MV European Causeway
The MV European Causeway is a ferry operated by P&O Ferries. She was built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Shimonoseki shipyard in Japan.[1]
![]() The European Causeway | |
History | |
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Name: | European Causeway [1] |
Owner: |
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Operator: |
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Port of registry: |
Nassau, ![]() |
Route: | Cairnryan-Larne [1] |
Ordered: | 1998 |
Builder: | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries |
Yard number: | 1065 [1] |
Laid down: | 1999 |
Launched: | 2000 [1] |
Completed: | 2000 |
In service: | August 2000 |
Identification: |
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Status: | In service |
General characteristics | |
Tonnage: | 20,646 GT [1] |
Length: | 156.2 m (512.5 ft) [1] |
Beam: | 23.4 m (76.8 ft) [1] |
Draught: | 5.5 m (18.0 ft) [1] |
Propulsion: | 4 x Wärtsilä 12V38 [1] |
Speed: | 23 kn (42.6 km/h) [1] |
Capacity: |
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Crew: | 55 |
History
European Causeway entered service in August 2000 replacing the Pride of Rathlin[2]. She was specially designed for the Cairnryan-Larne route and has not operated in service away from this route only straying for refit periods.
Incidents
On 18 December 2018, European Causeway was involved in an incident in extreme weather conditions. After what was described as a "big dip", several lorries toppled sideways causing damage to other vehicles on the car deck. No injuries were reported.[3] The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is investigating.[4]
Sister Ships
European Causeway does not have an exact sister however P&O ordered two further vessels based on her design:-
- European Ambassador now MS Stena Nordica (2000) of Stena Line. Built 2000.
- Enlarged version built for P&O Irish Sea's Liverpool (later Mostyn)-Dublin service. Differences include more powerful engines for higher service speed, full bow ramp for landing on linkspans, large stern ramp, passenger cabins, Club Lounge and revised crew facilities.
- European Highlander. Built 2002.
- Enlarged version built for P&O Irish Sea as a partner to the European Causeway. Differences include minor revisions to the passenger deck layout, additional passenger lifts and the use of larger lifeboats rather than Marine evacuation systems
References
- "M/F European Causeway". Ferry-site.dk. Retrieved 21 June 2010.
- https://www.niferry.co.uk/european-causeway-and-european-highlander/
- "Lorries toppled after 'big dip' on Larne to Cairnryan ferry". BBC News. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
- "Current MAIB Investigations". Gov.UK. Retrieved 21 December 2018.