Larne has a list of past vessels that have went on to serve elsewhere as long as your arm.  Two long lost souls European Endeavour and European Pathfinder are currently serving in the port of Ramsgate sailing to Ostend for Trans Europa Ferries.  LFW reader Nigel Thornton has kindly forwarded some shots of them working hard for their new owners.

Since leaving Larne in July 2002 European Endeavour was bought by Trans Europa Ferries and renamed Gardenia.  Below is laid out a sequence of shots of her arriving at Ramsgate in March 2004.  Since these pictures were taken she has been moved t an overnight sailing schedule and is only in Ramsgate at night or early in the morning.  All pictures (C) Nigel Thornton (click to enlarge)

So pleased were Trans Europa with the Endeavour that they just had to have sister ship European Pathfinder too which was also withdrawn in July 2002 but had languished at Liverpool until November 2002 as she had an engine problem carried over from her final weeks at Larne that was estimated to cost £¼million to put right.  A truly astonishing story of the ship that was a prime scrap candidate brought back from the brink unfolded in the ensuing months as Trans Europa Ferries' own repair crews laboured long and hard to get her back into service.  The labour of love was completed in February 2004 when the newly named Begonia returned to service on the Ramsgate - Ostend service.

Below is laid out a series of pictures of Begonia arriving at Ramsgate on 16th September 2004.  Look closely and you should be able to make out European Pathfinder still on her hull when the sun catches the side of the ship.  All pictures (C) Nigel Thornton (click to enlarge)

Been on any old Larne Ferries lately?  Then why not email your pictures and experiences along to LFW here.

Updated: 06/10/04

Back to top