MV Golden Mariana

MV Golden Mariana in Westray.
Career (UK)
Name: MV Golden Mariana
Owner: Orkney Islands Council
Operator: Orkney Ferries
Port of registry: Kirkwall
Builder: Bideford Shipyard, Bideford
Completed: 1973
Identification: Callsign: MMHZ2
General characteristics
Class and type:MCA Class VIA/VI
Type:Passenger Ferry
Tonnage:32.88
Length:50 ft (15.2 m)
Beam:16 ft (4.9 m)
Draft:5.5 ft (1.7 m)
Ramps:bow/stern
Installed power:1 x 97kW
Speed:9.5 knots (17.6 km/h; 10.9 mph)
Capacity:40 passengers
Notes:[1]

MV Golden Mariana is a passenger ferry operated by Orkney Ferries.

History

MV Golden Mariana was built by Bideford Shipyard of Bideford in 1973.[1] Designed by John England of Padstow, Cornwall - who also along with Gerald Pearn of Looe designed the Padstow speedboats Originally a pleasure boat which took passengers on a short cruise around the Camel estuary and surrounding coastline during the summer season. She was designed to be a dual purpose vessel and could easily convert into a fishing trawler for the winter fishing season when the tourists were few and far between. She was launched by David England in 1973 - who was at the time 6yrs old still wearing pyjamas on the day he was released from hospital after having his tonsils removed! She had a proper launch, smashing a bottle of champagne across her bow as she was blessed.

Service

MV Golden Mariana is normally allocated to the Westray to Papa Westray service.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "MV Golden Mariana". Orkney Ferries. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
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