Ferguson Yard Wins New Ferry Order
Yard rescued by Jim McColl a year ago to build two new large vessels for CalMac routes.
The Ferguson shipyard in Port Glasgow has been named preferred tendered for a £97million contract to build two large dual fuel ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service, currently operated by Calmac.
The yard was rescued by Jim McColl just over a year ago and is currently building a third small hybrid-powered ferry for CMAL which is scheduled to launch in December.
The two 100 metre ferries will accommodate 127 cars or 16 HGV’s or a combination of both and up to 1000 passengers.
They have are designed to operate on either marine diesel or liquefied natural gas (LNG), where benefits will be gained by a marked reduction in CO2 and sulphur and nitreous oxides emissions.
It is anticipated that the first vessel will enter service early in 2018, with the second following a few months later. It is likely that the first ship will initially serve on the Ardrossan to Arran route, using the new port facilities being built at Brodick. The second vessel is destined for the Uig Triangle.
First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon said: "This is an excellent result for Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited and I am delighted to name them as preferred tenderer for the contract to build two new ferries, the largest commercial vessels to be built on the Clyde since 2001. Today’s announcement proves that Scottish shipbuilding can succeed in a competitive market, with the FMEL team submitting the highest quality bid that offered best value for money.
"This contract will see the 150-strong workforce retained and more staff taken on at the shipyard, underlining our commitment to creating the vital jobs needed to boost local economies and help stimulate growth across Scotland. The Scottish Government is committed to supporting ferry users around Scotland by providing safe and reliable services, and this is the latest step to ensuring we have a fleet that continues to deliver for the communities that depend on it." Tom Docherty, CEO at CMAL commented: "This project provides a fantastic commercial opportunity for Scottish shipbuilding and we are delighted to announce FMEL as the preferred tenderer for this contract. We have worked closely with colleagues at CalMac Ferries Ltd to ensure that the design of these ferries follows their requirements that are based on future demand both on the initially identified routes and across the network, as well as their desire for an LNG powered ferry, which helps to future proof the vessel.
"CMAL is committed to leading the way in innovative and greener ferry design and this dual fuel ferry is further proof of that. When fully operating on LNG, these ferries will greatly contribute to Scotland’s ambitious climate change targets."