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Displaying items by tag: Removed restrictions

Seatruck, the Irish Sea freight-only operator announced the return of shared cabins following removal of social distancing rules introduced during the Covid pandemic that required drivers instead to use single cabin occupancy, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The relevant authorities have now removed these restrictions and Seatruck have taken the decision along with their ship management and H&S departments to reintroduce shared cabins.

As of next Monday, 2 May, all 12 driver (accompanied trailers) on their 150 freight trailer unit capacity FSG class ro-ro vessels must be prepared to share cabins.

According to Seatruck they will of course accommodate a single cabin occupancy where available.

The FSG class vessels are currently deployed on the following routes, Warrenpoint - Heysham and Dublin - Liverpool (morning and evening vessels).

The company also operate a third route, Dublin-Heysham in which Afloat conducted an on board interview with the Captain of the P-class ro-ro freighter Seatruck Pace.   

Last year, Seatruck which is the only dedicated freight operator on the Irish Sea, celebrated their 25th anniversary when its launched its first route to meet the transportation needs of the haulage industry.

Across the Seatruck route network, 350,000 trailers a year ranging from tippers, tanks, flats, refrigerated and hazardous units are handled by the operator.

Published in Ferry

About the TP52 Racing Yacht

The TP52 racing yacht is a remarkable example of cutting-edge technology in the world of competitive yachting. Measuring 52 feet (15.85 metres) in length, this vessel is constructed entirely from carbon fibre, making it an incredibly light and agile craft.

The TP52 features a 6.25-metre high rig, complete with a fractional asymmetrical spinnaker and a self-tacking jib. This design reduces the workload of the crew, allowing for more efficient manoeuvres and freeing up the crew to focus on the mainsheet upwind and on two-sail reaches.

The spinnaker rigging set-up, measuring 15.00 m2, presents a challenge to even the most experienced crews, requiring them to be fit and perfectly coordinated. Maneuvering the boat requires athleticism due to the vessel's lack of inherent stability and the high speed generated by the fully battened mainsail and jib.

The TP52's hull is constructed of fibreglass-reinforced polyester in a foam sandwich layout, resulting in a weight of just 74kg. The fully battened mainsail and jib are made from a transparent Mylar laminate with orange or red Dacron trimming, while the spinnaker is manufactured from ripstop Nylon.

The mast is made up of three parts, featuring an aluminium bottom and middle section, with a polyester-fibreglass composite tip to increase mast bend and decrease overall weight. The capsizing moment, which can be generated by a heavy mast tip, is also reduced through this design. The TP52's foils are constructed from either aluminium or fibreglass, depending on the specific requirements of the vessel.

Overall, the TP52 racing yacht is an exceptional example of the latest advancements in yacht design and technology. Its lightweight construction, advanced rigging, and high-speed capabilities make it a top contender in the world of competitive yachting, challenging even the most skilled and experienced crews.