MV Varagen

MV Varagen underway.
History
United Kingdom
Name	MV Varagen
Owner	Orkney Islands Council
Operator	Orkney Ferries
Port of registry	Kirkwall
Builder	Cochrane Shipbuilders, Selby
Completed	1989
Identification	MMSI Number: 232000550 [1] IMO: 8818154 Callsign: MHBN9
General characteristics
Class & type	MCA Class IIA/III
Type	Ro-Ro Vehicle & Passenger Ferry
Tonnage	928
Length	49.85 m (163.5 ft)
Beam	11.4 m (37.4 ft)
Draft	3.006 m (9.9 ft)
Ramps	bow/stern
Installed power	2 x 790kW
Speed	14.5 knots (26.9 km/h; 16.7 mph)
Capacity	142 passengers; 28 cars or approximately 180 tonnes
Notes	[2]

MV Varagen is a Ro-Ro vehicle ferry operated by Orkney Ferries.

History

MV Varagen was built by Cochrane Shipbuilders, Selby in 1989, ^[2] to provide a service between Gills Bay, Near John O’ Groats, and Burwick, the southern tip of South Ronaldsay, Orkney.

On 11 November 2022, at about 6pm, Varagen ran aground en-route to Westray. There were no reports of injuries to crew or passengers. The Varagen made the outbound voyage to Westray after being freed by the tide, but was then escorted back to Kirkwall by tugs to assess any damage. ^[3]

Service

MV Varagen is normally used on Outer North Isles services, connecting Kirkwall with Eday, Sanday, Stronsay, and Westray.

References

1. "Varagen". Marine Traffic. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
2. "MV Varagen" (PDF). Orkney Ferries . Retrieved 27 November 2013.
3. "Rising tide frees run-aground Orkney ferry". BBC News. 11 November 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2024.