Over the years Libya has issued at least 4 stamps showing a white hulled ferry. This vessel is either the GARNATA or TOLETELA.
These sister-ships were originally built for the Naviera Aznar lines of Spain.
GARNATA launched as the MONTE GRANADA on 9 February 1974 by Union Naval de Levante S.A. in Valencia, Spain. Sailed on Maiden Voyage from Liverpool to the Canary Islands on 7 October 1975. Sold to General National Maritime Transport Co of Libya in 1977 and renamed GARNATA.
According to Equasis, GARNATA, in 2005 was a total loss and was sold for scrapping in 2006. She had been damaged by fire. However, she appears to have had a change of flag and in October 2006 was renamed GAR. After a spell of lay-up in Greece she was to sold to ship-breakers and sailed to Aliaga in Turkey on 18 January 2007.
TOLETELA launched as the MONTE TOLEDO on 10 March 1973 at Valencia. Made her Maiden Voyage in March 1974. Sold as above in 1977 and renamed TOLETELA.
In August 2002 TOLETELA was laid up in Libya. In March 2005 she was sold to Dubai Coast Lines and in the April was renamed ROSE 1. On 8 May 2005 she sailed from Tripoli to Alang in India to be broken up.
Lloyds Register had them classified as Passenger/RoRo Cargo/Ferries.
GARNATA
grt 13868
net 2565
dwt 3671
loa 151.47
1178 passenger berths
241 deck passengers
TOLETELA
grt 13868
net 2573
dwt 3713
loa 151.47
1032 passenger berths
241 deck passengers
Owned by General National Maritime Transport Co.
These vessels were often to be seen passing through the Straits of Gibraltar.
Libya 1980 25dh sg1014, scott904. 1993 50dh sg2115. 1999 sg2827-39
Reference: Great Passenger Ships of the World Vol 5 by Arnold Kludas.
Equasis. http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/monte_toledo_1974.htm .
http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/monte_granada_1975.htm
Peter Crichton
__._,_.___