Dual Fuel Ferries: Fabrication progress update
The construction of the two dual fuel ferries is approaching a new project milestone as the first vessel, currently known as Hull 801, nears the 75 per cent steel work fabrication stage. The second vessel, Hull 802 is following closely behind, currently at 60 per cent steel work fabrication.
The 102 metre vessels will be capable of operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine gas oil (MGO), reducing emissions to help meet Scottish Government reduction targets across transport. They are being designed to provide a fully flexible, year-round service for Arran and the Skye Triangle routes.
Last month, the dual fuel engines that will power the vessels were delivered to Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited’s shipyard in Port Glasgow, where the ships are being built. The 147m3 LNG tanks supplied by Wartsila – a stand out feature of the new vessels, measuring 20.4 metres in length and 4 metres in diameter – are nearing completion and are expected to be delivered to the shipyard in June 2017. Work is also underway on the aluminium superstructure that will form the accommodation block of the ships.
Dual fuel engines are delivered
The new ships will be highly manoeuvrable, with Twist Flow Costa Bulb Flap Rudders, three 620 kW bow thrusters and a 480 kW stern thruster. An innovative stern ramp will slide transversely, allowing the ships to operate on several routes across the service network.
LNG fuel tank
CMAL, which owns ferries, ports and harbours across the west coast of Scotland, has published a series of project photos of the hulls, engines and fuel tanks, as well as artist impressions to visualise what the ships will look like when complete.
The new vessels are earmarked for the Arran and Skye Triangle routes, although the final decision on routes is subject to review by CalMac Ferries Ltd, CMAL and Transport Scotland. The first ferry is expected to enter service in the second half of 2018, with the second vessel following a few months later.
Artist’s impression
Categories: Ferries, MV Glen Sannox & MV Glen Rosa, Projects
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