In February 2011 the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Keith Brown confirmed Scottish Government funding to Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) for the Low Emission Hybrid Ferries Project, which will see the development of the world’s first sea going Roll On Roll Off vehicle and passenger diesel electric hybrid ferries in Scotland.
Ferguson Shipbuilders, Port Glasgow, Scotland are now working alongside Glasgow based ship design specialists Seatec and electrical specialists Tec-Source to fit out the two hybrid ferries. The first of which, the MV HALLAIG, was launched by Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, on 17th December 2012. This was followed a few months later by the second ferry, the MV LOCHINVAR, which was launched on 23rd May 2013 by Mrs Patricia Platten, wife of CMAL CEO, Guy Platten.
The ferries, which will be operated by the current operator of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services, CalMac are designed for use on many of the short crossing routes around the Clyde and Hebrides and will use some of the most innovative new ‘green’ technology, including battery banks supplying a minimum of 20% of the energy consumed on board.
The MV HALLAIG will enter service in the summer of 2013, serving communities on Skye and Raasay, with the MV LOCHINVAR, entering service later in the year, serving the Tarbert to Portavadie route.
Each ferry will be designed to accommodate 150 passengers, 23 cars or 2 HGVs, with a service speed of nine knots and will be powered by small diesel generator sets, feeding power to a 400 volt switchboard, which will supply power to electric propulsion motors that turn the propulsion units
In addition 2 lithium-ion battery banks with a total of 700kWh will also be able supply power to the units reducing fuel and CO2 consumption by at least 20%. The battery banks will be charged overnight from the mains.
The vessel design and power configuration will additionally realise 19-24% savings of power input to the propulsion units over a conventional diesel mechanical solution reducing Carbon Dioxide, Sulphur Oxide and Nitrous Oxide emissions.
from Imtech about the Energy Management Technology being used.
We are 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.
This investment and the build of both ferries at Fergusons in Port Glasgow is helping to support 175 jobs and 20 apprenticeships in the local community and is also supporting the growth of the local economy.
The project is providing a fantastic commercial opportunity for Scotland and showing how, as a nation, we are leading the way in innovative ferry design and build.
Pictured below, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure & Capital Investment Alex Neil, Duncan McNeil, MSP Greenock & Inverclyde, Guy Platten Chief Executive of CMAL, Richard Deans MD, Fergusons and Raymond Brown Production Manager, Fergusons gathered at Ferguson Shipyard, Port Glasgow to announce the contract being awarded in November 2011.
Deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon is pictured below with one of Ferguson’s new apprentice shipbuilders and their first ever female apprentice, Jill Hughes.
23 May 2013
10 May 2013
04 April 2013
26 February 2013
