Belfast Car Ferries
 | |
| Private | |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Defunct | 1990 |
| Headquarters | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Products |
Passenger transportation Freight transportation |
| Parent |
1982-1987: Irish Shipping Ltd 1987-1990: Irish Continental Group |
Belfast Car Ferries was an Irish Sea ferry company that operated a passenger and freight roll-on/roll-off service between Northern Ireland and England.
History
Belfast Car Ferries was formed in 1982 following P&O Ferries withdrawal from the Liverpool - Belfast route in November 1981.[1] Sailings commenced in May 1982[2] using the Saint Colum I. The vessel sailed every night from Belfast, returning during the day from Liverpool. The crossing time was 9 hours.
On 14 November 1984 the Irish Government placed parent company Irish Shipping Ltd into liquidation.[3] In March 1987 Irish Shipping Ltd was sold to a consortium of investors and restructured as Irish Continental Group.[4]
Belfast Car Ferries continued operations until October 1990. The Saint Colum I quickly found a new Greek owner and entered service in the Adriatic Sea.
In 1991 the Liverpool - Belfast link was reopened by Norse Irish Ferries.
Routes
Belfast Car Ferries operated the following route across the Irish Sea
- Belfast (Donegall Quay) - Liverpool (Langton Dock)
Fleet
During its eight years of operation the Belfast - Liverpool route was operated mainly by the Saint Colum I. Several vessels, including the Saint Patrick II, Saint Killian II and Gotland were chartered to cover for the Saint Colum I during overhaul.
References
- ↑ "P&O Irish Sea Ferries - History". Poirishsea.com. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
- ↑ "Irish Ferries". Irish Ferries Enthusiasts. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
- ↑ "Recalling Irish Shipping liquidation". The Irish Times. 10 August 2009. Retrieved 11 February 2010.
- ↑ "Irish Ferries". Irish Ferries Enthusiasts. Retrieved 2010-02-11.