MV European Causeway
The European Causeway
| |
History | |
---|---|
Name | European Causeway [1] |
Owner | P&O Ferries[1] |
Operator |
|
Port of registry | Nassau, Bahamas [1] |
Route | Cairnryan-Larne[1] |
Ordered | 1998 |
Builder | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries |
Yard number | 1065 [1] |
Laid down | 1999 |
Launched | 20 March 2000 [1] |
Completed | 2000 |
In service | August 2000 |
Identification |
|
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 |
|
Crew | 55 |
The MV European Causeway is a ferry operated by P&O Ferries. She was built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Shimonoseki shipyard in Japan.[1]
History[edit]
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[edit]
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 carried out an investigation. It was concluded that:
- The route being followed had not been adjusted sufficiently to mitigate the effects of the sea conditions and reduce the likelihood of severe rolling.
- The cargo lashings applied were insufficient for the forecasted weather conditions and the ship’s approved cargo securing manual provided limited guidance to ship’s staff.
- Drivers remaining in their vehicles during the ferry’s passage, in contravention of international regulations and company policy, was not uncommon and is an industry-wide issue.[4]
In March 2022, the vessel was detained at Larne by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, due to "failures on crew familiarisation, vessel documentation and crew training", after a new crew was installed, following P&O sacking 800 staff.[5]
On the 27th of April 2022, European Causeway suffered a complete power loss just off the coast of Larne. The RNLI dispatched three lifeboats to the vessel's location, a coastguard helicopter was dispatched and the Queen Victoria stood by to assist if required. The ship recovered power after roughly 2 hours adrift and continued the voyage to Larne under her own power, escorted by the lifeboats.[6]
Sister Ships[edit]
European Causeway does not have an exact sister however P&O ordered two further vessels based on her design:-
- European Ambassador now, Stena Nordica. Built 2000.
- Enlarged version built for P&O Irish Sea's Liverpool-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[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "M/F European Causeway". Ferry-site.dk. Retrieved 21 June 2010.
- ^ "EUROPEAN CAUSEWAY and EUROPEAN HIGHLANDER (Vessel Profile)". 9 September 2019.
- ^ "Lorries toppled after 'big dip' on Larne to Cairnryan ferry". BBC News. 18 December 2018. Retrieved 18 December 2018.
- ^ "Cargo shift and damage to vehicles on board ro-ro passenger ferry European Causeway". Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB). Retrieved 6 January 2021.
- ^ "P&O Ferries ship detained over crew training concerns". BBC News. 26 March 2022. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
- ^ Meighan, Craig. "P&O ferry European Causeway travelling from Cairnryan loses power near Larne". The National. Retrieved 5 May 2022.