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08/01/2002
Minister launches new Strangford ferry
The new £2.7 million Strangford Lough ferry was officially named and launched by Northern Ireland Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson on Tuesday January 8.
Replacing the MV Strangford, the larger vehicle and passenger MV Portaferry II can hold up to 28 vehicles, eight more than its predecessor.
At the launch of the new vessel, Mr Robinson said: “I take pleasure in naming the new Strangford Lough ferry, the MV Portaferry II, which I trust will provide as long, reliable and safe service as the MV Strangford.
“At a cost of approximately £2.7 million, the new ferry represents a considerable investment in the service and demonstrates my Department’s full commitment to the operation. We will continue to look at ways of improving the service and, as most people are aware, are currently considering involving the private sector to provide innovation in the management and operation of the ferry.”
The Minister paid tribute to the ferry crews for their difficult and demanding work on the fast-flowing Strangford narrows. He said: “On top of their normal duties, they have been heavily engaged in trials and training on the new ferry since delivery to ensure that it could be brought into full service as quickly as possible.
“Credit is also due to everyone who has been involved in the project from the outset including my department’s Roads Service and the shipbuilders, McTay Marine.”
Held in reserve for times when the MV Portaferry II is being serviced, the smaller MV Strangford will assume a standby and support role, and will also be brought into operation during the peak traffic periods in the summer months.
The 0.6 nautical mile ferry crossing that typically takes eight minutes cuts out a road journey around Strangford Lough that is approximately 64 kilometres and takes around 70 minutes by car.
The service normally operates with one vessel which leaves each slipway at 30 minute intervals; from Strangford on the hour and half hour and from Portaferry at quarter past and quarter to each hour.
At certain busy periods, such as Bank Holidays and summer weekends, both vessels are operated off schedule to meet the extra passenger demand.
The MV Strangford replaces the original MV Portaferry as the second standby vessel and the latter will be disposed of. (SP)
Replacing the MV Strangford, the larger vehicle and passenger MV Portaferry II can hold up to 28 vehicles, eight more than its predecessor.
At the launch of the new vessel, Mr Robinson said: “I take pleasure in naming the new Strangford Lough ferry, the MV Portaferry II, which I trust will provide as long, reliable and safe service as the MV Strangford.
“At a cost of approximately £2.7 million, the new ferry represents a considerable investment in the service and demonstrates my Department’s full commitment to the operation. We will continue to look at ways of improving the service and, as most people are aware, are currently considering involving the private sector to provide innovation in the management and operation of the ferry.”
The Minister paid tribute to the ferry crews for their difficult and demanding work on the fast-flowing Strangford narrows. He said: “On top of their normal duties, they have been heavily engaged in trials and training on the new ferry since delivery to ensure that it could be brought into full service as quickly as possible.
“Credit is also due to everyone who has been involved in the project from the outset including my department’s Roads Service and the shipbuilders, McTay Marine.”
Held in reserve for times when the MV Portaferry II is being serviced, the smaller MV Strangford will assume a standby and support role, and will also be brought into operation during the peak traffic periods in the summer months.
The 0.6 nautical mile ferry crossing that typically takes eight minutes cuts out a road journey around Strangford Lough that is approximately 64 kilometres and takes around 70 minutes by car.
The service normally operates with one vessel which leaves each slipway at 30 minute intervals; from Strangford on the hour and half hour and from Portaferry at quarter past and quarter to each hour.
At certain busy periods, such as Bank Holidays and summer weekends, both vessels are operated off schedule to meet the extra passenger demand.
The MV Strangford replaces the original MV Portaferry as the second standby vessel and the latter will be disposed of. (SP)
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23 October 2001
Strangford ferry completes sea trials
The new £2.7 million Strangford Lough ferry – the MV Portaferry II – was formally handed over to the Department for Regional Development’s Roads Service on Tuesday October 23 by shipbuilders McTay Marine of Merseyside.
Strangford ferry completes sea trials
The new £2.7 million Strangford Lough ferry – the MV Portaferry II – was formally handed over to the Department for Regional Development’s Roads Service on Tuesday October 23 by shipbuilders McTay Marine of Merseyside.
06 February 2015
£5.7m Ferry Announced For Strangford
A new £5.7m ferry has been announced for the seaside town of Strangford in County Down. Cammell Laird from Merseyside won the contract to supply the ferry, which runs regular crossings between Strangford and Portaferry, following open procurement.
£5.7m Ferry Announced For Strangford
A new £5.7m ferry has been announced for the seaside town of Strangford in County Down. Cammell Laird from Merseyside won the contract to supply the ferry, which runs regular crossings between Strangford and Portaferry, following open procurement.
27 October 2011
Not 'Ferry Good News' In Strangford
A temporary weight restriction of 7.5 tonnes has this week been applied to heavy goods vehicles travelling on the Strangford Ferry. The main vessel, the MV Portaferry II, has been withdrawn for its annual refit and the backup vessel, the MV Strangford, has gone into service.
Not 'Ferry Good News' In Strangford
A temporary weight restriction of 7.5 tonnes has this week been applied to heavy goods vehicles travelling on the Strangford Ferry. The main vessel, the MV Portaferry II, has been withdrawn for its annual refit and the backup vessel, the MV Strangford, has gone into service.
09 December 2016
New £5.7m Strangford Ferry Vessel Remains Tied Up
A new £5.7million Strangford Ferry vessel remains tied up as the ramps will not allow cars to drive off it. The vessel arrived in Strangford, Co Down, in the summer, however the ramps will have to be altered before it can be used.
New £5.7m Strangford Ferry Vessel Remains Tied Up
A new £5.7million Strangford Ferry vessel remains tied up as the ramps will not allow cars to drive off it. The vessel arrived in Strangford, Co Down, in the summer, however the ramps will have to be altered before it can be used.
27 October 2006
Strangford ferry suspended due to strike action
The Strangford Lough Ferry Service has been suspended today due to a one-day strike by the crew. The 16-crew members who operate the ferry between the villages of Strangford and Portaferry, claim that they are being paid thousands of pounds less than others doing the same type of job.
Strangford ferry suspended due to strike action
The Strangford Lough Ferry Service has been suspended today due to a one-day strike by the crew. The 16-crew members who operate the ferry between the villages of Strangford and Portaferry, claim that they are being paid thousands of pounds less than others doing the same type of job.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
