MV European Causeway
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}}
| {{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image | Ship image = The "European Causeway" at Larne - geograph.org.uk - 1196641.jpg | Ship caption = The European Causeway }} {{Infobox ship career | Hide header = | Ship name = European Causeway{{cite web|url=http://www.ferry-site.dk/ferry.php?id=9208394&lang=en|publisher=Ferry-site.dk|title=M/F European Causeway|accessdate=21 June 2010}} | Ship owner = File:P&O-house flag.svg P&O Ferries | Ship operator =* P&O Ferries (2010 – present)
| Ship registry = Nassau, {{flag|Bahamas}} | Ship route = Cairnryan-Larne | Ship ordered = 1998 | Ship builder = Mitsubishi Heavy Industries | Ship original cost = | Ship way number = | Ship laid down = 1999 | Ship launched = 20 March 2000 | Ship completed = 2000 | Ship christened = | Ship acquired = | Ship maiden voyage = | Ship in service = August 2000 | Ship out of service = | Ship identification = *{{IMO Number|9208394}}
| Ship fate = | Ship status = In service | Ship notes = }} {{Infobox ship characteristics | Hide header = | Header caption = | Ship class = | Ship tonnage = {{GT|20,646}} | Ship displacement = | Ship length = {{convert|156.2|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | Ship beam = {{convert|23.4|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | Ship height = | Ship draught = {{convert|5.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | Ship draft = | Ship depth = | Ship decks = | Ship deck clearance = | Ship ramps = | Ship ice class = | Ship sail plan = | Ship power = | Ship propulsion = 4 x Wärtsilä 12V38 | Ship speed = {{convert|23|kn|lk=in}} | Ship capacity =*410 passengers | Ship crew = 55 | Ship notes = }} |
MV European Causeway is a ferry operated by P&O Ferries. She was built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Shimonoseki shipyard in Japan.
History
European Causeway entered service in August 2000 replacing the Pride of Rathlin.{{Cite web|url=https://www.niferry.co.uk/european-causeway-and-european-highlander/|title=EUROPEAN CAUSEWAY and EUROPEAN HIGHLANDER (Vessel Profile)|date=9 September 2019}} 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.{{cite news |title=Lorries toppled after 'big dip' on Larne to Cairnryan ferry |work=BBC News |date=18 December 2018 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-46604175 |accessdate=18 December 2018}} 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.{{cite web |title=Cargo shift and damage to vehicles on board ro-ro passenger ferry European Causeway |url=https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/cargo-shift-and-damage-to-vehicles-on-board-ro-ro-passenger-ferry-european-causeway |access-date=6 January 2021 |website=Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB)}}
In March 2022, the vessel was detained at Larne by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, due to "failures on crew familiarisation, vessel documentation and crew training", after a new crew was installed, following P&O sacking 800 staff.{{cite web |title=P&O Ferries ship detained over crew training concerns |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60881550 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=26 March 2022 |date=26 March 2022}}
On 27 April 2022, European Causeway suffered a complete power loss just off the coast of Larne. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution dispatched three lifeboats to the vessel's location, a coastguard helicopter was dispatched and the {{ship|MS|Queen Victoria||2}} stood by to assist if required. The ship recovered power after roughly two hours adrift and continued the voyage to Larne under her own power, escorted by the lifeboats.{{cite web |last1=Meighan |first1=Craig |title=P&O ferry European Causeway travelling from Cairnryan loses power near Larne |url=https://www.thenational.scot/news/20094940.p-o-ferry-european-causeway-travelling-cairnryan-loses-power-near-larne/ |website=The National |access-date=5 May 2022}}
Sister Ships
{{unreferenced|section|date=May 2022}}
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|2}}. Built 2000.
:Enlarged version built for P&O Irish Sea's Liverpool-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.
- {{MV|European Highlander|2002|2}}. 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
{{reflist}}
{{P&O ships|pandoro=no|ferries=yes|euro=no|north=no|stena=no|portsmouth=no}}
{{FerriesIrishSea}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:European Causeway}}