
One of the new vessels under construction will replace MV Hebrides.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has announced that construction of two new dual fuel ferries – one of which is destined for the Uig-Lochmaddy-Tarbert triangle route – is approaching a new project milestone as the first vessel, currently known as Hull 801, nears the 75 per cent steelwork fabrication stage.
Hull 802 is following closely behind, currently at 60 per cent steelwork 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.
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 new ships will be highly manoeuvrable, with Twist Flow Costa Bulb Flap Rudders, three 620 kW bow thrusters and a 480 kW stern thruster.
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.
Jim Anderson, Director of Vessels at Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), said: “It is an impressive sight to see the two vessels being built side by side and the stage of fabrication now allows us to see the vessel form taking shape on the slipway at the shipyard.
“The LNG fuel tanks are hugely impressive and their planned delivery reminds us of the scale of the project we are delivering.
Liam Campbell, Managing Director at Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd said: “We are now entering a stage of the build on the vessels that will see much of the equipment being delivered and allow us to further advance the outfitting of the vessels both on the slipway and in the module hall.
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.