Voting opens on the shortlist to name Scotland’s third hybrid ferry

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has announced the shortlist of names for Scotland’s third hybrid ferry, which is expected to launch in December 2015.

The sea going Roll On Roll Off vehicle and passenger diesel electric hybrid vessel is currently being built in Port Glasgow at Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd’s ship yard and will be the third ferry in the Scottish literature class.  The first and second hybrid ferries, the MV HALLAIG and MV LOCHINVAR, entered service in 2013.

The shortlist has been put forward by the CMAL Board and the Scottish Government, to reflect the ferry’s Scottish roots.  The shortlisted names are:

1. CATRIONA – a novel by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1983 of which he considered to be one of his finest works.  Catriona is the sequel to the highland adventure Kidnapped and follows the further adventures of its hero David Balfour.
2. ARDLAMONT – a poem by Tarbert Loch Fyne poet, George Campbell Hay (1915 – 1984) from his book Wind on Loch Fyne
3. SKIPNESS – a 13th century castle in Mull of Kintyre, built at a time when Argyll was ruled by Norway, and is steeped in local history and folklore through the centuries.

The naming competition opened 1 June 2015 and to vote in the competition, ferry followers should go online to https://www.cmassets.co.uk/en/our-work/projects/current-projects/third-hybrid-ferry-naming-competition.html before midnight on 3July 2015, when voting closes.

One person chosen at random from those suggesting the most popular name will be invited as a special guest (with a friend) to the third hybrid ferry’s launch at Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited’s ship yard in Port Glasgow.

Tom Docherty, CEO of CMAL said:

“The ferry will become the third hybrid vessel in our fleet, strengthening our commitment to using cutting edge technology and design to create innovative, sustainable and reliable ferries.

“Progress on the third hybrid project is going well and is within budget and on schedule to be launched by the end of the year.  Factory testing of equipment is due to take place in the next couple of months, including engines and prop units.

“We are excited to announce the shortlist of names and I look forward to seeing which name ferry followers find most popular.”

Like her sister ships, the new hybrid ferry will use a low carbon hybrid system, that combines traditional diesel power with electric battery power.  The system will lead to a reduction in fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions.  Operational experience has shown, from analysis of MV HALLAIG, that these hybrid vessels are capable of reducing fuel consumption by up to 38% compared to a conventionally powered vessel of the same size. The reduction of fuel consumption will result in a decrease in CO2 emissions in excess of 5,500 tonnes per vessel over their lifetime with a proportionally similar decrease in sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions.  The new hybrid ferry will be built to accommodate 150 passengers, 23 cars or two HGVs, with a service speed of nine knots.

Media contact:

Media enquiries to Susan Ferrier at Golly Slater: sferrier@golleyslater.co.uk 0131 220 8787 / 07918 690 604.

Notes to Editors

1. Voting opens on 1 June 2015 and closes on 3 July 2015.
2. Those wishing to take part in the competition can enter on-line at https://www.cmassets.co.uk/en/our-work/projects/current-projects/third-hybrid-ferry-naming-competition.html. Full terms and conditions are on the CMAL website.
3. The three hybrid vessels are owned by CMAL and operated by the current operator, CalMac Ferries.
4. CMAL own property at piers and harbours in 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 own 31 ferries and lease one further vessel.
5. CMAL is a publicly owned company with Scottish Ministers as the sole shareholder.
6. For more information about CMAL visit: www.cmassets.co.uk