NorseMerchant introduces second newbuilding

NorseMerchant Ferries, recently acquired by Norfolkline, has introduced its latest Italian-built passenger/freight ferry onto the Irish Sea ahead of schedule.

The ship in question is the 26,500 gt ropax ferry Mersey Viking, which arrived in the Port of Liverpool last month for berthing trials at the company’s Twelve Quays terminal in Birkenhead before entering service on the Birkenhead – Belfast route alongside her sister vessel Lagan Viking. The introduction of these two new ships represents a major upgrade to the NorseMerchant Belfast service. Not only are they faster than the ships they have replaced, they are finished to cruise ship standards in true Italian style.

With their higher speed, scheduling is much improved, as has already been demonstrated by Lagan Viking, which entered service in July. This vessel has received positive feedback from users and is providing a new travelling experience which has proved very popular during the summer peak. Freight drivers have been particularly impressed with the standard of accommodation and the quality of service on-board.

Lagan Viking and Mersey Viking have an overall length of 186.5m and are certificated to carry 970 passengers. Each has five vehicle decks, providing 2,885 lane metres and can typically accommodate around 150 commercial vehicles and 160 trade and private cars.

Built in Italy at the Visentini shipyard, the ships have brought a definite element of style to the Irish Sea. Each has a large airy restaurant and two bars, a play area for children and a cinema showing the latest releases. The accommodation area includes 120 en-suite cabins and the public area also includes a lounge with comfortable pullman seating for 38 people.