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This page shows images of the Mediterranean ferry
operator Balearia.
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Each image links to a larger
copy which opens in a new window
This page is under construction!
Isla de Botafoc
(Balearia: 2004-2010)
The Bison was one of three ships ordered by Stena Lime from
J.J.Sietas KG Schiffswerke GmbH, Hamburg in 1974. They were bought by P&O
before completion and became the Bison & Buffalo of new
operation Pandoro running between Fleetwood and Larne. The registered owners
were Hain Nourse Ltd (Belfast Steamship Co Ltd) London, part of the P&O
Group. The route started in 1975. The third ship being built was chartered
to the Union Steamship Co of New Zeeland and named Union Melbourne,
which later became the Puma with Pandoro. Animal names were used by
various Coast Lines companies before and after they became part of P&O.
Renamed European Pioneer in 1998 and company renamed P&O European
Ferries Irish Sea.
In 2004 the Fleetwood-Larne route was sold to Stena Line and European
Pioneer was renamed Stena Pioneer in April. Stena decided to
close the Fleetwood route since new tonnage was required and the restricted
access at Fleetwood prevented using more larger, more economical ships. Her
last day of services was 23rd December 2010 after which she was laid up in
Belfast. She was sold to a Russian company in May 2011. Named Ant 1
she began service for Anrusstrans between Zonguldak - Kavkaz in 2012 under
the Moldavian flag.
Images of Isla de Botafoc at Barcelona
Photo: ©2004 Ian Boyle
Images of Isla de Botafoc seen on an
early morning arrival at Palma, Majorca
Photo: ©2009 Ian Boyle
- Simplon Ship Postcards
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