Ferry will ply Mecca route

THE Swansea Cork Ferries vessel Superferry, which made its final run from Cork to Swansea on Saturday night, is to get a new lease of life in the Middle East carrying pilgrims to Mecca.

Swansea Cork Ferries’ management has confirmed that the ship has been sold to an operator in Egypt and that it will be used to carry passengers and cars between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

This route is in demand not only by Islamic pilgrims but also by the large numbers of Egyptians who work in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, three vessels are being looked at by the management of Swansea Cork Ferries to replace Superferry, which could carry 1,400 passengers and 330 cars. Swansea Cork Ferries say they want larger capacity, particularly for freight, in a replacement ship.

“Three candidate vessels are being examined over the next few weeks and we hope to have a decision before the end of the year,” said a Swansea Cork Ferries spokesman. “We will be looking at the ships with a view to increasing the capacity for passengers and freight.”

Swansea Cork Ferries hopes to resume the service by March 16.