Norse Merchant promotional picture of the Lagan Viking with her sister ship, Mersey Viking
Career
Name:	Lagan Viking
Owner:	Levantina Trasporti Srl
Operator:	Levantina Trasporti Srl
Port of registry:	Bari,  Italy
Builder:	Cantiere Navale 'Visentini' S.A.S. di Visentini Francesco & C., Italy
Maiden voyage:	2005
Status:	in service
General characteristics
Tonnage:	27700gt
Length:	186m
Beam:	26 m
Draft:	6 m
Speed:	max 27 knots (operational 23 kts)
Capacity:	970 passengers
Notes:	IMO number 9136034

The Lagan Viking is a ferry that is operated by Norfolkline Irish Sea Ferry Services. The Lagan Viking name has been in the company since 1997 (formerly Norse Merchant Ferries), although the name was given to the new vessel in 2005. The original Lagan Viking was re-named Liverpool Viking and placed on the Dublin–Birkenhead run last year.

The new Lagan Viking entered service in July 2005. She was built by Cantiere Navale di Visentini Francesco & Co. of Italy. She is 27'000gts and can carry up to 700 passengers in her 2 lounges (passenger certificate is 970), and can sleep up to 480 passengers in cabings. She has 4 vehicle decks and room for around 200 lorries. Her maximum speed is 27 knots, but usually sails at 23 knots maximum. She sails on the Belfast–Birkenhead route on charter with her marginally newer sister ship the Mersey Viking. Her charter to Norfolk Line is to expire in 2009, although when the ship was first chartered it was charted with the possible intention of being bought outright by Norse Merchant, or as they are now known, Norfolkline.

The Belfast–Birkenhead route is invaluable to drivers, as it saves them driving through Scotland on poor single-carriageway roads and behind a great number of freight vehicles. In all, the total journey time on board the ship is 7 hours.

The ships has several facilities on board such as restaurants, bars, shops and a cinema.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Norfolkline website
• Faktaom Fartyg
• Ferry-site