#P&Oexpress – Annual overhaul of P&O Ferries fast-ferry Express has been completed at Harland & Wolff, from where the craft departed the 225m long dry-dock of Belfast Dock yesterday, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Prior to dry-docking, the Incat 91m built craft had gone into routine winter lay-up in early October, having carried out seasonal Larne-Troon route sailings.

According to P&O Ferries, the 900 passenger / 220 car fast ferry is to resume service on the North Channel route in March 2015.

P&O also operate the year-round Larne-Cairnryan route, served by European Causeway and European Highlander. The ro-pax pair sisters had recently accommodated Stena Line passengers and freight customers where possible due to last week's suspended Belfast-Cairnryan (Loch Ryan Port) sailings.

The Stena Line service has since resumed and is running to a normal sailing schedule.