Second Hybrid Ferry Hits the Water at Ferguson’s Shipyard (Video)

Second Hybrid Ferry Hits the Water at Ferguson's Shipyard

A cutting edge ferry, which is the second of two unique ‘hybrid’ vessels, was launched on the Clyde yesterday, May 23 at Ferguson’s shipyard in Port Glasgow.

The ferries are being built following a Scottish Government investment worth over £20 million.

The hybrid ferry, named MV LOCHINVAR, is one of only two passenger and vehicle roll-on, roll-off ferries in the world to incorporate a low-carbon hybrid system of diesel electric and lithium ion battery power. The innovative vessel was launched by Mrs. Patricia Platten, wife of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) CEO, Guy Platten.

Grenville Johnston, Chairman of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd commented:

“The launch of both MV HALLAIG and MV LOCHINVAR demonstrate CMAL’s commitment to leading the way in innovative ferry design and our focus on creating new vessel technology. These ferries will come into operation in 2013 and their technology will be cleaner, quieter and cheaper to operate and maintain than ever before. Their introduction to our fleet demonstrates the vast economic potential of developing green technology within the transport industry.

 “We are very proud that the design and construction of this new class of ferry, using world class technology, was carried out in Scotland, continuing a proud tradition of shipbuilding on the Clyde.”

The sea going roll-on, roll-off vehicle and passenger diesel electric hybrid ferry is nearly 150ft long and will accommodate 150 passengers, 23 cars or two HGVs. It is expected to come into service on the Tarbert to Portavadie route towards the end 2013, following fitting out, testing and certification.

 

Transport Minister, Keith Brown said:

“With its sister ship MV HALLAIG launched and due to come into service later this summer, I’m delighted MV LOCHINVAR is fast approaching the start of its own working life.

“The value of having these cutting edge vessels – the first of their kind anywhere in the world – built here in Scotland cannot be underestimated, not just because it keeps the rich shipbuilding heritage of the Clyde alive and well, but the investment supports local jobs and apprenticeships in the local community. Everything the Scottish Government does is geared towards invigorating our economy, and the building of these ships at Ferguson Shipbuilders Ltd neatly encapsulates that ambition.

 “I’m delighted that MV LOCHINVAR has successfully followed in her sister’s wake ‘doon the watter’ and look forward to seeing her take her place among the fleet when she comes into service on Loch Fyne later this year.”

Richard Deane, Managing Director, Ferguson Shipbuilders Ltd, added:

We would like to acknowledge our appreciation to both CMAL and the Scottish Government for placing the orders for the Hybrid Vessels with Fergusons. The build of MV LOCHINVAR and sister vessel, MV HALLAIG, was a welcome boost to us and, indeed, the Inverclyde Community.”

Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) Managing Director, Martin Dorchester, expressed gratitude to the Scottish Government for its support and added:

We are delighted to see the second hybrid ship nearing completion and are looking forward to her entering service later this year. It’s hard to believe it is little more than five months since her sister ship, the MV HALLAIG, was launched from the same yard and we will continue to work closely with CMAL to ensure the ship is ready to enter service as quickly as possible.”

Key ship information are as follows:

  • Length 43.5m (142ft)
  • Breadth 12.2m (40ft)
  •  Deadweight 135t
  •  Service speed of 9 knots
  •  Passengers – 150
  •  Cars – 23
  •  Commercial Vehicles – two fully laden 44t HGVs, but with space for four

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Press release, May 24, 2013