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I also notice she is on Terminal 3, usually used by Irish Ferries, instead of the usual Stena Terminal 5 to the right (or should I say Starboard).

This may just be because Terminal 5 is already occupied, or it may be due to wind direction.

I think I preferred the old typeface. The new one just looks a bit - basic! Sorry!

Some would argue it is easier to read to get the message across.

That's some high pressure water jet!

Seems like whoever was setting the AIS destination simply picked the wrong Newcastle then.

I hope they notice!

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.

It appears (according to google earth) that the former HSS Stena Explorer/One World Karadeniz has moved from her home of the last 7 years, berthed at the Karmarine Shipyard, near Yalova in Turkey.

Suspicions were aroused as I watched another video of her in her new guise "Lifeship Rauf Bey" and noticed the scenery had changed (Later on in the video) which caused me to search for her. Marine Traffic yielded no clues, neither did Vessel Finder other than the registration of her new name. (A search on "One World Karadeniz" positions her at Greenock - work that one out).

If anybody can recognise the coastline in the video I would be pleased to know.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oys0W_0xq18

(Sorry, didn't understand a word of it).

From earlier comments regarding her ability to run her engines - I would be surprised if they had spent what must be a large amount of money on her and not tended to her machinery. It also appears in the videos that her jets have been freshly painted whilst the rest of her hull has not, indicating some work in that area.


Addendum: Another video, showing more of the interior. The old passenger deck still appears to be very much Stena decor. It seems she is being used as some sort of educational facility.  The access ramps appear to be rather permanent. I can't see them wanting to move all the shrubbery every time she sails.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Q39FAJ4aXA

Mmm. Interesting!

I like the concept and her capability of a fast response should help (assuming her engines have been maintained). I'm not sure of her range as she was only designed for short haul trips.

I also wonder what they are going to do with Stena Carisma. As far as I know, she is still sat on her link-span in Gothenberg.

The new Manxman is due to arrive in Southampton at 15:00hrs tomorrow. Not sure why she's going to Southampton, but still, almost ready to commence a life on the Irish Sea.

Hopefully there will be a photo opportunity to catch the 3 ladies together with Ulysses and W.B also around port at this time.

Manxman has commenced her delivery voyage. Currently in the South China sea, she is due in to Singapore today.

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/

Will she not also test at Holyhead and Dublin on the way?

Aye! I wonder how it compared to her predecessor, Pride of Calais/Ostend Spirit. That was hilarious! First attempt, she missed and had to go again. Second attempt it was pedal to the metal and involved fitting a quart into a pint pot, just knocking other vessels out of the way. COMING THROUGH!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDyE-0yHU_U

The first attempt (with commentary)...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKeZTycClLc

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.

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.

When does Epsilon finish?