Production will officially begin on Monday of Irish Ferries’ new €144 million vessel, with a “laying of the keel” ceremony at a shipyard in Germany.
The new vessel, which is to be named via a public competition, will have space for 1,885 passengers and crew, 440 cabins including suites with private balconies, and about 3km of car deck space.
In accordance with shipbuilding tradition, Irish Ferries said that "a ceremonial coin commissioned to mark the occasion will be placed within the keel section and will remain there throughout its construction to bring good luck and calm seas for the vessel".
Upon delivery next summer, it will be the largest passenger ferry operating on an Irish route. The company, which is owned by listed company Irish Continental Group, says it will begin taking bookings for the ferry in about a month.