Mersey Viking

The "Mersey Viking" is a ferry that is operated by Norfolkline Irish Sea Ferry Services. The "Mersey Viking" name has been in the company since 1997 (formerly Norse Merchant Ferries), although the name was given to the new vessel in 2005. The original "Mersey Viking" was re-named "Dublin Viking" and placed on the Dublin–Birkenhead run last year.

The new "Mersey Viking" entered service in July 2005. She was built by Cantiere Navale di Visentini Francesco & Co. of Italy. She is 27,700gts and can carry up to 700 passengers in her 2 lounges (passenger certificate in 970), and can sleep up to 480 passengers in berths, which many passengers on both day or night sailings use to sleep in or relax in due to lack of other facilities or attractions. She has 4 vehicle decks and room for around 200 lorries. Her maximum speed is 27 knots, but usually sails at 23 knots maximum. She sails on the Belfast–Birkenhead route on charter with her marginally older sister ship the "Lagan Viking". Her charter to Norfolk Line is to expire in 2008, although when the ship was first chartered it was charted with the possible intention of being bought outright by Norse Merchant, or as they are now known, Norfolk Line. She and her sister ship, "Lagan Viking", appear in Norfolk Line's advertising as having a blue hull when in fact it is red.

The Belfast–Birkenhead route is invaluable to drivers as it saves them driving through Scotland on poor single-carriageway roads and behind a great number of freight vehicles. In all the total journey time on board the ship is similar to that taken to travel by Stena HSS and then drive south towards Liverpool. However the facilities on board are somewhat lacking: To use any electrical items, a European adaptor is required, and no internet is available. In addition, only credit cards may be taken on board for sales over £5, there are no chip and pin facilities nor a cash machine. This is contrast to the Stena Line vessels, which have UK power sockets, electronic payments on board, cash machine (for a fee) and WiFi.

External links

* [http://www.norfolkline.com Norfolkline website]
* [http://www.ferry-site.dk/ferry.php?id=9329851&lang=en Faktaom Fartyg]
* [http://www.ferry-site.dk/ferry.php?id=9329849&lang=en Ferry-site]