EMEA News
Second Hybrid Ferry Launches
The second of two "world first" hybrid ferries was launched on the Clyde last week at Ferguson's shipyard in Port Glasgow, the owner of the vessels, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), has said.
The MV Lochinvar is one of only two passenger and vehicle roll-on, roll-off ferries in the world to incorporate a low-carbon hybrid system of diesel electric and lithium ion battery power, CMAL said.
The benefits of the hybrid ferries were said to include reduced fuel consumption and impact of CO2 emissions and other pollutants, noise reduction, and lower maintenance requirements.
The ferries will charge overnight while they are moored on the islands they will serve, and it is anticipated that in the future may be able to harness energy from local wind, wave, or solar systems to charge their batteries.
"The launch of both MV Hallaig and MV Lochinvar demonstrate CMAL's commitment to leading the way in innovative ferry design and our focus on creating new vessel technology. These ferries will come into operation in 2013 and their technology will be cleaner, quieter and cheaper to operate and maintain than ever before," commented CMAL Chairman Grenville Johnston.
"Their introduction to our fleet demonstrates the vast economic potential of developing green technology within the transport industry."
MV Lochinvar is nearly 150ft long and will accommodate 150 passengers, and 23 cars or two heavy goods vehicles (HGVs.)
It is expected to come into service on the Tarbert to Portavadie route towards the end 2013, following fitting out, testing, and certification.
The first hybrid ferry, the MV Hallaig, was launched in December 2012 and is nearing completion at Ferguson Shipbuilders.
She will enter service this summer on the Sconser to Raasay route.
