MV Leirna

MV Leirna turning to starboard arriving in Bressay.
History
United Kingdom
Name:	MV Leirna
Owner:	Shetland Islands Council
Operator:	SIC Ferries
Port of registry:	Lerwick
Route:	Bressay to Lerwick
Builder:	Ferguson Shipbuilders, Port Glasgow
Laid down:	1991
Completed:	1992
In service:	1992
Motto:	"Handles Doon!"
General characteristics
Class and type:	MCA Class IV
Type:	Ro-Ro Vehicle & Passenger Ferry
Tonnage:	420 GT
Length:	32.45 m (106.5 ft)
Beam:	10.7 m (35.1 ft)
Draft:	1.72 m (5.6 ft)
Ramps:	MacGregor bow/stern
Installed power:	2 x Mitsubishi @ 313kW each
Propulsion:	Voith Schneider
Speed:	22 knots (41 km/h; 25 mph)
Boats & landing craft carried:	1 DOTI, 2 Liferafts
Capacity:	80 passengers; 20 cars or approximately 100 tonnes
Crew:	4
Notes:	[1]

MV Leirna is a double ended ro-ro ferry operated by SIC Ferries. She operates between Bressay with Lerwick.

History

As vehicles grew in size and more and more islanders started to drive, the need for a larger ferry was identified. The previous Bressay ferry M.V Grima was simply too small for Bressay's needs. Plans were drawn up for a larger modern ferry, the Leirna. The Leirna was built by Ferguson Shipbuilders in 1992. As one of the first "New" ferries in the SIC she is widely considered the flagship of the fleet.

She is operated by the local authority and provides the lifeline Bressay service between Bressay and Lerwick

Layout

The Leirna has a main car deck with 3 lanes for vehicles. There are two passenger saloons with excellent views across Lerwick harbour. Situated in the upper passenger saloon there is a vending machine with a selection of hot and cold drinks. Each saloon has a toilet.

Service

The Leirna operates the Bressay Ferry Service linking Lerwick on the Shetland Mainland to Maryfield, Bressay. She was purpose built for this route.

References