M/V Epsilon
Epsilon is a Ro-Pax ferry operated by Irish Ferries since 2013. She is one of 17 sister-ships built in the 00s in Italy.
| M/V Epsilon (2014 onwards) | |
|---|---|
| The Ship | |
| Launch | 2011 |
| Maiden Voyage | 2011 |
| Shipyard | Cantieri Navale Visentini, Donada, Italy |
| Owner | Caronte & Tourist |
| Operator | Irish Ferries |
| Routes |
Dublin (IRL) - Cherbourg (FR) Dublin (IRL) - Holyhead (GB) |
| IMO | 9539054 |
| MMSI | 247297100 |
| Call Sign | ICRB |
| Port of Registry | Bari, Italy |
| Technical Specifications | |
| Length | 186.50 m |
| Breadth | 25.60 m |
| Draught | 06.85 m |
| Tonnage | |
| Gross Tonnage | 26,375 GT |
| Net Tonnage | 8,138 NT |
| Deadweight | 8,615 tons |
| Engines specifications | |
| Engines | 2 MAN B&W 9L48/60 motors |
| Maximum Speed | 24.00 knots |
| Passengers & Cargo | |
| Passengers | 450 passengers |
| Cabins | 70 cabins (276 berths) |
| Seats | 50 seats |
| Garage Capacity | 70 cars |
| Garage Linear Length | 2,860 m |
Service History
From 2011 to 2013 with the Caronte&Tourist fleet
In 2010, the Italian company Caronte & Tourist ordered two identical ships to the Visentini shipyard near Venise. They were ordered on the purpose of coping with the growing traffic on the Messina (IT) - Salerna (IT) route. Cartour Epsilon was delivered to Caronte & Tourist in 2011. However, in 2013, due to important financial problems, the company had to charter out Cartour Epsilon after two years of service in Mediterranean Sea while her sister-ship, the Cartour Delta was the only one kept by the company.
Since 2013 under the Irish Ferries color
In late-2013, Caronte & Tourist offered Cartour Epsilon for charter. Irish Ferries said it was interested in the ship only two weeks after she had been offered for charter, and the chartering agreement between the two companies was signed rapidly.
Irish Ferries was delivered of the ship in early-2014, after she has been overhauled in Italy. She has also been repainted to the colours of her new company and renamed Epsilon. Her accommodation decks have also been refitted.
Epsilon was introduced on Irish Ferries' routes on 18th January 2014. At week days Epsilon is allocated on the Dublin (IRL) - Holyhead (GBR) route, whilst she is allocated on a new Dublin (IRL) - Cherbourg-en-Cotentin (FRA) at week ends.
While a storm of a rare violence blew on the English Channel between 7th and 9th February 2016, Epsilon was operating a crossing between Dublin and Cherbourg-en-Cotentin with 138 passengers on board. Even if she arrived at Cherbourg-en-Cotentin undamaged, 80 vehicles were damaged during the crossing.
In June 2016, Irish Ferries announced that they have ordered a Cruise Ferry for delivery in 2018 that would replace Epsilon on her routes.
On board Accommodations
On board Dining and Bar
- Boylan's Brasserie - Self-Service Restaurant ; Deck 5
- Café Lafayette - Café/Bar-Lounge ; Deck 5.
Entertainment
- Cinema room
- Children playground room ; Deck 8.
Passengers Accommodations
- 33 Inside cabins with 2 berths
- 55 Inside cabins with 4 berths
- 2 Cabins destined to person with reduced mobility ;
- 9 Outside cabins with 2 berths ;
- 4 Outside cabins with 4 berths ;
- 5 cots ;
- 50 seats.
See Also
References
- In The Ferry Site, , 2015. [retrieved the 19/08/2015]. Available at www.ferry-site.dk ;
- "Epsilon | Economy Class Ferry". In Irish Ferries, , 2015. [retrieved the 19/08/2015]. Available at www.irishferries.com ;
- "Irish Ferries commences new direct Dublin to Cherbourg service". In Irish Ferries, , 2015. [retrieved the 19/08/2015]. Available at www.irishferries.com ;
- Ouest-France. "Ferry dans la tempête, les passagers s'organisent", 21/02/2016.