Clipper Ranger takes over Douglas Heysham freight service.
9th March, 2010
The Steam Packet Companys' regular vessel, Ben My Chree, is in dock for annual survey and overhaul for three weeks and the freight service has been taken over by the Clipper Ranger which is carrying out one round trip daily with the fast craft Manannan providing the passenger service.
Clipper Ranger has been about to say the least and has worked for numerous shipping lines under various names since her launch in 1998.
Builder: Astilleros de Huelva, Huelva, Spain.
Yard number: 570
Launched: 1998
Christened: MS Lembitu
Renamed: MS Dart 7 (January 1999)
MS Lembitu (September 1999)
MS Celtic Sun (March 2000)
MS Lembitu (October 2001)
MS RR Challenge (April 2005)
MS Challenge (October 2007)
Homeport: Valletta
Tonnage: 7,606 GRT
Length: 122.32 metres (401 ft 4 in)
Beam: 19.80 metres (65 ft 0 in)
Draught: 5.78 metres (19 ft 0 in)
Installed power: 7,400 kilowatts (9,900 hp) total
Propulsion: Main - 2 x 9 cylinder Wärtsilä 9R32 diesel engines.
Auxiliary - 2 x 600 kilowatts (800 hp) Wärtsilä engines.
600 kilowatts (800 hp) Ulstein bow thruster.
Speed: 17 knots (31 km/h)
Capacity: 12 passengers, 88 trailers
