The MV Queenscliff is a double ended roll-on/roll-off vehicle ferry owned by Peninsula Searoad Transport of Victoria, Australia. It has operated between the heads of Port Phillip Bay between the towns of Queenscliff and Sorrento since December 1993.[3] The ferry replaced the earlier Peninsula Princess used on the route, and can carry approximately 80 vehicles and 700 passengers.[1] During the 2011 off season the ferry underwent a $2 Million refit.[4]
 MV Queenscliff docking at Queenscliff
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Name | MV Queenscliff[1] |
| Operator | Peninsula Searoad Transport Pty Ltd |
| Port of registry |  Australia |
| Route | Queenscliff and Sorrento, Victoria, Australia |
| Completed | 1992 |
| Maiden voyage | 22 December 1993 |
| Identification |
|
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Double-ended, roll-on/roll-off catamaran |
| Tonnage | 3,200 GT (approx) |
| Length | 60.1 m (197.2 ft) |
| Beam | 16.4 m (53.8 ft)[1] |
| Draft | 2.3 m (7.5 ft) |
| Installed power | Diesel |
| Propulsion | 2 x 800 kW |
| Speed | 11 knots (20 km/h) |
| Capacity |
|
Loading and unloading
editThe MV Queenscliff is fitted with ramps at the bow and stern of the ship to allow vehicles to roll on at the start of the voyage and roll off at the end of the voyage. This results in a fast turnaround time, with all vehicles and passengers embarking and disembarking in approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The loading facilities are also used by the MV Sorrento, the earlier Peninsula Princess used a different ramp at Queenscliff.
At Queenscliff, the ship docks bow into the terminal. The bow of the ship consists of two sections; one section raises whilst the other lowers forming a ramp that allows vehicles to drive off. Once all vehicles and foot passengers have disembarked the ship, vehicles travelling to Sorrento then board and face the stern of the ship for the voyage. At Sorrento, the ship docks stern into the terminal. A ramp at the stern of the ship lowers allowing vehicles to drive off. Once all vehicles and foot passengers have disembarked, vehicles travelling to Queenscliff then board and face the bow of the ship for the voyage.
Foot passengers embark and disembark the ship, via the same ramps that vehicles do, under the direction of the ship's crew in between the embarkation and disembarkation of vehicles.
Gallery
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See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c "Searoad - The Vessels". Retrieved 14 November 2014.
- ^ Miramar and Shipspotting
- ^ "Premier Launches New Bay Ferry Service". Media Release. Office of the Premier. 22 December 1993. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 26 July 2007.
- ^ "Queenscliff Sorrento Ferry". Retrieved 30 September 2011.
External links
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