#Competition - A competition has been launched by Irish Ferries to name their new €144m cruiseferry, which will be the biggest ever ferry to operate on the Irish Sea.

The 55,000 tonne ship is due to enter service in mid-2018. The winner of the naming competition will get free travel for life on Irish Ferries’ services, while 20 more will get runner-up prizes.

Capable of handling 1,885 passengers and crew and 500 vehicles, the new giant cruiseferry currently under construction in Germany for owners ICG (see related report) is expected to begin services next summer on the Dublin to Holyhead route.

In addition the new cruiseferry with 440 cabins featuring suites with their own private balconies will also at weekends sail between Ireland and France.

The ferry operator said a literary name is suggested for competition entries as the current fleet has traditionally had names inspired by Irish literature, including Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and Ulysses. This cruiseferry introduced in 2001, is so far the biggest on the Irish Sea until the new maritime giant makes her debut next year during the holiday season.

Passenger facilities will include bars and lounge space, restaurants, cinemas, and a shopping mall. Freight drivers will have dedicated facilities and likewise for pet owners. 

On the vehicle decks there will be space for almost three kilometres in lanes of car deck space.