EMEA News
Scottish Ferry Operator Inks £97 million Deal on Two Dual-Fuel Vessels
Scottish ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) says it has signed a contract with Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) for two 100 metre long, dual-fuel ferries worth £97 million ($150 million), Scottish media reports.
It is reported that the ferries will be able to run on both liquid natural gas (LNG) and marine diesel, and will be the fourth and fifth such additions to the ferry operator's fleet, with two already in operation and a third set to be added into service in December.
"I'm delighted this contract has been formally awarded to Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited (FMEL) and the shipyard can now start work on these new 100m ferries, the largest commercial vessels to be built on the Clyde since 2001," said Derek Mackay, Scotland's Minister for Transport and Islands
FMEL is reported to be responsible for the design, construction, and testing of the two vessels, which are said to be set to operate on CalMac's Ardrossan-Brodick and the Uig Triangle routes.
"We are delighted to sign the shipbuilding contracts, securing FMEL as the contractor to build the two newest additions to our fleet," said Tom Docherty, Chief Executive at CMAL.
"Key items of equipment will now be ordered, detailed plans will be developed for approval and it is anticipated that actual construction will start early in 2016.
"We hope to see the first of these vessels in operation in early 2018," added Docherty.
The two vessels are reported to have a capacity of 1,000 passengers and a combination of 127 cars and 16 heavy goods vehicles.
Last week, it was reported that CalMac is hoping a new fuel monitoring system will result in £450,000 ($696,183) in fuel savings and reduce its carbon emissions by 1,800 tonnes once the new system is installed on its fleet.
