Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) is delighted to announce
that it has been awarded £450,000 for the Hybrid Ferries Project from
the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The funding, which was announced by Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure
and Capital Investment Alex Neil on 20 December will be used to develop
the world’s first two sea going Roll On Roll Off vehicle and passenger
diesel electric hybrid ferries, which will accommodate 150 passengers,
23 cars or 2 HGVs, with a service speed of nine knots.
The ferries, which will be built by Ferguson Shipyard, Port Glasgow and
operated by the current operator of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry
Services, CalMac Ferries, 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 vessel 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 propellers. In addition, the battery
banks will provide power to operate the vessel.
Benefits of the hybrid ferries include reduced fuel consumption
and impact of CO2 emissions and other pollutants, noise reduction and
lower maintenance requirements. The ferries will charge overnight while
they are moored on the islands they will serve and it is hoped that in
the future energy from local wind, wave or solar systems will be used to
charge the batteries, making the process even more environmentally
friendly.
It is anticipated that the first vessel will enter service in late
spring/early summer 2013, with the second following six months later. It
is likely that the first ship will initially serve on the Sconser-
Raasay route, subject to modifications being carried out at Sconser.
Guy Platten, Chief Executive of CMAL commented: “We are delighted to
have received support from the European Regional Development Fund for
the Hybrid Ferries Project, which will see Scotland leading the way in
innovative ferry design.
“I look forward to the start of construction in early 2012 and seeing
the first of these vessels in operation in spring/summer 2013.”
Notes to Editors
1. 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.
2.
In addition to its pier and harbour facilities, CMAL owns 30 ferries,
which are leased to CalMac Ferries Ltd for use on ferry services on the
Clyde and Hebrides.
3. CMAL is a publicly owned company with Scottish Ministers as the sole shareholder.
4. For more information about CMAL visit: www.cmassets.co.uk
Media contact:
Elise McDonald
Senior Account Manager
Golley Slater
Tel: 0141 548 8028 / 0131 220 8780
Email: elise.mcdonald@golleyslater.co.uk
