#NewFerries - Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited (FMEL) on the Clyde as the preferred tenderer for the contract to build two ferries for the Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd’s (CMAL) fleet.

Once finalised, the new £97m contract will create new jobs at the shipyard and secure employment for the existing workforce of around 150 people, providing a boost for shipbuilding and the local economy on the Clyde.

The contract once finally negotiated and entered into, will provide a boost for commercial shipbuilding on the Clyde and follows the shipyard’s successful build of the world’s first two sea-going passenger and vehicle roll-on roll-off ferries to incorporate a low-carbon hybrid system of diesel electric and battery power. The third hybrid ferry is scheduled to launch in December 2015.

The contracts, when signed between CMAL and FMEL, will see two 100 metre ferries built at Port Glasgow, which can accommodate 127 cars or 16 HGV’s or a combination of both and up to 1000 passengers.

Care has been taken with the specification to ensure a high level of passenger comfort and ease of accessibility to all areas.

The ships will be capable of operating across a range of drafts and speeds to meet the precise requirements of the current operator, CalMac Ferries Ltd, and will be able to service a wide range of ports and routes without significant redevelopment over their expected 30 year plus lifespan.

To ensure the new vessels can operate in the demanding conditions of the west coast of Scotland, the winning design from FMEL incorporates a high level of in-built backup capability to improve reliability and ability.

From an efficiency and emissions perspective, they are designed to operate on either marine diesel or liquefied natural gas (LNG), where benefits will be gained by a marked reduction in CO2 and sulphur and nitreous oxides emissions.

The ship will be capable of operating at speeds of up to 16.5 knots and will be fitted with three bow thrusters to provide a high level of manoeuvrability in adverse weather conditions.

FMEL will undertake the detailed design and construction work of new vessels, as well as their testing, equipping, launching and delivery. It is anticipated that the first vessel will enter service early in 2018, with the second following a few months later.

It is likely that the first ship will initially serve on the Ardrossan to Arran route, using the new port facilities being built at Brodick. The second vessel is destined for the Uig Triangle.