NorseMerchant raises Irish Sea stakes

NorseMerchant Ferries has introduced its latest Ro-Pax ferry, Lagan Viking on its Irish Sea route between Birkenhead and Belfast. The first of two 26,500 GT sisterships being built by the Italian shipbuilder Visentini, she recently made her maiden voyage on the Liverpool to Belfast service.

The new ship has an overall length of 186.5m and is certificated to carry 970 passengers. Her five vehicle decks, which amount to some 2,885 lane metres, can typically accommodate around 150 commercial vehicles and 140 trade and private cars.

With a service speed of 23 knots, the newbuilding is significantly faster than the ship she is replacing and is scheduled to complete the trip between Belfast and Birkenhead in eight hours although she can comfortably complete the voyage in less time if required. Lagan Viking will be joined by her sister ship, Mersey Viking, towards the end of the year.