HSS Stena Explorer

[ferryfan]

Former Dun Laoghaire ferry terminal building "To Let" alas no ferries in sight. The decision to grant permission for a new cruise berth will be welcome news but unfortunately the restriction in size (250m length)has meant that some of the newer cruise ships will not be able to use it.
Irish Times article
http://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/d%C3%BAn-laoghaire-s-former-ferry-terminal-available-to-rent-1.2859217

[DublinPeter]

Just on that topic, the letting out of the bulk of the old Ferry Terminal building won't effect the return (or not) of a Ferry.  The ground floor end of the terminal (down by Berth 5) isn't included and is set aside for Marine use with access to Berth 4 or 5. In fairness, it's a good idea in any circumstance to make use of the terminal building and it's frontage. 

Valuable bit of real estate down there with a beautiful aspect - personally I think it would make a nice Hotel and performance space.  Good to see that the Harbour Company are now actively engaging with Dublin Port, Visit Dublin and all the other stakeholders about working together on the cruise business.  Makes a lot of sense for everyone.

Pete

[SEA]

Hope I am not going off the topic but I think Stena explorer would be celebrating her 21 st birthday this year if she was still on the run ??

[ferryfan]

Hope I am not going off the topic but I think Stena explorer would be celebrating her 21 st birthday this year if she was still on the run ??

The HSS entered service in April 1996.
Stena Line are celebrating 21 years of service on the Dublin_Holyhead route and have tied up with RTE radio 1 with a car up for grabs

[Davy Jones]

Started Service in '96 but first hit the water in '95, so, irrespective of not being on the run anymore, she is still celebrating her 21st birthday.

Will she make her 22nd?

[ferryfan]

The dismantling of the HSS berth in Holyhead near completion just the four supports left to be removed. I wonder will they proceed to dismantle the large concrete pier they built to house the linkspan.

[Davy Jones]

I would doubt it. It's not like they have an alternative use for the berth. Besides, all the other piers are still intact - although I'm not sure about Stranraer as Google Maps haven't updated around there for the last few hundred years.

[Davy Jones]

Confirmed! Linkspan removed, Pier remains. Photo below.

[ferryfan]

Been a few years since there was any news on the HSS Explorer but she has had a facelift a lick of paint and has been re-purposed as a sort of humanitarian rescue vessel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1f9T1VDvpiI

[Davy Jones]

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.

[Kieran]

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.

She was still there in 2001 anyhow, and looked ok! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMl2kbL064I

[giftgrub]

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.

Dont think the engines (gas turbines) are working anymore, it would need to be towed to any destination, there were spare waterjet parts in Holyhead (not sure if there are still in place), would be some sight if they got the turbines and waterjets powered up.

Still get a kick watching these videos

https://youtu.be/SlirKPwcl9U

https://youtu.be/dKJXD7dlPL4?list=PL1F7D58D86A2E21B9

[shipbiulder101]

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.

Dont think the engines (gas turbines) are working anymore, it would need to be towed to any destination, there were spare waterjet parts in Holyhead (not sure if there are still in place), would be some sight if they got the turbines and waterjets powered up.

Still get a kick watching these videos

https://youtu.be/SlirKPwcl9U

https://youtu.be/dKJXD7dlPL4?list=PL1F7D58D86A2E21B9

The spare waterjets are still in Holyhead as of Wednesday, not sure why Stena are keeping them given there is only one HSS still about in ther fleet (Carisma) and she probalby wont run again. Are they compatible with other HSCs (Dublin Swift, Mannanan)?

[Ferriesbetterfastercheape]

The Carisma is in Gothenburg since ca. 10 years now laid up.
The reason is just for avoid that not any other ferry-company could use the ferry-berth there.
It is not possible just to start the engines now and to operate then from tomorrow.
For a new operation of Carisma first a lot of money would be needed now.
Space today is for 3 ferries at the same time, 1 x to kiel, 1 x to frederikshavn, 1 x carisma.

The city of Gothenburg has decided to close the complete ferry-port for rebuilding into apartment-houses ca. in 2027. i am awaiting then scrapping of Carisma and sale/scrap of Danica.
The ferries must move then to the freight-port far away from the city, with the result of further more less passengers on this route. Already now on some days Stena has reduced to 1 ship only with 3 roundtrips per day.

So my future speculation here: From ca. 2027 only the Jutlandica to Frederikshavn and from ca. 2031 only with 1 Stena Electric Ropax-freighter, maybe max. 900 Pax, to Frederikshavn.
Maybe the most down-running ferry-route from 4 biggest cruise-ferries, 4 x ca. 2250 Pax = 9000, in the 90ies down to 1 poorest freighter with a fast-food-pick-up station only for normal people.

[Ncol]

Its that long ago cant remember - i dont think she went to turkey under her own power?