MV Leirna

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

MV Leirna turning to starboard arriving in Bressay.
History
United Kingdom
Name	MV Leirna
Namesake	Leiraness, Bressay
Owner	Shetland Islands Council
Operator	SIC Ferries
Port of registry	Lerwick
Route	Lerwick - Bressay
Builder	Ferguson Shipbuilders, Port Glasgow
Yard number	605
Laid down	1991
Launched	27 August 1992
Completed	1992
In service	14 November 1992
Refit	Once a year, normally June
Identification	IMO number: 9050199
Motto	"Handles Doon!"
Status	In Service
General characteristics
Class and type	MCA Class IV
Type	Ro-Ro Vehicle & Passenger Ferry
Tonnage	Gross Tonnage: 420 Net Tonnage: 126 Deadweight Tonnage: 158
Length	32.45 m (106.5 ft)
Beam	10.7 m (35.1 ft)
Draft	1.72 m (5.6 ft)
Depth	3.69 m (12.1 ft)
Ramps	MacGregor bow and stern ramps
Installed power	2 x Mitsubishi @ 313kW each
Propulsion	2x Voith Schneider Units
Speed	8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph)
Boats & landing craft carried	1 Rescue Boat for 6 persons 2 Liferafts for 100 persons each
Capacity	124 passengers (formerly 80 with 4 crew) 19 cars 2 artics 94.5 tonnes
Crew	5 4 (with no passengers)
Notes

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 MV Grima was simply too small for Bressay's needs. Plans were drawn up for a larger modern ferry, the Leirna. MV Leirna was built by Ferguson Shipbuilders, Glasgow in 1992. As one of the first "New" ferries, and the first double ended ferry, 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 the Maryfield terminal on Bressay and the Esplanade terminal in Lerwick.

Leirna's engines were replaced during her docking in 2013, when it was stated that she could run for another 25 years and replace her before she is 50 or 60 years old.

Layout

MV Leirna berthed in Lerwick.

MV Leirna has a main car deck with 3 lanes for vehicles. The crew and passenger accommodation overhangs on the outer two lanes and therefore high vehicles cannot be fully in those lanes.

There are two passenger saloons with excellent views across Lerwick harbour. Situated in the upper passenger saloon there is a non operational 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.

In her whole career she hasn't been outside the Bressay Sound other than to go south for her annual docking, which takes place in Fraserburgh every year. It used to be every two years in Fraserburgh with the alternate year being alongside in Lerwick. She has in the past dry docked in Buckie and Lerwick, when the old floating dry dock was still there.

In recent years, during docking periods MV Fivla (II) is the relief vessel taking her place as the Bressay ferry. However, MV Bigga, MV Hendra or, before her sale, her predecessor, MV Grima have taken MV Leirna's place during dockings or breakdowns. There has been a few times when MV Leirna or her relief breaks down with no other relief ferry available and the harbour pilot tug, MV Knab, is brought in to carry out some sailings so that people can get home. Though she can only take 12 passengers at a time.