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 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 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]. A new bow ramp was fitted in 2002.
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.
References
- ^ "Eilean Dhiura". Shipping Data. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
- ^ "Eilean Dhiura". ShipPhotos. Archived from the original on 13 June 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ a b "Jura Ferry". Isle Islay. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
- ^ Iain Murray. "Caledonian MacBrayne - Former Vessels (and other steamers)". Archived from the original on 26 May 2011. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "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