First milestone reached on CMAL’s new dual-fuel ferries
Steel was cut today for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd’s two new ferries being built by Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd (FMEL), marking the start of construction on the £97 million vessels.
The steel-cutting ceremony took place at FMEL’s shipyard in Port Glasgow, Scotland, where the ships are being built. Derek Mackay, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Transport and Islands, joined Tom Docherty, CEO of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) and Liam Campbell from FMEL, to push the button to start the steel cutting machine.
The new 100m, roll on roll off vehicle passenger ferries are designed to carry 127 cars or 16 HGVs or a combination of both and up to 1,000 passengers. They will be owned by CMAL and operated by the current operator of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services, CalMac Ferries Ltd. The ships will be capable of operating across a range of drafts and speeds to meet the requirements of the operator to service a wide range of ports and routes.
The ferries will be dual-fuel vessels so they can operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine gas oil. LNG is significantly cleaner and has been adopted by ferry operators in Northern Europe in response to tighter emissions regulations. FMEL will undertake the detailed design and construction work of the new vessels in Scotland, as well as their testing, equipping, launching and delivery.
Erik Østergaard, Chair of CMAL, commented:
“Today’s steel cutting marks an exciting stage of the ferry building process as work gets underway on construction of the first vessel. The vessels are dual-fuel ferries, allowing them to use cleaner fuel and future-proofing them for the advent of tighter regulations around sulphur emissions and allowing greater flexibility over future fuel costs
“The new ferries will provide a lifeline ferry service for the communities they will serve and are currently earmarked for the crossing between Ardrossan and Brodick and on the Uig Triangle route, although the final decision on vessel deployment rests with the ferry operator. We look forward to taking delivery of the ferries in 2018.”
Mr Mackay commented:
“I’m delighted to help cut the first steel for these new ferries, marking the start of construction on this massive project that has brought large shipbuilding back to the Clyde. The Scottish Government is committed to creating the vital jobs needed to boost local economies and help stimulate growth across Scotland. This £97 million contract means FMEL can retain its 150-strong workforce, as well as take on more staff and apprentices.
It is anticipated that the first ferry will launch in October 2017 and is expected to enter service in summer 2018, with the second vessel following a few months later. The vessels are currently known as hulls 801 and 802 and CMAL will run a competition later in the year to name the new ferries.
Additional information on the new vessels:
| Length Overall | 102.4 |
| Beam (inc. belting) | 17.5 |
| Draught | 3.4 |
| Deadweight | 900 |
| No of Cars | 127/136 |
| No of Passengers | 1000 |
| Gross Tonnage | TBC |
| Service Speed | 16.5/14.5 |
| Main Engines | 2 x 3000 kW plus
2 x 920 kW auxiliary |
Notes to Editors
- CMAL own property at piers and harbours at more than 24 locations throughout Scotland and is embarking on a programme of investment and improvements, which will create better facilities.
- In addition to its pier and harbour facilities, CMAL owns 31 ferries and lease one further ferry. All 32 vessels are leased to CalMac Ferries Ltd for use on ferry services on the Clyde and Hebrides.
- CMAL is a publicly owned company with Scottish Ministers as the sole shareholder.
- For more information about CMAL visit: www.cmassets.co.uk
Media contact:
Christina Kelly, Managing Director, Golley Slater
Tel: 0141 548 8222 / 0131 220 8787
Email: ckelly@golleyslater.co.uk
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