‘Ferry' fast crossing from Schull to Cape Clear

A SIGNIFICANT investment in a new fast ferry from Schull to Cape Clear Island has underlined a local company’s commitment to providing top quality marine-based attractions on the Wild Atlantic Way. 

Séamus Ó Drisceoil of the Cailín Óir ferry company has taken delivery of the MV Bremenholm from Norway, which is capable of speeds of up to 20 knots, reducing the crossing from Schull from 45 to 25 minutes. 

Attractive features include high high-quality passenger accommodation, airline-style seating, large windows, a comfortable saloon, and air conditioning.

It also has a crane and cargo capacity of six tons.

The vessel arrived in West Cork last week, but it is not likely to be operational until June, because there are still a number of steps that need to be completed before it is registered with the Irish Marine Survey Office.

Initially, the MV Bremenholm will be used on the Schull to Cape Clear Island route but Séamus said the company will also be seeking permission from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to use it on the Baltimore to Cape Clear Island route.

The ferry company has had some success in running island tours and other leisure trips but running a ferry company is not without its tribulations. On Wednesday of this week, a burst pipe caused the recently-fitted storm gates in the harbour to lock, and despite the local crew’s best efforts, they weren’t able to open them to allow the main ferry operate its early morning crossing.

The company did, however, put on a temporary ferry while they attempted to resolve the problem. Before going to press, Séamus Ó Drisceoil, said: ‘We have no definitive information from the Department of Marine as to when this problem will be resolved, but they are doing their best and are working on it.’