MV Eilean Dhiura
 MV Eilean Dhiura | |
| Career (UK) |  |
|---|---|
| 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: |
IMO number: 9186340[1]Call Sign: MYYF2 |
| Status: | in service |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and 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,[5] now by ASP Ship Management Ltd.[3]
In December 2010, 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 MV Margaret Sinclair belonging to Inverlussa Shellfish Ltd of Mull.
Footnotes
- ↑ "Eilean Dhiura". Shipping Data. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
- ↑ "Eilean Dhiura". ShipPhotos. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Jura Ferry". Isle Islay. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
- ↑ Iain Murray. "Caledonian MacBrayne - Former Vessels (and other steamers)". Retrieved 13 May 2012.
- ↑ "Eilean Dhiura". Clydesights. 16 February 2009. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
- ↑ Ian McCrorie (ed.), Review 2001, Glasgow: Clyde River Steamer Club
- ↑ Ian McCrorie (ed.), Review 2002, Glasgow: Clyde River Steamer Club