WE ARE LARNE PORT

The ship was named European Causeway by Mrs Penelope Harding, wife of Mr Tim Harding, who recently retired from the main board of P&O. Mr Graeme Dunlop, Chairman, P&O Ferries, welcoming guests, including representatives from government, tourism, haulage and shipping interests, commented: “This is an historic day for us at P&O. Larne-Cairnryan is one of our key Irish Sea routes and the arrival of European Causeway, part of a £50m investment in the route, further enhances the shortest crossing on the Irish Sea.” The new 20,800 tonne vessel is an impressive 156 metres long and 23.4 metres beam. Travelling at a speed of 23 knots, European Causeway will reduce the conventional ship crossing time on the Larne-Cairnryan route to 105 minutes. European Causeway will carry up to 410 passengers, 375 cars and/or 107 x 13.5m commercial vehicles and has been designed to provide first class standards of passenger comfort, safety, enjoyment and onboard service. Facilities on the ship include, Fables Restaurant, Poets Bar, video lounge, quiet lounge, children’s video and play area, games areas and sea shop. There are also special separate commercial drivers lounge, restaurant and shower facilities. With 3 vehicle decks and high head room, the European Causeway can cater for the widest variety of freight traffic. more… Mr Dunlop added: “ The passenger onboard experience is very important to P&O and we have ensured that the ship’s interior design creates a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere for both tourist and freight customers.” European Causeway commenced service on 14 August 2000, operating three round trips per day. A second new fast conventional ferry, European Ambassador, was launched at Mitsubishi last Friday (18 August 2000) and will join P&O Irish Sea’s Dublin-Liverpool route in January 2001.

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