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The replacement ferry for the MV Hebrides will have a top speed would be 16.5 knots.

Three bow thrusters should give her a high level of manoeuvrability in adverse weather conditions.

She and a sister ship  will be built at Ferguson's shipyard in Port Glasgow.

The new ferries are earmarked for the Ardrossan-Arran and the Uig triangle routes, although the final decision on vessel deployment will rest with the operator.

The first vessel is planned to be completed by early 2018 and will operate the Arran run.

The new-build for the Harris- North Uist - Skye route is due to be ready later that year.

The present vessels, MV Hebrides and MV Caledonian Isles, would be retained for use on another route.

The vessels able to carry 1,000 passengers with a car deck designed to take up to 127 cars or, alternatively, 16 artic lorries.

They will have a lifetime of over 30 years, can operate in a wide number of harbours and routes.

Designed to operate on either marine diesel or LNG gas, the more efficient engines will cut down on CO2, sulphur and nitreous oxides emissions.

The ships will be owned by Scottish Government company, CMAL, which will lease them out to whichever company wins the tender to run the west coast ferry route.

The contract provides a welcomed lifeline for the shipyard and ship building on the Clyde.

Fergusons went into administration with financial problems last year.

Millionaire businessman Jim McColl, took over the business, rehired staff and recently announced expansion plans.

The ferry contract will create new jobs at the shipyard and secure employment for the existing 150-strong workforce.

New-build ferry set for 2018 delivery

 

31 August 2015