Launch of MV Finlaggan

 

 

UPDATE: MV Finlaggan was launched at 14:15 CEST on 30th June 2010. Watch the video above for footage of launch. Photos are at the bottom of this page.

 

CMAL will launch a major new addition to its fleet on Wed 30th June, the MV Finlaggan Ro-Ro ferry. The launch is part of a £24m project to develop a new modern vessel which is planned to serve island communities on the Kennacraig to Islay route.

The 90 metre long MV Finlaggan will be launched sideways in to the water, following a short launch ceremony and a performance from the Gdansk Pipe Band. A specially labelled version of The Vintage Malt Whisky Company’s Finlaggan Islay single malt whisky has been produced to mark the launch of the ferry, a bottle of which will be smashed against the vessel to officially launch it.

The £24m project marks a major investment by CMAL, as part of its ongoing commitment to providing modern, sustainable ferries which are reliable, fuel efficient and have lower maintenance costs. The project began in 2007 after the contract was awarded to leading European ship yard Remontowa in Gdansk, Poland and is due to complete on time and within budget.

The new vessel is a modern Ro-Ro Euro Class B passenger ferry with capacity for 550 passengers and 85 cars, as well as coaches and commercial vehicles. This marks a 22% increase in passenger capacity and an 11% increase in cars compared to the current provision.

Once complete, the ferry will boast three passenger decks, an observation lounge, reclining seat and quiet lounge, restaurant, shop, children’s play area, two decks of external panoramic seating and two disabled lifts accessing all decks, including the outside upper deck.

Over the coming months, the engines will be fitted and outfitting will begin, followed by harbour and sea trials before the vessel is completed in the spring of 2011.

Read the rest of the press release >

 

Photos