The following pictures are recent from www.shipspotting.com a site well worth a look , picture acreditation to come as they did'nt download with them and I'll have to re dig them out.
First up is the former Irish Ferries St Patrick II and one time Swansea Cork Ferries City Of Cork , in Canada.
Yes that is the former Irish Ferries Isle of Innisfree , currently on charter in New Zeland.
Another Cork regular the former Brittany Ferries Val De Loire in Norway I think.
The Nordlandica is an Identical sister to the proposed new Innisfallen.
Formerly a familar sight at Rosslare the former Stena Felicity.
This is a former identical sister of the former Irish Ferries St Killian II , before she was jumboised
Speaking of the St Killian II , she did'nt fare too well , here she is waiting to be beached at Alang ship dismantlers in India in 2007.
And the ship whose premature sale caused so much trouble , the former Swansea Cork Ferries Supperferry
And finally , a fimilar location , the former B&I line Munster in the late 70's , anyone want to guess where?
Nice collection! Any idea how old that photo of Vancier is? She is looking really good in it...
QuoteAnd finally , a fimilar location , the former B&I line Munster in the late 70's , anyone want to guess where?
Liverpool Canal?
Liverpool? The Munster is making her way up the Lee along the Marina.
QuoteLiverpool? The Munster is making her way up the Lee along the Marina.
Not even I know everything...
Here are a few more strangely familar vessels from the same site.
Next up the former Dublin - Liverpool Brave Merchant
The Cork built former B&I Connaght and later Brittany Ferries Duchesse Anne , a true Cork Classic.
And her identical sister the former B&I Leinster and later Irish Ferries Isle of Innismore and Isle of Innisturk , currently in Canada and working alongside the former St. Patrick II.
Another Cork classic the former B&I Innisfallen in its final days in service.
And here is the poor old Innisfallen being broken up on Alang Beach , India.
Here's a cheerier picture , the familar Normandy , and look whats behind her.
On the topic of the Normandy , here she is recently in her new role as floating accomaditation.
Of course the Normandy is the identical sister of the Stena Europe which is still in service but rumours persist about her being replaced by the Stena Nautica next year.
And the Normandy was herself the former Stena Normandy , can you tell which is which?
Now this was a right shock , I give you the 1948 built Innisfallen , rebuilt in Italy in the mid 70's as a car ferry and was in service until 2002!!!!
Could it be? it is , the former Swansea Cork Ferries Celtic Pride in her final days before scrapping at Alang.
This used to be the Koningin Beatrix that Stena Line operated on the Rosslare - Fishguard servive , it is still with Stena Line but has had a substantial rebuild since transferring to the Baltic , and had been renamed Stena Baltica. It was also once upon a time a former identical sister to the Val De Loire.
Another former Stena Line ship , the Former Stena Cambria which used to operate the Dun Laoghaire - Holyhead service.
And its former running mate , the former Stena Hibernia.
Another Stena ship , the Stena Nautica , the Former B&I Isle of Innisfree which is rumoured to be returning to Irish waters before too long.
And last , but certainly not least , the former Brittany Ferries Armorique awaits beaching at the breakers yard.
QuoteNow this was a right shock , I give you the 1948 built Innisfallen , rebuilt in Italy in the mid 70's as a car ferry and was in service until 2002!!!!
Well done! I have been looking for one of her rebuild for years but to no avail...
QuoteAnd last , but certainly not least , the former Brittany Ferries Armorique awaits beaching at the breakers yard.
The poor ship is knackard and still has more class about her than most ships I can think of...
MV Munster Photo
Not the marina on the LEE as I know it!!
this photo is more like leaving the yard in Germany?
The Munster pic suggested it was taken in Cork , the embankment behind her does look like the turn in the river between the rowing clubs , however this is past Tivoli and would be heading for the city quays , below are some more shots of the 1948 Innisfallen before and after rebuild , which I now think was done in 1985.
First shot below is before rebuild the rest are after , and I'm looking at information that suggests that the ship was not broken up and is still around Saudi Arabia somewhere.
Another familar vessel , anyone want to have a guess? :-X
The picture above is the Oscar Wilde in its Color Line days for anyone who did'nt guess , now below is another picture from www.shipspotting.com and is another ship with a long Cork history , any guesses?
Brittany Ferries M/S Quiberon, first ship I traveled on! :D
Well spotted , here she is in her Brittany Ferries days , also from www.shipspotting.com
Now here's a right gem , guesses anyone?
It's gotta be the Val De Loire, surely? Please someone tell me, that "thing" they call the Stena Nautica is not in the running to replace the Europe?! Have Stena lost it or something? ::)
No, tis what became the Julia and will (hopefully!) become the Innisfallen... ;D
Oh I see, it's just from that angle it looked like it was the Loire. :) I think I just paid it a compliment though hehe.
I have come across a few more strangley fimilar ships on www.shipspotting.com.
This first one is a tough one , anyone want to have a crack at the former identity of this former Irish ship?
And to add to the confusion , this would have been its running mate at the time , this picture from www.faktaomfartyg.se
Here is another ship from www.shipspotting.com that would have been a regular in Cork at one time.
I could'nt resist this gem from www.faktaomfartyg.se , your eyes are not playing tricks , this is the Val De Loire as it was aquired from TT line , which as you can see from the livery is the parent company of Olau Line , at this time Val De Loire (formerly Nils Holgersson) would have been a running mate of the then Olau Britannia (currently Fastnet Line's Julia) and as can also be seen from the hull geometry they are also half sisters.
And here's another sister ship making no effort to hide its identity from www.shipspotting.com
This Stena Line ship has two Irish connections , any guesses , bonus points if you can identify its link to Cork , this ship has a very strong link to Cork despite never having operated from there.
And for something a little different from www.shipspotting.com , I dont know if this ship ever operated in Ireland , the picture was taken in Sao Paulo , but its port of registry is very interesting.
The Hellas Ferries vessel is probably the Irish Continental Groups St Patrick, The Stena Boat is the St Killian prior to lengthening, the Silja Line vessell was the Celtic Pride on Cork - Swansea, the Val De Loire was the 2nd generation of the Olau boats, the Julia was the 1st generation of these magnificent ferries.
As for the Stena Sailer, As far as I know it was originally a B&I Line ship the Dundalk and was built in the Cork dockyard.
Nice pictures, great brain teaser.
Well done Giftgrub , spot on with every one.
Anyone think they know this former Viking? again from www.shipspotting.com
Looks like the legendary St Patrick 2 and more recently the City of Cork ?
QuoteAnd for something a little different from www.shipspotting.com , I dont know if this ship ever operated in Ireland , the picture was taken in Sao Paulo , but its port of registry is very interesting.
Though I was seeing things there! She was built in 2003 in Japan, registered to Silkeborg Ltd., Gibraltar, but flys the tricolour (there is, or at least was, a corporate tax break for ships on the Irish register, good find).
Again well spotted Giftgrub , the Viking that went on to be a saint ;D
Here is a beauty from www.shipspotting.com , as far as I know this ship never operated into Ireland , but has a link to at least 2 Irish ships , anyone guess the ship , the year and the links?
2 Irish ships? It's one of the Vals sisters....Peter Pan or an Olau, no idea from just the stern which though...
Well strangely familiar.
Olau Britannia II, Built 1989 / 1990
Two ships that sailed under the Olau Flag sailed Cork Swansea!!
Espresso Olbia (Charter to B&I)
Olau Britannia, Bayard, Christian IV, Julia (Fastnet Lines)
Spot on Mysurvey , it is the Olau Britannia (2) nearing completion at Meyers Werft , Bremerhaven , in early 1990.
Ths ship is of course the direct replacment for Olau Britannia (1) which is Fastnet Lines Julia today and would also be Julia's half sister, the above ship is also an identical sister to former Brittany Ferries Val De Loire (and curently operates alongside her with DFDS) and the current Stena Baltica (Koningin Betrix).
It is interesting the way these ships have been modified down the years so that in spite of being identical in every respect at the time of build , today no two are alike and each identifiable by the changes.
And nice pic Mysurvey , I see Julia hiding in the background :o
Olau Britannia & Holliandia operated together as Pride of Portsmouth & Pride of Le Harve.
They currently operate together for SNAV on Civitavacchia Olbia Palermo Route. See pic of Britannia II in SNAV Colours.
Lets start a campgain to re-unite sisters!!
Bring Hollandia 1 to Cork to expand Fastnet line
Cork-Swansea Roscoff St. Malo!!!
Not sure that is such a good idea , I travelled with Nordlandia about 3 years ago and she is no where near Julia in terms of maintainance and upkeep , keep in mind that Julia had 2 substantial refits with Color Line during which many features were added , Nordlandia did not have these refits and is still very much as built , and would cost millions to upgrade her to Julia's standard.
I believe that we in Cork got the better sister ;D
But from Eckerö Line been mentioned that tey are all the time searching more economical ship, including more cargo lanemeters !!
But as you have seen..., a possible "new" ship for Eckerö have to be at least on A1-ice class and rather A1-super and these are not on offer at all.... except Star-cruises ship "Star Pices" (http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/kalypso_1990.htm) Viking Lines ex m/s Kalypso..., but seems that her laid-up is off now...
-so... ::)
Just did some re-reading of old shipping reports and to my surprise I found that in 2000 , 12 months after Swansea Cork Ferries was boughtout by its managment from Strinzits Lines , before they bought Superferry (it was under charter at that stage) SCF surveyed Nordlandia with a view to buying the ship from Eckero Linjen and was laid up at the time.
So it seems that interest in these sisters to operate from Cork is not new.
I found these on www.shipspotting.com , a facinating set of pictures of DFDS's King of Scandinavia (former Brittany Ferries Val DE Loire) in difficulties during a Baltic storm in 2007
Great set of pictures, but I think that was less a Baltic storm than a ferry breaking her moorings on the Tyne.
Article below taken from the Shields Gazette website
Also reported on: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-evening-chronicle/2008/02/23/ferry-crashes-into-oil-platform-as-gales-hit-the-tyne-72703-20515105/
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Probe-underway-into-collision-between.3808298.jp
AN investigation is under way today after a 30,000-tonne passenger ferry crashed into a gigantic oil platform on the Tyne in 60mph winds.
An emergency maritime operation was launched just after 1.30pm yesterday after the DFDS Seaways vessel King of Scandinavia slipped its birth at Northumbrian Quay.
Several ropes tethering the gigantic passenger ferry snapped during the high winds, causing it to break free and drift towards the south side of the Tyne.
The captain was forced to drop his anchor to stop the ferry, which was on a collision course towards the platform with people on board.
The Northern Producer is currently being worked on at McNulty's shipyard in Commercial Road, South Shields.
Three tug boats were scrambled by the Port of Tyne authority to hold the ship back as ferocious winds battered the ferry.
The ship was due to set sail to Amsterdam, in Holland, at 5.30pm yesterday.
Earlier this week, the King of Scandinavia was stranded in a dock in the Netherlands after an emergency alarm was found to be faulty.
Geoff Ford, owner of Ford Components, was leaving work at 2.30pm when he witnessed the ongoing drama.
He said: "When I saw the King of Scandinavia it was already right across the river, and tug boats were struggling to control it.
"There was a significant gouge out of the side of the ship, but I can't be certain what it actually hit."
Steve Keyworth, managing director of McNulty's Shipyard, said: "We have employees who live and work on the oil platform, so there would have been people on it when the ferry hit."
A spokesman for DFDS Seaways said: "The King of Scandinavia slipped its moorings and drifted towards the middle of the river due to the high winds.
"Tugs were used to ease it away from any danger and the captain was on the bridge throughout, to oversee the operation."
Peter Darrant, operational director at the Customs House, said: "I didn't see it but I heard an almighty bang and ran to the window.
"It looked like the ferry had hit an oil rig and three tugs were struggling to control it and eventually got it away from the rig."
Taxi driver Richard Curtis, 37, from South Shields, said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw the damage to the side of the ship, it was a long gash in the metal.
"I'm surprised a hole wasn't torn in the ship when it hit this side of the river, because the wind was so forceful and it's such a large vessel."
John Crummie, UK Managing Director for DFDS Seaways, said: "Due to exceptionally adverse weather conditions, strong winds enabled King of Scandinavia to slip its mooring line and berth, causing the vessel to collide with a decommissioned oil rig.
"No passengers were on board at the time, and no crew members were injured.
"Due to minor damage to one side of the ship and the repair work required, sailings from Newcastle to IJmuiden yesterday and sailings from IJmuiden to Newcastle today were cancelled."
Another gem from www.shipspotting.com , anyone know this wayward vessel?
I think it could be the Rosslare - Pembroke Isle of Innisfree while in P&O Livery which became the Stena Challenger, now down under in New Zealand.
http://www.stenaroro.com/Offering/Fleetlist/StenaChallenger.htm
The vessel is indeed the former Irish Ferries vessel, M/F Isle of Innisfree of 1995. Built for the Dublin - Holyhead service, she transferred to the Rosslare - Pembroke Dock service in 1997, with the arrival of the M/F Isle of Inishmore.
The arrival of the M/F Ulysses on the Dublin - Holyhead route, dictated that one of the 'Isles' be sold or chartered out, and both vessels were placed 'on the market.' In the event it was decided that the 'Isle of Innisfree' be offered for charter, she sailed for lay up in her home port on 16th May. She left Dublin for further lay-up at Le Havre on 13th June, a sad situation for a vessel which had contributed so much to the inauguration of the 'cruise ferry concept' and which was just 6 years old at the time. In a way she had fallen victim to her own success! However, in February 2002 a 5-year charter agreement from 1st July 2002, was concluded with P&O European Ferries (Portsmouth) for use on their Portsmouth - Cherbourg route, for which service she was refitted, and renamed 'Pride of Cherbourg.'
P&O closed the Portsmouth – Cherbourg route as part of a major rationalisation plan in January 2005, and sub-chartered the Pride of Cherbourg. Initially she operated for Stena in the Baltic, as the 'Stena Challenger,' but in June 2005 was further sub-chartered to Toll Shipping pty., of New Zealand, for the Interislander Ferries service between Wellington and Picton ready to take up the run on 22nd August 2005.
Following a refit in Poland, and named 'Challenger,' her delivery voyage to the southern hemisphere from Sweden was with a cargo of cars bound for Chile, then onto Wellington. This must have been the longest voyage ever made by an Irish Ferries owned vessel. She was renamed Kaitaki for her new role, for which she was chosen due to her sea-keeping qualities, such that coastal erosion which would normally be experienced through the use of a vessel of such dimensions, were minimised. Following renewal of the charter for the vessel by P&O, she continues to operate on this service. Interestingly, she is still registered in Portsmouth. ;)
In Cook Straits!!
In Stena Colours
Well spotted lads , I have many fond memories of the former Isle Of Innisfree during her stints at Dublin and Rosslare , a great short sea ship but I always felt she lacked the passenger facilities for a trip exceeding 5 hours.
I still remember what a revoloution that ship was when it entered service , light years ahead of other tonnage on the Irish Sea , and how obsolete she became in just a few short years , I am told that her construction allows for "building up" of the mid section back to allow her to be enlarged with relative easy (and lower expense) should she ever require greater passenger accomadation , sadly that option was never taken up.
Below from www.shipspotting.com , in partial Stena Line livery as Stena Challenger , and new as Isle of Innisfree.
Any Ideas as to the link between this ship and the last ship discussed ?
YES! This is a bit of fun. The vessel is the M/F Visby, once the M/F Felicity and STENA FELICITY which also operated out of Rosslare on the Fishguard run She was replaced by the Koningin Beatrix (now Stena Baltica) and then the Stena Europe. The Felicity was never fully utilised in terms of her capacity nor for that matter was the Koningin Beatrix. With reference to the Isle if Innisfree; there was no need to extend her accommodation (as for example on the Ben My Chree of the IOM S.P, which was also built be Van der Giessen de Noord), her 'achilles heel was her freight capacity. The IIF's passenger capacity is 1,760 - and Ulysses 1,875. The problem with a lot of ferries these days -especially those pre-owned, is their unsuitability for the bread and butter business - i.e. freight. ;)
Aaahhh the Stena Felicity, I have fond memories of travelling on her in around 1990 or 91 towering above B&I's Munster which was alongside at Rosslare.
There was a large cinema down in the lower decks they were showing Home Alone !! With Swedish subtitles happy days
And now for a tough one , anyone know this well travelled old girl.............................
Formerly Cassiopeia, IZU No. 3, Ionian Express, Superferry, Blue Aegean, Superferry and now MAHABBAH
Note the picture of the MASARRAH, Formerly St Colomba & Stena Hibernia now owned and operated by Namma Lines!!
MAHABBAH & Blue Aegean
Enjoyed reading these threads for a long time so thought I should finally join up.
Just wanted to say those pics of the Felicity and Isle of Innisfree bring back great memories. In the pre-celtic tiger days family holidays usually just involved a day trip to Fishguard or Pembroke Dock!
Even though I was only about 11 at the time, I can still remember being on the bridge of the Innisfree with a pan flat sea, coming back to Rosslare during the 1997 June bank holiday weekend. The Captain (who I think was a Carlow native?) and other bridge crew were as proud as punch of the new arrival on the Rosslare route.
Several years before that I can still rememeber our party being the last foot passngers to board the Felicity when she was in Sealink colours . Running down what seemed to be the endless covered gangway in Rosslare at about 8:55am! The Felicity seemed to be part of the Rosslare landcape for so long. All these years later,she still looks in great shape on the outside at least. Just wondering why she was pushed out in favour of the KB and later the Stena Europe. Is it that the Felicity is more of a night ferry or were operating costs just not suited to Rosslare-Fishguard?
I have many happy memories of sailing on the Felicity as well, from the sky deck up top to the cinema below the car decks it was the most impressive car ferry I ever had the pleasure of sailing on, I would imagine the main reason it was replaced by the KB was the simple matter that Stena Line did not own the ship and once the charter was up the KB was available having been replaced by the HSS Stena Discovery and was duly brought in to replace the Felicity, despite all the hype about the Koningin Beatrix I have to admit I was quite underwhelmed by the luxury on offer after having the Felicity experience many times
If the ship had been a Stena Line boat (ie) owned and operated by them, I think it could still be on the route, for time keeping and comfort and passenger comfort it was hard to beat, though with the passage of time the old rose tinted spectacles could be making the memories a bit hazy. I still remember the day it arrived in Rosslare and saw the size of that funnel and it really was a WOW moment.
From two Ferry Site's a Shot of the Cinema and two picture's from the old days.
http://www.ferry-site.dk/ferry.php?id=7826788&lang=en
http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/visby_1980.htm
Wow those Felicity pictures bring the memories back.
I remember wondering where the emergency exit shown in the left of the cimema pic led to... seeing as we were below the car deck? The cinema was free of charge at the time as half the sky lounge was closed for recarpeting.
I seem to remember being told that the ship had too many cabins for the route, which could be true as any time i travelled on her there were lots of announcements trying to sell cabins (£15 IIRC) Another vivid memory is the return trip from Fishguard in heavy fog, out on the top observation deck the whole deck vibrating with the blowing of the fog horn, God it was loud!! The 1980s swedish decor was neat at the time, maybe a bit dated now though.
QuoteWow those Another vivid memory is the return trip from Fishguard in heavy fog, out on the top observation deck the whole deck vibrating with the blowing of the fog horn, God it was loud!! .
Ha I remember something similar with that fog horn. Even though I was only about 7 or 8 at the time, I can still picure being in that sort of large tv/seating lounge up top on a very foggy Saturday morning. Every couple of minutes there was the unmistakeable din of the foghorn. Let us not forget the great plastic ballpool that was up near the 'Stena Felicity' sign on the top deck either ;D Good times!
QuoteThe 1980s swedish decor was neat at the time, maybe a bit dated now though
Very true, but i'm sure if the Felicity had the millions spent on her interior that the Europe has, she would still certainly be a very popular vessel on the Irish Sea.
Growing up and being interested in big machinerey, I think I nearly took for granted that every couple of years saw the ships ex.Rosslare getting bigger and better. Felcity to the KB, Inishmore to Innisfree to Inishmore mk2, Lynx1 to Lynx3 with four crossings a day and seemingly hundreds of daytrippers to Oakwood versus just 1 sailing this summer. All this happening within about 10 years. With the cheap oil era gone and a dog of an economy its a shame to see that level of change receed. Hopefully Stena will surprise us with something like the Jutlandica or Adventurer in the not too distant future.
Happy days indeed for Sealink/Stena on the Rosslare route, all the memories are flooding back, it really is amazing to think that a ship of that size was sailing the Rosslare-Fishguard route in 1990 and it was full on a regular basis.
One final shot of the Felicity in original livery on the Rosslare route from http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/visby_1980.htm
What links this vessel with the Felicity ?
http://trasportipassione.blogspot.com/2010/03/moby-vincent-al-lavoro.html
She was the 'Stena Normandica' later the 'St. Brendan' and preceeded the 'Felicity' on the Rosslare - Fishguard run!!!! ;)
And from www.shipspotting.com here is the Stena Normandica in her Sealink days
Also currently with Moby , anyone recognise this ship which almost ended up on the Swansea to Cork service?
Possibly the former Dana Anglia from the DFDS North Sea service, which became the Duke of Scandinavia and then sold to Brittany Ferries as the Pont L'Abbe and sold to Moby Lines ? (Also starred in the BBC TV series Triangle - the only ferry based series I am aware of)
QuotePossibly the former Dana Anglia from the DFDS North Sea service, which became the Duke of Scandinavia and then sold to Brittany Ferries as the Pont L'Abbe and sold to Moby Lines ?
Or, Le Funnel if you will!
It is indeed the former Pont L'Abbe.
Below from www.shipspotting.com , anyone want to tell the story of this Viking's Irish links?
The vessel illustrated is the former Viking Lines M/F Olympia built in 1986. She was chartered by Rederi AB of Slite in 1993 to P&O European Ferries (Portsmouth) and was renamed M/F Pride of Bilbao to operate their Portsmouth – Bilbao service. In November of the same year the vessel was offered for sale, and was purchased by Irish Continental Group for €71 million. The P&O charter was due to expire in April 1996 but with an option to extend by another 5½ years until October 2002. P&O renewed the charter on two occasions, the present agreement ending in October 2010. P&O have stated that the charter will not be renewed and the vessel will be returned to I.C.G. with the closure of the UK to Northern Spain service. While there may have been the intention to put the vessel into service at some stage between Ireland and France with Irish Ferries, this will not happen and she will be offered for sale or charter. The P&O service to Bilbao has suffered greatly from the introduction by Brittany Ferries of the M/F Pont Aven and M/F Cotentin on their Plymouth – Santander service. These vessels have the advantage of being fast and also capable of handling the lucrative ro-ro traffic better than the 'Pride of Bilbao' or indeed any night ferry built in the 1980's. ;)
Spot on as usual Swift , I recall many years ago (cant remember exactly when) hearing that Irish Ferries considered Pride Of Bilbao for the Dublin - Holyhead service , and if I remember correctly this would have been just before the company took the decision to build the Isle Of Innismore instead having deemed (correctly) that increased freight capacity was more benificial to the routes viability.
Anyone remember this Car Ferry?
It operated Ireland Wales from 1975
Did not start life as Car Ferry.
Could this be the Rosslare - Fishguard vessel the Avalon, the first ferry I ever travelled on ?
Spot on Avalon.
Built for Harwich Hook of Holland 1961 as a passanger only ferry. Converted to a Car Ferry 1975
and operated Rosslare Fishguard until 1979 replaced by Stena Normandica.
Avalon spent a brief period as relief out of Holyhead bening scrapped in 1981.
My memory is vague on the Avalon, but I do remember waiting for doors on the car deck to open when loading (the flood control doors in the deck plan) and also the fact that it was a two class ship, what a difference it made when the Stena Normandica arrived, the first view when arriving at Fishguard of that huge white hull when expecting to see the classic dark blue hull of the Avalon was a big shock.
Great memories, well done for getting the picture.
Anyone make the connection Cork, Dover-Calais & HSS Discovery and this ship?
She looks like a Flower Class corvette, so Duncurque and later sold on to the Irish Navy? No idea what the HSS link is...
HMS Discovery stationed at Haulboline until 1938?
Not the Maca, Meadbh or Cliona.
No this ship built for Royal Navy in 1944( K417, River Class Frigate) and was converted to a passanger / car ferry at Rushbrooke, Cobh, Co. Cork in 1949.
Ran Dover-Calais for Thownsend Ltd., as Halladale.
this the first ferry to use a stern ramp at Calais an thus began Ro/Ro on the Dover - Calais route.
Sold to Ferrymar of Venezulea and carried the name
Ferrymar III, HSS Discovery will carry this name for the the same operator on the same route.
QuoteNot the Maca, Meadbh or Cliona.
No this ship built for Royal Navy in 1944( K417, River Class Frigate) and was converted to a passanger / car ferry at Rushbrooke, Cobh, Co. Cork in 1949.
Ran Dover-Calais for Thownsend Ltd., as Halladale.
this the first ferry to use a stern ramp at Calais an thus began Ro/Ro on the Dover - Calais route.
Sold to Ferrymar of Venezulea and carried the name
Ferrymar III, HSS Discovery will carry this name for the the same operator on the same route.
Which just goes to show, not even I know everything....
Have'nt done one of these for a bit so we'll start with an easy one from www.shipspotting.com , any takers?
Now known to us as the Oscar Wilde.
On delivery the Kronprins Harald was placed on Jahre Line's Oslo – Kiel service. In 1990 Jahre Line merged with Norway Line and Fred. Olsen Lines to form Color Line. After the change the Kronprins Harald was kept on the same route, only her livery changed from the grey hull of Jahre Line to blue hull of Color Line
Another picture below
As we have'nt had one for a while , here is a tough one from www.faktaomfartyg.se , the Irish connection please?
It's the former Ailsa Princess and later the Earl Harold. I sailed on the Earl Harold in with Sealink British Ferries to Fishguard and with B&I Line to Pembroke Dock. Ah memories........
Well spotted , it is indeed the former Earl Harold , below , 2 more pictures from www.faktaomfartyg.se showing the ship in its Sealink and B&I days.
Lets try an easy one from www.faktaomfartyg.se
Looks like the former B&I Innisfallen but it is the Munster I presume as it does not have the top deck lounge under the radar mast.
Well its been quite a while since we had one of these , to wrap up the above ship is indeed the former Munster.
Now for something a little different , the ship in the picture below from www.shipspotting.com seems strangely fimilar , any takers?
Patmos was built in Japan as Albatross 1972, for Ocean Ferry. She was renamed Izu Maru 11 in 1976. In 1990, Izu Maru 11 was sold to Minoan Lines and renamed Aretousa (1), but soon passed on to Dane Sea Lines as Patmos.
She is a sister ship of Cassiopeia > IZU 3 > Ionian Express > Blue Agean >Superferry (Swansea Cork Ferries) > MAHABBAH
Correct , the former Supperferry and the former Patmos started out as identical sisters , hard to believe when you look at them today.
Now here's a tricky one from www.faktaomfartyg.se , anyone know the story of the Swansea - Cork ferry that never was? and she also has a strangely fimilar look about her.
She was supposed to be the Ionian Express, and was brought by Strintzis Line to replace the Superferry for the 1995 season, but a fire in her engine room while she was being rebuilt resulted in her being declared a total loss.
Yes its hard to believe that the above ship came within weeks of being painted into Swansea Cork Ferries livery , she is of course the Svea Corona , built for the Silja Line as a replacment for the Aallotar (later to be Swansea Cork Ferries Celtic Pride) , of course as can be seen from the pictures below the Svea Corona was basically a larger version of the Aallotar , which gives the ship its strangely fimilar appearance. The Svea Corona had an interesting career , being declared a total constructive loss no less than 5 times before finally being scrapped.
Below from www.faktaomfartyg.se , the Svea Corona both above and below the waves and the Aallotar
Time for an easier one , anyone fimilar with this old girl? from www.shipspotting.com
Yes, indeed, the 1982 built Princessan Birgitta, renamed Saint Nicholas in 1983 for the Sealink / British Ferries Harwich - Hook of Holland route. She was renamed Stena Normandy in 1991 for their Southampton - Cherbourg service. She was chartered to Tallink in 1997, renamed Normandy and then to Irish Continental Group subsequently purchased her) in 1998. She was sold by Irish Continental to Equinox Offshore Accommodation in 2008, and operated for Ferrimaroc during that year, prior ro conversion to an oil industry repair and accommodation vessel - WHICH DID NOT HAPPEN. She is currently laid up. She is of course a a sister ship of the Stena Europe (formerly Kronprincessan Victoria). ;)
Which is linked with this image ?
The Felicity?
I remember those colours, much better than the current :)
Here's one we have'nt done yet from www.shipspotting.com , this lesser known ship did operate from Cork and has a very interesting story attached to it , any takers?
Looks like the Havelet from British Channel Island Ferries, which was originally a Brittany Ferries vessel named Cornouailles.
As for the Cork connection, have no idea
One notable event occurred when the ship was chartered back to Brittany Ferries for relief duty in early 1992. Operating on the Cork to Roscoff route, Cornouailles was hit by what was described as "a freak wave" not long after leaving Cork, causing cargo to shift on her main deck, the ship assuming a 30 degree list. Although she managed to limp safely back to port, Cornouailles became embroiled in more controversy as she sailed for Roscoff a day later - the Irish Department of the Marine claiming that they had not released the ship from an inspection after the incident.
i dont know why but i get the feeling i have seen that ship somewhere before with different paint on it, it wouldnt be in cork though, did it ever do any relief work in rosslare or anything?
Any takers?
Tough one but could this possibly be the Lord Warden ?
Yes, very well spotted.
In 1978 operated a short lived Dun-Laoghaire to Fishguard service.
Great book about the Lord Warden currently available from Ferrypubs for only £7.
http://www.ferrypubs.co.uk/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=116&P_ID=458
Looking at the vibrant ferry industry of today, it is difficult to believe that the seasonally operated, pioneering floating garages of the immediate post- war era ever paid their way. Built by the famous Denny yard at Dumbarton in 1952, the Lord Warden epitomised the re-berth of Dovers ferry industry but was gradually eclipsed by the developing roll-on era of the mid-60s. Downgraded to Irish Sea routes at the end of her career, the industry that she had helped to create had simply overtaken her and she was sold in 1979 to Saudi Arabian interests. John Hendy tells the year-by-year story of this remarkable pioneering ship in his new, fully illustrated, limited-edition book: size A4, 48 pages. Normal selling price 12.00 now reduced to 7.00.
(http://www.simplonpc.co.uk/HappyLines/HappyDolphin04.jpg)
Innisfallen (4)
indeed, apparently this photo was taken in 2001, im glad she lasted that long, she was a brilliant ship
First one of these in a while , from www.shipspotting.com , any takers?
Looks like B&I's Munster from the early 90s.
St Patrick I/II?
Whoops, no it's Munster (6) 1990-1993 :)
here's one, sorry if its been done before, i have to say this one looks real smart here and really doesnt show her age here
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc63/bncrewceb/7302885d2.jpg)
Looks very much like the original St Patrick ?
absolutely correct mate, she had quite a long life and from all the pics i can find of her she always looked quite good, as you can see in that one she underwent some extending
There was a great postcard of the St Patrick taken in Rosslare when it had the yellow funnel and before the port expansion with people standing on the beach as the ferry was at the berth (now Stena Europes main berth) can't find a copy of it anywhere.
But have found this rare image of the Killian and Patrick together in beautiful picturesqe Le Harve
http://www.irishships.com/icl_ltd.htm
thats a smashing looking postcard, would love to have the original, i may get that one printed though it would look very nice in a frame in the sittingroom...
re the original st patrick, this is actually my own postcard which was lost in the attick so the quality is completely ruined, ive touched it up as best i could though
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc63/bncrewceb/Postcardstcolumcopy.jpg)
incidentally my mother used work in the building visible on the very left of the postcard
That's the one, a great image of the ship and amazing how close you could get to the ferry in those days.
it really is yeah, its changed a lot down here, you cant get anywhere near now unless you have official business being down there which sometimes i sort of have
Wow, love that shot! Is that an altered Irish Shipping house flag on her funnel? Could never make it out from the black and white photos....
to my knowledge that is unaltered, there was a large model of that ship down here for years with the same funnell too, one of my biggest regrets is being offered the model but sadly i was very young and my mother refused saying we had enough stuff in the house, talk about regretter. The only things i have altered in that scan of the pstcard itself was i removed a few crease lines and that
Check out who's lurking in the background behind the first ship
(http://cdn2.shipspotting.com/photos/middle/7/0/6/261607.jpg)
that looks quite like the former St Killian II
Found some very good pictures (former postcards) on this site:
http://www.johnhindecollection.com/
Happy memories of times gone by, the colours are just amazing.
It certainly is, what a ship... those are a great collection of postcards, hinde had some unreal postcards of ships in his collection, here's what i have at the moment (i also mixed in my own photo of the diplomat cos i couldnt get a postcard of it), as you can see not all of them are hanging up but i shall get around to that when i get more frames. (Sorry about the painfully bad quality of the pics, just a cam phone)
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc63/bncrewceb/cards7.jpg)
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc63/bncrewceb/cards6.jpg)
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc63/bncrewceb/cards5.jpg)
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc63/bncrewceb/cards4.jpg)
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc63/bncrewceb/cards3.jpg)
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc63/bncrewceb/cards2.jpg)
(http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc63/bncrewceb/cards1.jpg)
Some interesting images of the Bohus in lively seas formerly the Prinsessan Desiree of Sessan Line which served on the Rosslare - Fishguard and Rosslare - Pembroke for Sealink and B&I Line during the very early 80's.
Images are posted on Ståle`s fotoliv's photostream on FLICKR
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mitt-bildeliv/with/6501536251/
(http://photos.marinetraffic.com/ais/showphoto.aspx?mmsi=238143000&imo=7615048)
(http://photos.marinetraffic.com/ais/showphoto.aspx?photoid=453640)
(http://photos.marinetraffic.com/ais/showphoto.aspx?photoid=128497&size=full)
Since we have'nt had one in a while I thought I'd go easy , from www.shipspotting.com
Looks like the Stena Navigator which was the SeaFrance Manet and Champs Elysees and Stena Parisien. Now Baleria's Daniya.
As it has all gone quite quiet, try this one.
Any ideas as to this vessel ?
Is it Stena Baltica?
That's Stena Baltica, ex Koningin Beatrix. I'd know that bow anywhere, even if it's been ruined by the refit to make her two-deck loading.
Matt
whats she up to these days?
Last I heard she is still laid up.
Well spotted, the Stena Baltica is laid up in Lysekil, Sweden and available for charter from Stena Ro Ro.
http://www.stenaroro.com/offering/Pages/Stena-Baltica.aspx
why does nobody want the baltica? it's such an awesome ship, is she bad on fuel or something?
Quotewhy does nobody want the baltica? it's such an awesome ship, is she bad on fuel or something?
She's not that bad, 75tons a day at 20kts (or there abouts).
I would have though she would make her way back to Irish shores soon...
Oh I hope not. If you're thinking of Fishguard, it's about time they had something a lot newer. The Seafrance Moliere or Stena Jutlandica would be ideal. Why does Fishguard get the twenty-five year old second-hand tonnage?
Stena Baltica is an overnight ship really and I have never fully reconciled myself to the butchery done to her original interior by Stena over the years, not to mention the hideous damage to the superstructure by 2005 refit to make her doubledeck loading. For me she will always be the Koningin Beatrix I first saw in May 1986 with those wonderful crowns on her funnel casing. She was never the sleekest looking ship, but the original livery showed her off to her best advantage.
Matt
From what I hear , former Seafrance Moliere is likely to be sold to DFDS/LD Lines for Dover - Calais , Stena Europe will remain on Rosslare - Fishguard for the forseeable future , Stena Baltica is likely to take up service on one of the Scandlines services in the Baltic to replace leased tonnage pending the deal being cleared by the Competition Authority.
Thanks. Good news re the Baltica. Pity about the Moliere.
M
The Masarrah (St.Columba) is back on AIS, operating Jeddah - Sawakin. Seems a regular service
from google maps, which former Irish Sea vessel is this
Also from Google Maps, another former Irish Sea Vessel
And both Rosslare - Fishguard ships at that , top one is Stena Baltica , and the funnel on the Stena Felicity is unmistakable.
Just had to include this one from www.shipspotting.com