MS European Mariner

The "European Mariner" is a ferry owned by Fleet department, P & O European Ferries (Irish Sea) Ltd.

History

"European Mariner" was launched in 1978 as "Salahala" for the Salahala Shipping Company. She was chartered by Gilvani for use on the Genoa - Malta - Pireus - Alexandria route. In 1990, she was sold to Crescent Shipping and renamed "Merchant Valiant" and put into service on the Warrenpoint - Heysham route."Merchant Valiant" was replaced on this route by the "Merchant Victor" and was put into service on the Larne - Ardrossan route, replacing the "Belard" on that route. She was sold to Pandoro in 1995 and renamed "Lion" on 15 October 1995. In January 1998, she was sold to P&O Irish Sea Ferriescite web | url = http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/salahala_1978.htm| publisher = Fakta om Fartyg| title = M/S SALAHALA|language= Swedish| accessdate = 2008-04-29] and her name was changed to "European Highlander". on 8 November 1999 she ran aground at Ardrossan. A new route was opened in 2001 running from Troon instead of Ardrossan, and "European Highlander" was renamed "European Mariner" on 30 June 2001 as the Highlander name was required for a new ship being introduced to the new route. "European Mariner" was replaced on the Larne - Troon route in January 2002 by the "European Navigator". As she was spare, "European Mariner" spent time on charter to various shipping companies in 2002, including Color Line, Commodore Ferries, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Norse Island Ferries and Seatruck Ferries. Ports and places visited during this time include Aberdeen, Barrow in Furness, the Channel Islands, Douglas, Fleetwood, Heysham, Hirtshals, Kristiansand, Portsmouth, the Shetland Islands, and Warrenpoint. On 6 November 2002 a lorry was washed overboard in storm conditions whilst "European Mariner" was on the Aberdeen - Lerwick route and she diverted to Invergordon. On 2 December, she came to the aid of the "Merchant Venture" which suffered an engine failue during a gale. "Merchant Venture" was escorted to Lerwick.cite web | url = http://www.larneferryweb.com/archive/news/2002/q4_2002/bulletinQ4-2002.htm| publisher = Larne Ferry Web| title = Fourth Quarter News Summary October - December 2002| accessdate = 2008-04-29] In January 2003, "European Mariner" returned to service on the Larne - Troon route, replacing the "European Navigator", which was uneconomic to operate on this route.cite web | url = http://www.larneferryweb.com/routes/latr/ships/E_Mariner.htm| publisher = Larne Ferry Web| title = European Mariner| accessdate = 2008-04-29]

In 2006, "European Mariner" suffered damage to one of her propellor shafts in an accident at Troon. She ran for a few weeks on only one engine until repairs could be made at Birkenhead.cite web | url = http://www.irishseashipping.com/photofeatures/shipco/pando/mariner110906/mariner110906.htm| publisher = Irish Sea Shipping| title = European Mariner Returns to NSL Birkenhead| accessdate = 2008-04-29] In 2007, "European Mariner" was chartered to transport blades for wind turbines from Esbjerg that were destined for use on the turbines being erected as part of the Scroby Sands wind farm.cite web | url = http://www.larneferryweb.com/features/2007/windmills/windmills.htm| publisher = Larne Ferry Web| title = On the Windmill Run with European Mariner| accessdate = 2008-04-29]

References

External links

* [http://exchange.dnv.com/exchange/main.aspx?extool=vessel&subview=summary&vesselid=19182 Ship details]