MV Eilean Dhiura

MV Eilean Dhiura
History
United Kingdom
Name: MV Eilean Dhiura
Namesake: Jura
Owner: Argyll and Bute Council
Operator: ASP Ship Management Ltd
Route: Port Askaig to Feolin
Builder: McTay Marine, Bromborough, River Mersey
Yard number: 121
In service: 1998
Identification:
Status: in service
General characteristics
Class & type: vehicle ferry
Tonnage: 86 GT[2] 50 DWT

MV Eilean Dhiura is a vehicle ferry operating across the Sound of Islay.

History

Eilean Dhiura was commissioned by Argyll and Bute Council in 1998,[3] to replace Western Ferries' MV Sound of Gigha as the Jura Ferry.[4] She was operated initially by Serco Denholm until 2003,[5] now by ASP Ship Management Ltd.[3]

In December 2000, her bow ramp collapsed while at sea.[6] Following this, the MCA required a secondary door to be fitted behind the bow door. A bid by the council for money to replace her was unsuccessful.[7]

Layout

Eilean Dhiura is an open landing craft type ferry, with bow and stern ramps. Her slim bridge allows vehicles to drive through. A small enclosed cabin provides shelter for passengers as does a bus shelter forward of the wheelhouse.

Service

Eilean Dhiura is the Feolin Ferry, providing the main access to Jura. Islay is connected to the Scottish mainland by a CalMac ferry from Kennacraig. Daily, she crosses the 800 yards between Port Askaig on Islay and Feolin. During her overhaul, early in the year, the service is provided by a chartered vessel, commonly CalMac's MV Eigg or since 2007 MV Margaret Sinclair belonging to Inverlussa Shellfish Ltd of Mull.

Footnotes

  1. ↑ "Eilean Dhiura". Shipping Data. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
  2. ↑ "Eilean Dhiura". ShipPhotos. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
  3. 1 2 "Jura Ferry". Isle Islay. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
  4. ↑ Iain Murray. "Caledonian MacBrayne - Former Vessels (and other steamers)". Retrieved 13 May 2012.
  5. ↑ "Eilean Dhiura". Clydesights. 16 February 2009. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
  6. ↑ Ian McCrorie (ed.), Review 2001, Glasgow: Clyde River Steamer Club
  7. ↑ Ian McCrorie (ed.), Review 2002, Glasgow: Clyde River Steamer Club
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