Clyde shipbuilder, Ferguson Marine Engineering of Port Glasgow, launched its third hybrid ferry MV Catriona for the UK ferry operator, Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), today, five months ahead of schedule.
The vessel features a technologically advanced low carbon hybrid system which combines traditional diesel power with electric battery power, reducing fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 20%, according to Ferguson.
Ferguson signed the contract for MV Catriona with Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) in September 2014.
The vessel is due to enter service in autumn 2016 and will accommodate 150 passengers and 23 cars or two HGVs. It will have a service speed of nine knots.
“This landmark day confirms Ferguson Marine’s position as an internationally recognised shipbuilder and marine engineering business. The Catriona demonstrates Ferguson Marine’s strength in building technologically advanced ships, its high value production, and its on-time, on-cost delivery,” Clyde Blowers Chairman, Jim McColl , said.
“This is the yard’s third hybrid ferry, and we expect there to be many more to come. We are currently investing heavily in facilities and equipment and already preparing for next challenge – the UK’s first two LNG ferries,” Managing Director, Liam Campbell, said.
Ferguson Marine previously launched the world’s first two diesel-lithium ion hybrid ferries in 2012 and 2013.