Phoenix and Castle Quays
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A dusk view of HMS Penzance berthed at Castle Quay on the occasion of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Holiday (2-5th June 2002). On Phoenix Quay (right) are the tugs Samuel F and Maria McLoughlin |
| Phoenix Quay |
Castle Quay |
|
| Depth of water to chart datum | ?? | 4.5 metres |
| Max Length of Vessel | ?? | 80 metres |
| Max Beam of Vessel | ?? | No Restriction |
| Facilities | Mobile cranes available | Mobile crane available |
Phoenix and Castle Quays were part of the south quay extension started in the early 1950's with the purchase of redundant Mulberry Harbours. These were towed to Larne and used to construct Curran and Phoenix Quays which were opened in 1956. Castle Quay followed in 1962.
Both Castle and Phoenix Quays mainly handled container ships. This was a thriving trade during the 50's and 60's until the ro-ro way of handling freight became firmly established. During that time Larne handled regular lift on lift off services to Ardrossan, Preston and Liverpool.
Phoenix Quay was actually shortened when Curran Quay was redeveloped in 1993. Before this Phoenix Quay was able to accommodate ferries that were laid up between trips or over the weekend. One regular visitor in the 1970's was the Sealink freighter Ulidia, which was normally laid up on Phoenix Quay between 0730 and 1645 every day.
As the lift on lift off container services from the port gradually declined this left Castle Quay and Phoenix Quay little used. Castle Quay is now the berth for the Larne all weather lifeboat as well as the tugs and workboats of John McLoughlin and Son, while Phoenix Quay occasionally plays host to small workboats engaged in activities around the Larne area.
**Anyone with the berth data for Phoenix Quay then email it to me here**
Updated: 12/07/03