Messages

That might make sense.

The vessel is crewed by Irish Ferries contracted personell since they purchased it.

Nice one, i mist that.

Westpac Express Departed Jeddah 1035 AM this morning now on route to Suez.

If you look at the previous launch on You tube you will notice the building hall is built on a slipway.

This means the front of the vessel sits much higher than the rear giving the impression the building is not high enough,

My guess is they will go as high as the bridge deck before launch and complete the upper two decks on the quayside.

Regarding the number of vehicle decks it looks like there is a deck below the main vehicle deck for drops or trailers.

Last week we could see the construction of an inner ramp going to the upper car deck which is next for construction.

They certainly work quickly considering the keel was layed on 12 September only 3 months ago.

I hope we get to see lots of photos of the launch.

My Money is on Falmouth for fitout,

Sounds like Christmas cover to me.

Austal might only be needed if they want ramps to be replaced.

I wonder could swift end up on lease to P&O in Larne,

The speed differance would not be significant on a two hour voyage compared with the cruise ferry 3 hour 30 minute crossing time. The question will be can she operate in weather conditions above 2.5 metre wave height where the swift was limited.

Swift must be giving a lot of trouble given her age.

The Westpac Express does not have the same utilisation on her engines so she would be in better condition even though she is only three years younger.

Westpac Express also has a slightly larger vehicle deck.

WB Yeats is now not scheduled to sail to France before 12 July 2018 according to Irish Ferries website.

I see a problem in 2019 when WB Yeats goes back on Dublin - France Route if they dont have a ship with her capacity to replace her on Dublin - Holyhead.

I ultimately see Irish Ferries bringing IOI onto Holyhead - Dublin route and second hand tonnage being used to operate on Rosslare - Pembroke.

Only Epsilon bookings are available to France from October 2018.

UK Bookings available to end of June 2018. 

It looks like Oscar Wilde is being laid up from end of September if you go by Booking Engine.

Looks Like W.B. Yeats is on Dublin - Cherbourg Daily until 18 September 2018

Thats a mist opportunity for Dublin - Holyhead until the Autumn,

Wouldnt be great if the IOI was to come to Dublin and a charter vessel to handle Rosslare - Pembroke for three months.