Name chosen for third hybrid ferry

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has announced the name for Scotland’s third hybrid ferry, which is scheduled to be launched in December 2015. CATRIONA was the most popular name, receiving 44 per cent of the votes cast in the recent competition run on the CMAL website.

The sea going Roll On Roll Off vehicle and passenger diesel electric hybrid vessel is currently being built in Port Glasgow at Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited’s shipyard and will be the third ferry in the Scottish literature class. The first and second hybrid ferries, HALLAIG and LOCHINVAR, entered service in 2013 and 2014.

Catriona is the title of a novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1893 and is the sequel to the highland adventure Kidnapped, following the further adventures of its hero David Balfour.

Tom Docherty, CEO of CMAL said:

“We are pleased voters have chosen a name for the ferry that reflects both its design creativity and its Scottish roots.   CATRIONA will become our third hybrid vessel and when launched will be the seventh new vessel  received by CalMac Ferries Limited since the formation of CMAL in 2006, who will have been responsible for five of the deliveries, taking the fleet to 33 ferries.

“CMAL remain closely associated with the new vessels whilst they are in their commissioning and shipyard warranty phase, with the day to day responsibility for maintenance, appearance and on-going reliability sitting with the operator, CalMac Ferries Limited.

“Careful maintenance and upgrading of the fleet ensures our vessels have an appropriate level of quality and reliability, as well as extending their service lifetime.

“We are committed to using cutting edge technology and design to create innovative, sustainable and reliable ferries and are pleased to have worked closely with Transport Scotland and the operators CalMac Ferries Limited on the design of the third hybrid.

“Technical and operational discussions are on-going between CMAL and CalMac Ferries Limited on where best to deploy the MV CATRIONA when she enters service next year.”

Ian Wood from Lamlash, was chosen at random from over 300 people who voted and will be invited as a special guest, with a friend, to the CATRIONA’s launch.

Like her sister ships, the new hybrid ferry will use a low carbon hybrid system, that combines traditional diesel power with electric battery energy.  The system will lead to a reduction in fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions. From analysis and figures obtained during trials of HALLAIG, these hybrid vessels are capable of reducing fuel consumption by up to 38% compared to a conventionally powered vessel of the same size. The reduction of fuel consumption will result in a decrease in CO2 emissions from each vessel of in excess of 5,500 tonnes over their lifetime with a proportionally similar decrease in sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions. The new hybrid ferry will be built to accommodate 150 passengers, 23 cars or two HGVs, with a service speed of nine knots. This machinery arrangement introduces a high level of equipment redundancy allowing the vessel to continue operation with an engine failure or no diesel fuel availability for any reason and also has the capability of operating the Sunday Raasay to Sconser service on batteries alone with zero emissions from the vessel.

 

The vessels are fully compliant with the European safety rules and standards for passenger ships, applicable to sea going vessels, allowing them to operate in areas that are out with the capabilities of vessels designed to operate solely in UK categorized waters. They are outfitted with propeller systems and extended vehicle ramp arrangements allowing access to a large number of slipways throughout the west coast of Scotland in varying weather and tidal conditions.

 

ENDS

Media contact:

Media enquiries to Susan Ferrier at Golley Slater: sferrier@golleyslater.co.uk 0131 220 8787 / 07918 690 604.

Notes to Editors

  1. The three hybrid vessels are owned by CMAL and operated by the current operator, CalMac Ferries Limited.
  2. CMAL own property at piers and harbours in 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 own 31 ferries and lease one further vessel.
  3. CMAL is a publicly owned company with Scottish Ministers as the sole shareholder.
  4. For more information about CMAL visit: cmassets.co.uk

 

For more information on MV Catriona click here.

Categories: Press
Tags: MV Catriona