Glasgow And Ships Of The Clyde

New Stena Line freight ferry for the Stranraer/Larne route

From "The Ardrosan & Saltcoats Herald" dated Friday 14th May 1971

NEW FREIGHT FERRY FOR IRISH RUN

A new type of roll-on roll-off ferry, unique in British waters, will come into service on the Stranraer/Larne route early next month when a three-deck ferry will carry commercial traffic.

The new ship is coming to Stranraer on charter from the Stena Line of Gothenburg to cope with the rapidly increasing demand on the route by commercial users.

"Last year the "Baltic Ferry," with a capacity of 18 commercial vehicles, was chartered to meet the increasing need for shipping space but she is proving too small to handle the traffic."

The Stena Line ship, launched in Norway earlier this year, can carry 45 large commercial vehicles on two decks and 70 trade cars on a third deck. The main car deck, with a headroom of 19 feet, can accommodate 30 commercial vehicles and a further 15 are carried on the top deck served by a hydraulic lift on the main deck, like that on an aircraft carrier.
A bow and stern loader, the 1600 ton ship is 350 feet long, has a 55 feet beam, a draught of 12 feet and a service speed of 17 knots.

There are passenger facilities, including catering, for a limited number of drivers.
Private cars and passengers will not be carried on the service.