MS Stena Baltica (2005)
 Mersey Seaways in Liverpool
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name | list error: <br /> list (help) 2010 onwards: Mersey Seaways 2005-2010: Mersey Viking |
| Owner | Levantina Trasporti Srl |
| Operator | list error: <br /> list (help) 2010 onwards: DFDS Seaways 2006-2010: Norfolkline 2005-2006: Norse Merchant Ferries |
| Port of registry | list error: <br /> list (help) 2005-2008: Bari,  Italy2008-present: Belfast,  United Kingdom |
| Builder | Cantiere Navale Visentini |
| Maiden voyage | July 2005 |
| Identification | IMO number: 9329851 |
| Status | in service |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | RO/PAX |
| Tonnage | 27,700 gt |
| Length | 186 metres (610 ft) |
| Beam | 26 metres (85 ft) |
| Draft | 6 metres (20 ft) |
| Installed power | 2 MAN/B&W 9L 48/60B |
| Speed | max 27 knots (operational 23 kts) |
| Capacity | 970 passengers |
| Notes | IMO number 9136022 [1] |
The Mersey Seaways is a RoPax ferry that is operated by DFDS Seaways between Birkenhead and Belfast.
She was built in Italy by Cantiere Navale Visentini. She is 26,500GRT[1] and can carry up to 700 passengers in her 2 lounges (passenger certificate is 970), and can sleep up to 480 passengers in cabings. She has 4 vehicle decks and room for around 200 lorries. Her maximum speed is 27 knots, but usually sails at 23 knots maximum.
The Mersey Viking name has been in the company since 1997 (formerly Norse Irish Ferries), The original Mersey Viking was renamed Dublin Viking and transferred to the Birkenhead - Dublin route.
History
The Mersey Seaways was launched in December 2005 as the Mersey Viking, Entering service with Norse Merchant Ferries later the same month. Within a few months of operation, Norse Merchant Ferries was acquired by Norfolkline. The Mersey Viking received Norfolkline lettering on her red hull but retained her Norse Merchant Ferries funnel for many years.
In July 2010 Norfolkline was acquired by DFDS. The vessel was renamed Mersey Seaways during her refit in August 2010.
Route
The Mersey Seaways mainly operates on the Birkenhead - Belfast route with her marginally older sister ship the Lagan Viking. This route is invaluable to drivers, as it saves them driving through Scotland on poor single-carriageway roads and behind a great number of freight vehicles. In all, the total journey time on board the ship is 7 hours.
Onboard
The ships has several facilities on board such as restaurants, bars, shops and a cinema.
References
External links
