New ferry

The contract to build the new £48 million ferry for Harris and North Uist has been signed today.

The 100m ‘dual-fuel’ vessel is to be built by Ferguson's shipyard in Port Glasgow.

The yard will also construct an identical sister ship, earmarked for the Ardrossan - Arran route.

The shipbuilding contract is worth £97 million.

Fergusons will undertake the detailed design and construction work of the new vessels, as well as their testing, equipping, launching and delivery.

The first ferry is expected to enter service in early 2018, with the second vessel following a few months later.

The new ferries are earmarked for the Ardrossan-Brodick and the Uig Triangle routes, although the final decision on vessel deployment rests with CalMac Ferries.

The ferries will be ‘dual-fuel’ vessels so they can operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine diesel. LNG is significantly cleaner and has been adopted by ferry operators in Northern Europe in response to tighter emissions regulations.

Minister for Transport and Islands Derek Mackay said: “I’m delighted this contract has been formally awarded to Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited and the shipyard can now start work on these new 100m ferries, the largest commercial vessels to be built on the Clyde since 2001.

“The award of this contract will see FMEL’s 150-strong workforce retained and more staff taken on, underlining the Scottish Government’s commitment to creating the vital jobs needed to boost local economies and help stimulate growth across Scotland.

“I once again congratulate FMEL on proving Scottish shipbuilding can succeed in a competitive market, and I look forward to seeing these new vessels join the West Coast ferry fleet in the future.”

Tom Docherty, Chief Executive, CMAL commented: “We are delighted to sign the shipbuilding contracts, securing FMEL as the contractor to build the two newest additions to our fleet. 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.”

Liam Campbell, Managing Director, FMEL added: “This is a great achievement for the yard and great news for the local community. The signing of the shipbuilding contracts today marks the beginning of a new era of commercial shipbuilding on the Clyde and in conjunction with our experience in building battery hybrid vessels, confirms Ferguson Marine Engineering as a lead designer and builder of innovative green vessels internationally.”

Ferry-building contract signed

14 October 2015