MV European Causeway

The European Causeway
History
Name	European Causeway [1]
Owner	P&O Ferries[1]
Operator	P&O Ferries (2010 – present) P&O Irish Sea (2000-2010) [1]
Port of registry	Nassau,  Bahamas [1]
Route	Cairnryan-Larne[1]
Ordered	1998
Builder	Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Yard number	1065 [1]
Laid down	1999
Launched	20 March 2000 [1]
Completed	2000
In service	August 2000
Identification	IMO number: 9208394 [1] MMSI number: 311027000 Callsign: C6RG7
Status	In service
General characteristics
Tonnage	20,646 GT [1]
Length	156.2 m (512.5 ft) [1]
Beam	23.4 m (76.8 ft) [1]
Draught	5.5 m (18.0 ft) [1]
Propulsion	4 x Wärtsilä 12V38 [1]
Speed	23 kn (42.6 km/h) [1]
Capacity	410 passengers 375 cars [1]
Crew	55

The MV European Causeway is a ferry operated by P&O Ferries. She was built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Shimonoseki shipyard in Japan.^[1]

European Causeway 2015 in Larne

History[]

European Causeway entered service in August 2000 replacing the Pride of Rathlin.^[2] She was specially designed for the Cairnryan-Larne route and has not operated in service away from this route only straying for refit periods.

Incidents[]

On 18 December 2018, European Causeway was involved in an incident in extreme weather conditions. After what was described as a "big dip", several lorries toppled sideways causing damage to other vehicles on the car deck. No injuries were reported.^[3] The Marine Accident Investigation Branch carried out an investigation. It was concluded that:

• The route being followed had not been adjusted sufficiently to mitigate the effects of the sea conditions and reduce the likelihood of severe rolling.
• The cargo lashings applied were insufficient for the forecasted weather conditions and the ship’s approved cargo securing manual provided limited guidance to ship’s staff.
• Drivers remaining in their vehicles during the ferry’s passage, in contravention of international regulations and company policy, was not uncommon and is an industry-wide issue.^[4]

Sister Ships[]

European Causeway does not have an exact sister however P&O ordered two further vessels based on her design:-

• European Ambassador now MS Stena Nordica (2000) of Stena Line. Built 2000.

Enlarged version built for P&O Irish Sea's Liverpool (later Mostyn)-Dublin service. Differences include more powerful engines for higher service speed, full bow ramp for landing on linkspans, large stern ramp, passenger cabins, Club Lounge and revised crew facilities.

• European Highlander. Built 2002.

Enlarged version built for P&O Irish Sea as a partner to the European Causeway. Differences include minor revisions to the passenger deck layout, additional passenger lifts and the use of larger lifeboats rather than Marine evacuation systems

References[]

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