MS Madeleine facts for kids

Madeleine arriving at Souris
Quick facts for kids History
Name	1981–1993: Leinster 1993–1996: Isle of Inishmore 1996–1997: Isle of Inishturk 1997–present: Madeleine
Operator	1981–1995: B&I Line 1995–1997: Irish Ferries 1997=present: C.T.M.A.
Port of registry	1981–1997: Dublin,  Ireland 1997–present: Ottawa,  Canada
Builder	Verolme Cork Dockyard, Cork, Ireland
Yard number	979
Launched	7 November 1980
Identification	IMO number: 7915228
Status	In service
General characteristics (as built)
Tonnage	6,807 GRT 1,310 t DWT
Length	122.05 m (400 ft 5 in)
Beam	18.83 m (61 ft 9 in)
Draught	4.99 m (16 ft 4 in)
Decks	8
Installed power	4 × MaK 8M551AK diesels
Propulsion	2 x Controllable pitch propellers
Speed	20 kn (37.04 km/h)
Capacity	1500 passengers 534 berths 326 cars

The MS Madeleine is a car/passenger ferry owned and operated by Coopérative de Transport Maritime et Aérien between Souris and Cap-aux-Meules. The ship was originally named Leinster and owned and operated by B&I Line. The ship later sailed with Irish Ferries as Isle of Inishturk as well as operating under the name Isle of Inishmore.

History

Leinster departing Dublin in July 1989

Madeleine was built in 1981 as Leinster for the B&I Line overnight Dublin – Liverpool route. Following heavy losses the overnight Dublin – Liverpool route closed in 1988. Leinster transferred to the shorter Dublin – Holyhead route until 1993 when she was transferred to the Pembroke Dock – Rosslare route, for this role she was renamed Isle of Inishmore.

In 1995 Isle of Inishmore received the new Irish Ferries livery following the privatization of B&I Line. The ship was renamed Isle of Inishturk a year later to free the name for a new vessel under construction in the Netherlands. The new Isle of Inishmore was delivered in 1997 enabling Isle of Innisfree to replace Isle of Inishturk on the Pembroke Dock – Rosslare route.

After a few months laid up, Isle of Inishturk was sold to Coopérative de Transport Maritime et Aérien (CTMA) and renamed Madeleine. Prior to entering service the lifeboats were removed and replaced with a Marine evacuation system. In 2006 Madeleine was rebuilt to comply with the latest safety regulations. This included the addition of large sponsons to the stern.

The Government of Canada is currently in talks with Davie Shipbuilding to build a ship that will replace the MS Madeleine, which is nearing the end of its life-cycle .