Norse Merchant Ferries News

Testament to the Spanish state-owned group's determination to raise performance throughout the organization, IZAR is on track to deliver a high-grade RoRo passenger ferry only 20 months after contract signing. The launch of the 6,300-dwt Murillo a month ahead of schedule has also underscored the latent scope of the shipyard at Seville, where a substantial upgrading and modernization program has been set in motion. Earlier concerns over work continuity at the premises, Spain's furthest inland shipbuilding facility, have been allayed by the decision to entrust Astillero Sevilla with the production of 70 double-bottom blocks for LNG carriers to be constructed by other yards within the group.

According to Norse Merchant Ferries, its RoPax vessel, Brave Merchant, will re-join its Liverpool - Dublin service following a seven-month period on charter to the U.K. Ministry of Defence. Brave Merchant will replace the charter vessel Norse Mersey, soon to be re-delivered to its Italian owner, and will operate together with Lindarosa to maintain the twice-daily service. Initially, NorseMerchant had taken advantage of the return of Brave Merchant to provide cover for its Liverpool - Belfast passenger/freight ferry Lagan Viking while the vessel completed its drydocking program in Liverpool. It is due to make the first sailing on the Dublin route on September 8, 2003, and for a few days will operate alongside Norse Mersey while Lindarosa undergoes some routine maintenance work.

Two RoPax vessels currently running on UK operator Norse Merchant Ferries’ Irish Sea service between Liverpool and Belfast, Lagan Viking and Mersey Viking, are to undergo upgrading work at a yet to be announced shipyard prior to starting operations between Liverpool and Dublin. Both vessels are being replaced on the Liverpool-Belfast run by two chartered 26,500 grt vessels currently under construction at Italy’s Viscentini Shipyard in July and December next year.