Discover the European-Causeway: Ratings & Maritime News

On April 5, 2025, the ferry 'European Causeway' encountered a significant technical issue as it faced problems with its starboard rudder. Following the initial repairs, the vessel attempted a trial run in the afternoon; however, it was compelled to return to Larne, where it docked stern-in. As of April 8, repair efforts were still ongoing to address the rudder malfunction. By April 9, the ship remained moored at Larne, awaiting further technical resolution.

The P&O ferry 'European Causeway' has garnered a troubling distinction as it recorded the highest number of deficiencies among passenger ferries inspected in the last three years within the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) region. This inspection zone, which includes the United Kingdom, has seen more than 1,200 ferry inspections since then. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) detained the vessel following a controversial decision by P&O to terminate approximately 800 UK seafarers on March 17, opting instead for a workforce of more affordable foreign labor. The comprehensive inspection of the 'European Causeway' began merely eight days after the mass layoffs and revealed a staggering 31 deficiencies before the ferry's release on April 8. This significant number of faults surpassed the previous record of 29 deficiencies noted on the Nigerian-flagged ferry 'Jireh' during an inspection at a UK port in November 2019. Among the alarming issues reported, seven were so critical that they warranted the vessel’s immediate impoundment. The breakdown of deficiencies included: - **Nine deficiencies related to fire safety standards**; - **Eight issues with certificates and documentation**, which encompassed missing crew and survival/rescue craft certificates; - **Four problems regarding labor conditions**; - **Two concerning life-saving appliances**, specifically in maintaining the launching arrangements for survival crafts and proper upkeep of the marine evacuation system; - **One deficiency each for water/weathertight conditions, propulsion and auxiliary machinery, emergency systems, radio communications, structural conditions, safety of navigation, and ISM**, along with an additional category listed as “other”. The findings raise serious concerns over the operational standards and safety measures in place on the 'European Causeway', reflecting broader implications for the maritime industry amidst ongoing labor disputes.

As of April 9, P&O ferry operations connecting Larne and Cairnryan continue to be on hold, despite the recent release of the 'European Causeway' from detention. The reasons behind this continued suspension remain unclear. In a communication to customers, P&O stated: "#POLarne #POCairnryan Services remain suspended. It is no longer feasible for us to arrange travel via an alternative operator on this route. For those with essential travel needs, we recommend seeking alternative arrangements independently." In a show of solidarity with nearly 800 workers who were recently laid off, the RMT union in Scotland has threatened to disrupt P&O's operations by blockading ports. A representative declared, "When they resume operations with these so-called 'ships of shame,' RMT alongside our allies in the trade union movement will be present at Cairnryan and other ports regularly to enforce our blockades. Our message is clear: nothing goes in, nothing goes out — that's our commitment to opposing P&O's actions."