Hi Trygve, thank you for the additional info on this vessel Incidentally the name LECA NORD is quite close to LEGA NORD. This is the name of the party and region in the North of Italy which is trying to break away from the rest of Italy. An Italian friend of mine at first thought that it may have some significance to this issue, who knows? maybe the name change is to part away from that thinking?

Sorry I used "gaffel truck" in stead of forklifter, as You already will have read. At the moment I cant tell much of her previous history. But, in accordance to her previous name; "Leca Nord"(meaning "Leca North") and as myself have seen a few times; she carried Leca Bricks/blocks on pallets for building constructions. And in the many small harbours, she would be able to use the bow opening, to bring the cargo ashore via bow ramp/"platform". I dont think she has had extra function for military purpose (landing craft). The Norwegian coast have plenty of car ferries, of all sizes (but they need qay for the purpose).

I had the pleasure of visiting Malta a few years ago. Interesting place and history, incl, the maritime matters. Nice to look at the web cams showing the harbour of Valetta. In winter we are cold here in Norway, but this summer we have sometimes had Mediterranian Summer heat, for some days!

Well Denis,she could also function as a military vessel as a landing ship or even less warlike delivering supplies to regions hit by earthquakes, hurricanes etc.

Thats true, Emmanuel. They would need ships like this that can do all by themselves in small harbours all over the fjords that have only a some pier, little warehouse & forklifter.

Hi Denis ,maybe our Norwegian friends could tell us more of her previous Norwegian history . Maybe she used to operate between small harbours or between small islands which have limited harbour wharves and facilities. Regards.

No Jad, she isn't that big, maybe she looks big in the photo because there is not any other vessel nearby to compare sizes, but if you look at her railings you 'll notice and could gauge her size .Regards.

Pretty functional platter actually - 2 side openings, bow opening, derrick & neat looks within 50m. Only Norwegians could built such vessel! :D

Thanks Claus, I never heard of this word 'gaffel' ,is that a Norwegian word or a nickname for the forklifter?

With her length of only 50 mtrs,, she is actually a little-little-little ship :D ..... although in general,, she looks on this photo somehow 'much bigger' (or maybe it's only me,, who see it that way !?).


....... but I like this cute shippy,, in any case !!

By the way, great photo of this cute little oldie.

A gaffel truck is a forklift :-)
Brgds Claus

Thank you Trygve for the explanation regarding This pallet carrier, now can you tell me what is a gaffel truck, this is the first time I heard of this vehicle. Regards from hot and sunny Malta to a cool Norwegian Summer.

Note the opening of the bow, making possible to bring cargo onboard by small gaffel trucks (I believe). As former name LECA NORd indicates, Leca blocks(on wooden pallets?!) for building purposes must have been much of her cargo in early days (as I have seen her). Norwegian-built, but now Med-owned, I hope this 38 year old ship will be in service still many years.

Hi Jad and Denis, she is listed as a palletised cargo ship, but I don't know if she is still used for palletised cargo, and incidentally how and what, is a 'palletised cargo' ? Is it cargo on wooden pallets?

Not really good looks but an interesting little ship indeed. Excellent series as always too!

I must admit,, a very-very-very interesting small oldie ....... RoRo + palletised + nice looking + built 1976 !

: a simple being but indeed eye-catching photo,, well done Emmanuel !
Cheers (J)