Concept design for the world's first sea going RORO passenger hybrid ferry

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) will host an information day tomorrow (Friday 18th February) with details of a new project which will see the world's first sea going RORO passenger hybrid ferry operational in Scotland.

The information day which will be jointly hosted with Scottish Enterprise and Scotland Europa also aims to help companies understand the role of R&D and innovation in bringing new products to market.

Following the recent Small Ferries Project, which saw CMAL partner with the Department for Regional Development Northern Ireland and the Department of Community Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs Ireland to examine ideas for a common design and procurement strategy for small ferries, CMAL has been working on the new project which will bring together existing technologies and expertise to develop these vessels, providing an innovative commercial opportunity for Scotland.

The ferry will be designed to operate on many of the short crossing routes around the Clyde and Hebrides and will accommodate 150 passengers, 23 cars or 2 HGVs, with a service speed of nine knots.

The vessel will be powered by small diesel generator sets, feeding power to a 400 volt switchboard which will in turn supply power to electric propulsion motors that turn the propellers.  In addition, battery banks installed on board will also be capable of powering the electric motors.

The battery banks will supply a minimum of 20% of the energy consumed on board, reducing CO2 and other emissions.  The batteries will be charged up overnight from the national grid whilst the vessel is moored alongside. The project is also looking at the possibility of using energy from local wind, wave or solar systems to charge the batteries, making the process even more environmentally friendly.

These new vessels could also easily be modified to take advantage of the rapid developments being made in battery and fuel cell technology and therefore reduce their reliance on fossil fuel powered diesel generators.

CMAL hope that the first of these vessels will be in operation by the early part of 2013.

An Information Day will be held in Glasgow on Friday 18th February to present the design and provide more information about the project, funding opportunities and the opportunity to meet other Scottish based companies which could be partners in future collaborative projects.

Commenting on the project, Guy Platten, Chief Executive, CMAL said: “The development of hybrid ferries is extremely exciting and will see Scotland lead the way in ferry design and innovation, while helping to contribute to the Scottish Government's targets on cutting climate change emissions.

“This project marks part of CMAL’s commitment to building for the future; providing sustainable ferries which are reliable, fuel efficient and have lower maintenance costs, to ensure the provision of quality services for those who rely on them.”

Minister for Transport, Keith Brown said:
“The development of hybrid ferries will not only provide passengers with a more modern, reliable and eco friendly ferry service, but will also present a fantastic commercial opportunity for Scotland; providing businesses with the chance to be part of the development of the world’s first sea going RORO passenger hybrid ferry.

“I look forward to the project reaching fruition and seeing the first sailing of a hybrid ferry in Scotland in the near future.”

Notes to Editors

  • The Information Day will take place on Friday 18th February from 10am at Radisson Blu Hotel, Argyle Street, Glasgow. For more information visit: http://hybridferries.eventbrite.com/
  • CMAL own property at piers and harbours at more than 24 locations throughout Scotland and is embarking on a programme of investment and improvements which will create better facilities.
  • In addition to its pier and harbour facilities, CMAL owns 31 ferries which are leased to CalMac Ferries Ltd and Cowal Ferries Ltd.
  • CMAL is a publicly owned company with Scottish Ministers as the sole shareholder.

For further information please contact:

Elise McDonald, Senior Account Manager, Golley Slater
0141 204 7800 / 07814 487 663 / elise.mcdonald@golleyslater.co.uk