A dynamic team of Scottish designers, engineers and shipbuilders are assembling the world’s first hybrid seagoing ro-paxes.
The two revolutionary passenger and car ferries will each carry up to 150 passengers and 23 cars or two HGVs and provide a vital ferry service for a group of remote islands off the west Scottish coast. Powered by a dual diesel-electric system which reduces their fuel and CO2 consumption by at least 20%, the 43.5 metre long vessels will be delivered next year.
The Small Ferries project, as it is known, is a partnership between Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL) and Ferguson Shipbuilders of the Port of Glasgow and is part-funded by EU money. Lloyd’s Register has been surveying the building work, ensuring compliance with plan approval and LR rule requirements.
Richard Hadfield, Head of Ferry Operations for Transport Scotland , said: “ The project is part of the Scottish government’s climate change initiative and our generally greener and more environmental approach to new technology .”
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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, September 4, 2012