trainstation Dover-Parking-place directly with own ferry-bus to the biggest shopping-centers in Calais ?

And so on, there are really a lot of things - and many of them costs nearly nothing - to improve the quality, comfort and standard of ferries - but with constant destructive crying and whining about the actually situation nothing will be better - not for DFDS - and not for the customer-people.   

With all these listed points - all very easy, cheap and fast to do - the DFDS ferries would be MUCH better and MUCH more attractive than all other Dover-ferries, Newhaven-ferries, Portsmouth-ferries, Harwich-ferries etc. .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: jpwoodh on January 14, 2024, 11:59:15 PM
DFDS is obligated to warn their shareholders of overcapacity in a shrinking market.

Ten ships are carrying considerably less freight than 7 did a few years back. P&O had started to pare back some capacity.

Shuffleboard, bingo and music won't solve that as cargo doesn't listen to music.

Can I ask when was the last time you were in Dover? Unfortunately, the town has struggled in the last ten years, and is far from the wonderful place it was in the 80s and 90s.  The poor delivery of Brexit, and lack of road access improvements by the government hasn't helped either. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on January 15, 2024, 06:56:12 PM
Yes, in the 80ies and 90ies... how you know it... .
The proposal with the ferry-bus Dover-Calais is for all people from Kent up to London - not only for the Dover-people. And replacing any terminal-buses also.
Instead of to hang around with TV only better drive 10, 30, 50 min with car to the big parking in Dover-city. There in the ferry-bus and out again in a big modern shopping-center in Calais (there are number of them, many products, food and non food are much cheaper than in UK).
Would be very attractive for house-wifes, pensioners, students etc. - if a bus+ferry-day-ticket would be less than 10,-.
Think you are 65, 75 or 85 and living in Rochester, Ramsgate, Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone etc..
And you have really nothing to do 365 days from the morning up to the evening ?
Then a nice day on sea with a beer, coffee or meal in a shopping-center with family or friends is the best highlight, the absolute best option ! And many people would do this every month !

You now "Gekas Ullared" ?
Scandinavias biggest excursion destination - more visitors than Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo etc. !
It is just Swedens biggest cheapest supermarket-warehouse anywhere in nowhere.
But people are coming from complete South- and Middle-Sweden to this place, plus some Danish and Norwegian people too and German tourists also. Most tourist-coaches there parking in North-Europe every day. They hold a number of records in Guinness World record book. Also biggest motor-home-parking in North Europe is there.
With free shuttle-bus all 20min from the parking-areas to the supermarket.
Because the trips with the tourist-coaches are available for ca. € 5,34 only - up to 4 hours tour - and 4 hours retour to your home village / city.   Record is ca. 250 (!) coaches / day.  Rolffs Flyg & Bus, https://www.rolfsbuss.se/special/ullaredhelg

So ANY good offer for a VERY CHEAP PRICE = Biggest masses of people will book it !
The people there today are the kids from the 1000s of people who has made daily the cheap mini-cruises with Stena from Göteborg to Frederikshavn.
https://www.gekas-cdn.com/cf/1200x630q80_43682_busshelg-1200x630.jpg.webp
The guys in the black mini-buss are the "parking-helper" for the busses only !
https://anderssonbuss.se/media/1266/img_1771.jpg
Anderssons is coming down from Sundsvall incl. 2 hotel-nights with double-deck & baggage-trailer !
https://static.cdn-expressen.se/images/0c/4b/0c4b86871cef467f928a300a68e2813a/2560.jpg
The yellow Gekas-bags are to find in most Swedish households... . Look at the people, housewifes !
https://www.camping-bus.de/Reiseberichte/Skandinavien-2019/17-Gekas-Ullared-NOK/20190811-1-SP-Ullared%20(3).jpg
https://www.schwedentipps.se/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/gekas_ullared_22.jpg
Waiting-lanes before the entrance because of overcrowding often.
Average-distance of the shopping-people is more than 150 km from their home !

There are a lot of Gekas-shopping videos in youtube - f.ex. to see the Sports-bar area with a lot of men watching football on big screen in the middle of the store beside the cheap break-restaurant, because the distances inside are so big many people need a break also.
So the people are travelling very happy home again and telling it around.
So they need 0 ads and have 5,2 Mio. visitors !

So a ferry-bus DoverStation - DoverCarParking - FERRY - CalaisStation - AuchanHiper - CiteEurope would be a first step to a better ferry-service and much more people onboard - if the ticket-price is really cheap. There are 3 ferry-competitors in Dover, the first who would offer this would have much more people onboard every day ! And no problems anymore with foot-pax. They can easy take this bus also from CalaisStation to DoverStation. Without any walking in or nearby Terminals.



 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: boathansm on January 22, 2024, 12:54:54 PM
Isle Of Inisheer is on way to dry dock in Denmark.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on January 22, 2024, 04:31:26 PM
LinkedIn post about Ulysses from A&P Tyne including picture of her in dry dock
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/a%26p-group-limited_ap-tyne-was-delighted-to-welcome-irish-ferries-activity-7151166472591974400-gIpU
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on January 25, 2024, 05:24:24 PM
Irish Ferries is coming with a CRUISE FERRY to Pembroke !
((If they have listened to me and it is really Tallinks Romantika, then please dear Irish Ferries send me a free-ticket !))

"Cruise-ferry" starts on 31.jan. already ! ???
Oscar Wilde switch to Holyhead and for all departures from Pembroke the name of the ship is CRUISE FERRY !
Maybe an error ??? Which cruise-ferry could start there next week ???

Speculation A:
They have agreed about to buy / charter Atlantic Vision - but maybe these ship will be too late arriving in Ireland for the summer season. So then Tallink sends the Romantika as temporary replacement without extra-costs. And from autumn will be the Atlantic Vision there.

Speculation B:
They are happy with my proposal to use a very big Pax ferry only in summer - and in the other 9 month they use a cheap freighter as Norbank / Norbay as 2nd ship in Holyhead and Oscar Wilde move back to Pembroke.

Speculation C:
The "Cruise ferry" will be the Atlantic Vision (or Superfast 5, 11, Bithia, Janas etc.), but they have not found a new name for her.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: scomac on January 25, 2024, 07:51:09 PM
Quote from: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on January 25, 2024, 05:24:24 PMIrish Ferries is coming with a CRUISE FERRY to Pembroke !
((If they have listened to me and it is really Tallinks Romantika, then please dear Irish Ferries send me a free-ticket !))

"Cruise-ferry" starts on 31.jan. already ! ???
Oscar Wilde switch to Holyhead and for all departures from Pembroke the name of the ship is CRUISE FERRY !
Maybe an error ??? Which cruise-ferry could start there next week ???

Speculation A:
They have agreed about to buy / charter Atlantic Vision - but maybe these ship will be too late arriving in Ireland for the summer season. So then Tallink sends the Romantika as temporary replacement without extra-costs. And from autumn will be the Atlantic Vision there.

Speculation B:
They are happy with my proposal to use a very big Pax ferry only in summer - and in the other 9 month they use a cheap freighter as Norbank / Norbay as 2nd ship in Holyhead and Oscar Wilde move back to Pembroke.

Speculation C:
The "Cruise ferry" will be the Atlantic Vision (or Superfast 5, 11, Bithia, Janas etc.), but they have not found a new name for her.

Norbay is taking over the route from 31st January.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on January 25, 2024, 10:00:31 PM
Ok, then it is an error in the booking-sites - if i book from Pembroke i get tickets for a "Cruise-ferry".

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on January 26, 2024, 07:03:35 PM
Dover Calais veteran Isle of Innisfree on the cover of this months Ships Monthly magazine
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: A83 on January 29, 2024, 07:16:15 AM
Ulysses on the way back to Dublin. off the coast of Aberdeen right now, due home tomorrow afternoon.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Andrew White on January 29, 2024, 03:38:33 PM
Under the Irish Ferries Website this is what it say for Cruise Ferry

This cruise ferry offers an economy class service on our Rosslare - Pembroke - Rosslare route, with limited passenger facilities. There are no lifts to the main passenger area and access is by steep staircase only and is therefore unsuitable for a person with a disability or reduced mobility, or young children. There is a simple restaurant and bar, a basic shop/reception desk, and en-suite cabins.

What's onboard

Restaurant
Bar
Onboard Shopping
Information Desk
2 Bed Standard Cabins

So this would tell you it is a simple basic ship - Norbay is the answer i would asume and for the price it is scandalous. 
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: scomac on January 29, 2024, 04:48:23 PM
Oscar Wilde will finish on the Rosslare-Pembroke route on Wednesday morning and will go to Larne for a period of maintenance before entering service on the Dublin-Holyhead/Cherbourg route.

It is expected she will be alongside in Larne for 12 days, at Curran Quay. Work is believed to be including modifications to help her fit the berths at Dublin and Holyhead and to enable loading through the bow doors.

Norbay will take up service on the Pembroke route on Wednesday with the 08:45 sailing from Rosslare.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on January 29, 2024, 05:00:36 PM
Quote from: Andrew White on Today at 03:38:33 PM
for the price it is scandalous.

Tja - with the super-high ticket-prices to/from Ireland since decades.
All 3 Irish Sea routes and also the long routes to Frances and Spain are super-expensive - the most expensive worldwide. I don`t understand why in Ireland (and Northern Ireland) nobody is doing something against this.

All the ferry-routes to/from Ireland are only helping the few owners and shareholders to make gigantic profits every year - but the most people can only pay flights or must save money for a ferry-ticket over long time for to pay it.

And on top the routes will more and more down-runned as actually to see in the South-Channel.     
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Kieran on January 30, 2024, 12:35:40 PM
Unity Line are suspending Former Irish Ferries vessel's Epsilon's sailings until further notice.Sounds like she ran aground near Trelleborg, Sweden this morning.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 07, 2024, 06:56:34 PM
Western Telegraph on the Norbay and implications for Rugby fans

https://www.westerntelegraph.co.uk/news/24103087.worries-economy-ferry-norbay-now-pembroke-rosslare-run/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 10, 2024, 02:57:35 PM
Oscar Wilde back in Dublin and taking over the old Epsilon timetable this afternoon
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: drew22b on February 11, 2024, 12:56:26 AM
What did they do to the wild so she can double deck load and use bow doors
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 11, 2024, 11:58:49 AM
Quote from: drew22b on February 11, 2024, 12:56:26 AMWhat did they do to the wild so she can double deck load and use bow doors


Guessing, but could have been related to the length of the bow ramp needing to be longer, when docked in Larne they had to ballast down the bow to get the bulb under the ramp, a longer ramp would mean the bulb is clear of the ramp.

Images from May 23 on link below show the bow bulb in blue.

https://www.doverferryphotosforums.co.uk/mv-star-past-and-present/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 13, 2024, 10:15:01 PM
Some more information on Oscar Wilde and the work done before transfer to Dublin

https://www.niferry.co.uk/new-holyhead-to-dublin-ferry-enters-service/?fbclid=IwAR06ynPfYHz-J27vRxMb625guJiMxHA-Ozn5jGoocX8YN6tp50FLLPg2M94
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: St Columba on February 14, 2024, 01:06:42 PM
Is Oscar Wilde double tier loading at Dublin and Holyhead? Thanks
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: scomac on February 14, 2024, 04:37:11 PM
Quote from: St Columba on February 14, 2024, 01:06:42 PMIs Oscar Wilde double tier loading at Dublin and Holyhead? Thanks

Yes
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ncol on February 22, 2024, 01:50:36 AM
I understand the swift is to see a reduced season  this year compared to the usual summer roster

Beginning of the end?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on February 24, 2024, 12:05:44 PM
It is being reported that IF have taken a short term charter on the MV Timca which is currently en route to Holyhead. This ro/ro cargo ship with capacity for 12 pax and with 2,800 lane metres is apparently being used for cover while Oscar Wilde is back down at Rosslare covering for the "Economy" ferry while it heads to Falmouth. I think this will be the first time that IF have operated  a freight only vessel between the two ports.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 25, 2024, 12:54:52 PM
IF operated Stena Forteller in April 2020 on Dublin Holyhead cherbourg route when epsilon was in drydock in belfast.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: boathansm on February 27, 2024, 08:31:03 PM
Have Oscar Wilde use double deck load in Rosslare and Pembroke before?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on February 27, 2024, 09:15:54 PM
Not before now as could not berth bow in as bow ramp too short (this was extended when out of service in Larne a few weeks ago)
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on February 28, 2024, 04:00:02 PM
Oscar Wilde is bow loading now using the double deck ramp in Rosslare
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: shipbiulder101 on March 05, 2024, 09:20:58 PM
Quote from: David104 on March 05, 2024, 05:41:56 PMMy understanding is the Isle of Innisheer has been chosen as the permanenent replacement vessel for the Rosslare to Pembroke route. She is due to be in place at some stage this summer pending Irish Ferries acquiring a third "Cruise Ferry" for the Dover to Calais service.  This is subject to change.  Irish Ferries also looking to add a second vessel to the Dublin to Cherbourg route at some stage over the next 18 months. ( Again the shortage in the charter market is disrupting this). Plans for the Dublin Swift past this year and not yet decided. Irish Ferries very much focusing on offering a double cruise ferry from Dublin to Holyhead with the Oscar Wilde operating alongside the Ulysses. The Dublin Swift is due to continue trialling new biofuels this year and her future is uncertain after that.
I wonder if they still have her ramp from before the refurb? She will need another major conversion to be ramp loading rather than the Dover system.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on March 06, 2024, 02:21:03 PM
Quote from: shipbiulder101 on March 05, 2024, 09:20:58 PM
Quote from: David104 on March 05, 2024, 05:41:56 PMMy understanding is the Isle of Innisheer has been chosen as the permanenent replacement vessel for the Rosslare to Pembroke route. She is due to be in place at some stage this summer pending Irish Ferries acquiring a third "Cruise Ferry" for the Dover to Calais service.  This is subject to change.  Irish Ferries also looking to add a second vessel to the Dublin to Cherbourg route at some stage over the next 18 months. ( Again the shortage in the charter market is disrupting this). Plans for the Dublin Swift past this year and not yet decided. Irish Ferries very much focusing on offering a double cruise ferry from Dublin to Holyhead with the Oscar Wilde operating alongside the Ulysses. The Dublin Swift is due to continue trialling new biofuels this year and her future is uncertain after that.
I wonder if they still have her ramp from before the refurb? She will need another major conversion to be ramp loading rather than the Dover system.

That's not true. From what I hear is that Inishmore will be returning to Rosslare sometime in April.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on March 06, 2024, 09:17:22 PM
Quote from: Ferry 400 on March 06, 2024, 02:31:05 PMAbsolute nonsense  !! The Inishmore is staying at Dover .


Inisheer won't be coming to Rosslare
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: shipbiulder101 on March 07, 2024, 10:35:37 AM
There best option for IF is to charter a vessel that is dual deck loading with ramps for Rosslare.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on March 07, 2024, 03:38:50 PM
Atlantic Vision
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: boathansm on March 07, 2024, 07:43:16 PM
Quote from: Niall on March 07, 2024, 03:38:50 PMAtlantic Vision

If she is in the Irish sea, the Stena Superfast X should aslo return. All 4 sister will be together.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 07, 2024, 09:42:40 PM
Good news for Irish Continental Group

https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2024/0307/1436493-irish-contential-group-results/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: scomac on March 08, 2024, 10:56:14 AM
Quote from: Niall on March 07, 2024, 03:38:50 PMAtlantic Vision

This is only a rumour, which actually originated on some Facebook groups.

I am aware that there is interest in ATLANTIC VISION from other companies, not Irish Ferries.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 09, 2024, 04:02:04 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on March 07, 2024, 09:42:40 PMGood news for Irish Continental Group

https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2024/0307/1436493-irish-contential-group-results/
Interesting direct quote from John McGukian
"Capital allocation has always been a key focus in this company and our balance sheet strength allows us to take advantage of opportunities as they arise,"...
Watch out expecting something big to happen maybe?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 10, 2024, 04:28:36 PM
Galicia would make an ideal running mate for WB Yeats amd Oscar Wilde on Dublin - Cherbourg

She has spent the winter idle and could be available from next October if Brittany Ferries decide to keep Normandie. She is not compatible with the rest of the LNG fleet and there have been rumours her lease with Stena is to be terminated when St Malo arrives.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: boathansm on March 10, 2024, 06:31:55 PM
Quote from: IFPete on March 10, 2024, 04:28:36 PMGalicia would make an ideal running mate for WB Yeats amd Oscar Wilde on Dublin - Cherbourg

She has spent the winter idle and could be available from next October if Brittany Ferries decide to keep Normandie. She is not compatible with the rest of the LNG fleet and there have been rumours her lease with Stena is to be terminated when St Malo arrives.

If Stena need a ship in Irish sea and Galica is a plan of a deal of St. Malo. Why should Stena let her go?
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: shipbiulder101 on March 10, 2024, 08:38:21 PM
Quote from: boathansm on March 10, 2024, 06:31:55 PM
Quote from: IFPete on March 10, 2024, 04:28:36 PMGalicia would make an ideal running mate for WB Yeats amd Oscar Wilde on Dublin - Cherbourg

She has spent the winter idle and could be available from next October if Brittany Ferries decide to keep Normandie. She is not compatible with the rest of the LNG fleet and there have been rumours her lease with Stena is to be terminated when St Malo arrives.

If Stena need a ship in Irish sea and Galica is a plan of a deal of St. Malo. Why should Stena let her go?
They wouldn't, I can see her joining the Vision on the Roslare-Cherbourg run as a Stena E-Flexer. Horizon to run the new Dublin-Liverpool full time and being a refit cover for the E-Flexers/Adventurer.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on March 11, 2024, 07:54:29 PM
The new "Ala Suinu" for Marine Atlantic is soon in Mauritius now and shall be in route-operation in Canada from june. So the ATLANTIC VISION could start moving to Europe then in june.

For me Irish Ferries is the 1-st potentially buyer-candidate.
With 150 cabins (Oscar Wilde has 134, Epsilon had 120) and 200 Pullman-seats, 1920 lm for trucks and 500 lm for cars a flexible ferry for all their routes. Not to forget also the relative fast speed options... .
Detail data:
https://www.marineatlantic.ca/sites/default/files/2019-04/IF4621_Marine_Atlantic_Vessel_%26_Distance_Fact_Sheets_Atlantic_Vision_V5_FA_E.pdf

But now also Interislander need urgent bigger newer ferries than their old fleet from the 90ies.
Furthermore Balearia could be interested also, they have bought many other ferries in the last years also.

What about the ROMANTIKA ?
This ferry is without any route now since long time - and summer-season is coming soon. If Tallink not can find any buyer / charter now, then this ferry will have no route before next year = a lot of lost money. And if this year nobody is interested - who shall buy then this ferry in 2025 ?

So Tallink could go down with the price now, this ferry looks still modern - but is next year already 23 years old... and with the small truck-capacity difficult to sale.
And Irish Ferries has the money - so they could buy this ferry also. Then build in so much as possible hanging car-decks and threw out all inside-cabins from the lowest cabin-deck for a small additional extra car-deck.
Then it would be much more capacity for all kind of vehicles (and especially cars) with "only" ca. 550 cabins instead of 727. Stenas Vision has 485 cabins, so 550 cabins (= ca. 535 cars, some "big- car-families" book 2 cabins always) is not too big for the booming Ireland-France routes.
Romantika would be also the most luxury ferry on Irish Sea... .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Golf2984 on March 11, 2024, 08:55:13 PM
I'll take 'things that aren't going to happen' for $100 please
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on March 12, 2024, 07:38:34 PM
Quote from: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on March 11, 2024, 07:54:29 PMThe new "Ala Suinu" for Marine Atlantic is soon in Mauritius now and shall be in route-operation in Canada from june. So the ATLANTIC VISION could start moving to Europe then in june.

For me Irish Ferries is the 1-st potentially buyer-candidate.
With 150 cabins (Oscar Wilde has 134, Epsilon had 120) and 200 Pullman-seats, 1920 lm for trucks and 500 lm for cars a flexible ferry for all their routes. Not to forget also the relative fast speed options... .
Detail data:
https://www.marineatlantic.ca/sites/default/files/2019-04/IF4621_Marine_Atlantic_Vessel_%26_Distance_Fact_Sheets_Atlantic_Vision_V5_FA_E.pdf

But now also Interislander need urgent bigger newer ferries than their old fleet from the 90ies.
Furthermore Balearia could be interested also, they have bought many other ferries in the last years also.

What about the ROMANTIKA ?
This ferry is without any route now since long time - and summer-season is coming soon. If Tallink not can find any buyer / charter now, then this ferry will have no route before next year = a lot of lost money. And if this year nobody is interested - who shall buy then this ferry in 2025 ?

So Tallink could go down with the price now, this ferry looks still modern - but is next year already 23 years old... and with the small truck-capacity difficult to sale.
And Irish Ferries has the money - so they could buy this ferry also. Then build in so much as possible hanging car-decks and threw out all inside-cabins from the lowest cabin-deck for a small additional extra car-deck.
Then it would be much more capacity for all kind of vehicles (and especially cars) with "only" ca. 550 cabins instead of 727. Stenas Vision has 485 cabins, so 550 cabins (= ca. 535 cars, some "big- car-families" book 2 cabins always) is not too big for the booming Ireland-France routes.
Romantika would be also the most luxury ferry on Irish Sea... .

I believe Irish Ferries are not interested in Romantika as she is not double tier loading. Also I don't think she can carry hazardous cargo.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: scomac on March 13, 2024, 09:56:01 PM
Currently, Norbay is due back on the Rosslare-Pembroke route on Monday evening, 18th March. Oscar Wilde then returns to Dublin-Holyhead.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: ferryfan on March 14, 2024, 04:33:24 PM
I wonder if IF ever did anything about hUll 777 there was chat a few years back about them taking the plans to some yard in China or South Korea but nothing seems to have happened. There appears to be a real shortage of tonnage all round at the moment and 777 would have been a great addition to the fleet.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Alan G on March 14, 2024, 06:17:05 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on March 14, 2024, 04:33:24 PMI wonder if IF ever did anything about hUll 777 there was chat a few years back about them taking the plans to some yard in China or South Korea but nothing seems to have happened. There appears to be a real shortage of tonnage all round at the moment and 777 would have been a great addition to the fleet.

With the post Brexit downturn the extra capacity at Holyhead was not needed and likely won't be for years.

I reckon IF were more than happy with the way it turned out with not having a hefty debt to repay for a second new ship as well as the settlement for the late delivery of W.B. Yeats.

They have done pretty well with the used tonnage they have acquired since then, just need something suitable for Pembroke now.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on March 14, 2024, 06:45:17 PM
I think they are actually very happy with very cheap used bought ferries - and the FSG-777-plans are in garbish. There will be always some still modern used ferries on the market which they could buy relative cheap - now in 2024/2025 f.ex. some Superfasts, later ferries from Gotland etc. . 

With the Romantika it was thought from the view from Tallink.
They have no buyer and no charterer for this ferry now since long time - but summer-season is starting soon - so what is the plan ? To lay up this ferry for a couple of years now and wait for the rust ?
If this year nobody is interested - who shall it be then next year ? Every day they loose really a lot of money - also for a ferry not in use they must pay a minimum-crew daily, insurances, register-fees, port-fees etc. . And the ship will be older and older daily too. Does not matter if ship, plane, train, truck, bus, coach, taxi, rental-car etc. - all transport-vehicles must be in operation daily so much as possible for to earn money. And not hanging around "dead" anywhere. And the Romantika is not a small fishing-boat - but a really big swimming hotel with 727 cabins + more than 100 crew-cabins.

So Tallink has all the contacts to Irish Ferries from the deal with Oscar Wilde. They know also that Irish Ferries need more ferries urgent. So for me a logical solution is that they are speaking with IF about any chances to find any deal about Romantika - and Atlantic Vision too.

Also f.ex. only a short 3- or 4-month-summer charter of Romantika could help Tallink - and IF too.
Maybe just only the price / costs is the question. Or they make a combi-deal "if you buy Atlantic Vision for price X we give you Romantika for 3, 4 month for price Y".

So from the view from Tallink i can not see any other solution. If they have asked all countries / cities about accomodation-ship use - and no other ferry-companies are interested - then Irish Ferries is the only chance actually for Tallinks Romantika... ?
Just to remember also, the Accomodation-Charters of Galaxy and Europa are always extended by + 6 month longer only. So what if these 2800 Pax + 3000 Pax ferries are coming back in next winter or next year to Tallink ? So Tallink must find any solution for the Romantika soon... .
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 15, 2024, 12:24:33 PM
Some images (four) of Norbay in drydock in Falmouth

Click left from this one

https://www.flickr.com/photos/33847785@N00/53578885961/

Click right from this one

https://www.flickr.com/photos/33847785@N00/53579329300/

Hopefully P&O use some of the charter money to get some fresh paint applied.

Due back on the 18th of March to Rosslare Pembroke.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 18, 2024, 02:27:32 PM
Norbay delayed leaving drydock in Falmouth, now not scheduled to depart drydock no 2 until 12 tomorrow

https://www.falmouthharbour.co.uk/shipping-and-harbour-operations/shipping-movements/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 18, 2024, 09:56:25 PM
Norbay departure now delayed until the 20th March
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 19, 2024, 01:36:17 PM
Norbay has left drydock in Falmouth, now visible on the webcam on the northern mooring

https://www.falmouthharbour.co.uk/maritime-and-leisure/webcam/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 21, 2024, 09:34:49 PM
Norbay received a fresh coat of paint during its refit, at least it will look better when it returns to service for Irish Ferries, currently due to depart Falmouth tomorrow at midday.

Image on link below

https://www.flickr.com/photos/33847785@N00/53600411940/

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 22, 2024, 12:18:52 PM
Norbay delayed again, now due to leave tomorrow at 13.45 for Rosslare

https://www.falmouthharbour.co.uk/shipping-and-harbour-operations/shipping-movements/
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Niall on March 25, 2024, 08:42:38 PM
It seems almot certain that Atlantic Vision will not be joining Irish Ferries
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 25, 2024, 10:18:27 PM
Quote from: Niall on March 25, 2024, 08:42:38 PMIt seems almot certain that Atlantic Vision will not be joining Irish Ferries

Unconfirmed reports on Facebook that a Stena crew are onboard preparing the Atlantic Vision for its return to Europe, more likely a Tallink crew but you never know what's happening next.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: scomac on March 25, 2024, 10:21:21 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on March 25, 2024, 10:18:27 PM
Quote from: Niall on March 25, 2024, 08:42:38 PMIt seems almot certain that Atlantic Vision will not be joining Irish Ferries

Unconfirmed reports on Facebook that a Stena crew are onboard preparing the Atlantic Vision for its return to Europe, more likely a Tallink crew but you never know what's happening next.

Stena RoRo crew... it may be they have a contract with the ship's owner, Tallink to return her to Europe.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: giftgrub on March 26, 2024, 05:52:24 PM
The rumour mill is in overdrive today and the latest indications are the IF are in the lead to purchase the Spirit of Britain with a team apparently onboard carrying out an inspection obviously for their Dover - Calais service which will then release the Innisfree to the Rosslare Pembroke service (which in a previous life under Stena RoRo ownership as Stena Royal was rumoured at one time to be heading to Rosslare Fishguard for Stena Line which of course never happened).

Still strange to sell such a modern ship to a direct competitor but something strange is happening at P&O and Irish Ferries look to be in the front of the queue to acquire one of the Spirits.

This would also solve the Norbay's lack of suitability for Rosslare Pembroke and put a decent if very heavily worked ferry onto the Pembroke route.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: boathansm on March 26, 2024, 10:04:35 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on March 25, 2024, 10:18:27 PM
Quote from: Niall on March 25, 2024, 08:42:38 PMIt seems almot certain that Atlantic Vision will not be joining Irish Ferries

Unconfirmed reports on Facebook that a Stena crew are onboard preparing the Atlantic Vision for its return to Europe, more likely a Tallink crew but you never know what's happening next.

Looks like she's getting flag of Cyprus.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: IFPete on March 27, 2024, 10:50:46 AM
Irish Ferries may be in the market for two ferries. One for Rosslare - Pembroke and another for Dublin - Cherbourg.
Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on March 27, 2024, 07:55:05 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on March 26, 2024, 05:52:24 PMStill strange to sell such a modern ship to a direct competitor

If P&O really sell a Spirit-ferry now to Irish Ferries - especially for operation on Dover-Calais - this would be against all normal business rules.
And was therefore also not expected or speculated from me.
So in fact Irish Ferries is the big "Dover-winner" get the wished much bigger capacity and can further develop this very very important route. Also positive for all customers and travelers - with more free space onboard Irish Ferries can offer also in future lower ticket-prices.

But the strategy from P&O i can not understand... .

Quote from: IFPete on March 27, 2024, 10:50:46 AMIrish Ferries may be in the market for two ferries. One for Rosslare - Pembroke and another for Dublin - Cherbourg.

This was also my opinion.
If possible they must try to operate the Cherbourg-route with 2 ferries permanently.
And one ferry as Oscar Wilde, Inishmore or a Superfast for Pembroke.
And two big ferries + Cat on Holyhead-Dublin.

So they need in fact more than 1 new used ferry now.
They are in a good financial position also - so it is no problem to buy (or charter) now 2 or 3 used ferries also.

Think my proposal for "from 2025":
Dover: Ulysses, Spirit (of Ireland ?), Inishmore (would be more capacity than P&O !)
Holyhead: Oscar Wilde, 1st Australian Superfast, Swift
Pembroke: Atlantic Vision Superfast
Cherbourg: WB Yeats and 2nd Australian Superfast
Leave the fleet: Inisheer and Innisfree

Results:
1) On all routes a very good - or best - offer for all customer-groups in capacity and comfort.
2) The both oldest / less comfortable ferries away = in summary a much better, bigger,newer fleet.
3) And all this with relative low investments without any expensive new-buildings.

Title: Re: Irish Ferries Fleet movements
Post by: boathansm on March 28, 2024, 02:39:35 AM
Quote from: giftgrub on March 25, 2024, 10:18:27 PM
Quote from: Niall on March 25, 2024, 08:42:38 PMIt seems almot certain that Atlantic Vision will not be joining Irish Ferries

Unconfirmed reports on Facebook that a Stena crew are onboard preparing the Atlantic Vision for its return to Europe, more likely a Tallink crew but you never know what's happening next.

Some updates here about manager. 

https://vesselregister.dnv.com/vesselregister/details/31780