EXPRESS

P&O Irish Sea Ferries have operated a number of fast craft on their seasonal service between Troon and Larne for a number of years now, and the vessel which has been used since 2005 has been EXPRESS. Built in Tasmania in 1998 by International Catamarans, she started life as CATALONIA, and has been employed in South American waters as well as on the English Channel. At 5,902 gross tons and 91.3 metres in length, EXPRESS can carry up to 225 cars and 868 passengers at speeds of more than 40 knots. Propulsion is provided by four Caterpillar diesel engines and Lips steerable waterjets. EXPRESS briefly held the Hales Trophy, awarded to passenger ships making the fastest crossing of the North Atlantic, perhaps better known as the 'Blue Riband', and was the first commercial vessel to cover more than 1,000 miles in a 24-hour period.