MV Strangford Ferry operated in recent years as relief and back up vessel on the Strangford - Portaferry route for the Strangford Lough Ferry Service. When the vessel is in service there is a 7.5T weight restriction in place. Built in 1969 by Verolme Dockyard Ltd of Cork the vessel was delivered to its then owner/operator Down County Council. The vessel only ever operated its current route alongside MV Portaferry Ferry however following delivery of MV Portaferry II the vessel became the back up ferry. Now over 45 years old the vessel has been scheduled for replacement by a larger new build ferry due for delivery in August 2016. The new vessel is currently being built by Cammell Laird Shipyard, Birkenhead. MV Strangford Ferry is currently laid up awaiting sale.