NEW KERRERA FERRY LAUNCHES IN LERWICK

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) and Malakoff Limited have launched the new ferry for the link between the small island of Kerrera and the mainland south of Oban at Gallanach.

The new 12-metre vessel, named MV Carvoria, has been constructed by Malakoff at its new boatbuilding facility at the Greenhead Base on Shetland.  The fabrication, construction, painting and the majority of the internal fit-out has been completed.

CMAL joined the Malakoff team to launch the ferry at Lerwick harbour, where an inclining test was conducted.  The vessel will now be loaded onto a chartered Northlink vessel and sail to Aberdeen.  From there, it will be transported by road to Oban harbour, where the final elements of the fit-out will be completed and the vessel will undergo berthing trials, before being handed over to the ferry operator, Calmac Ferries Limited.

 

Kevin Hobbs, chief executive, CMAL said:

“The team at Malakoff has been working extremely hard to turnaround the build of our new ferry.  They’ve done a fantastic job in 40 days to ensure we have the new ferry in place for the island of Kerrera later this month.

“The replacement ferry will offer islanders and visitors a more comfortable crossing and has greater cargo carrying capacity than the current ferry on the crossing.  We look forward to handing it over for service in the coming week.”

Ryan Stevenson, boatbuilding project manager, Malakoff said:

“We were delighted to have secured this order for a new landing craft to serve the route for the island of Kerrera.  Thanks to our team’s hard work and commitment, the new ferry is on track to be delivered to the operator this month.”

MV Carvoria and will replace the existing ferry MV Gylen Lady.  It will be operated by Calmac Ferries Ltd, which took over the route on 1st July this year.

 

Ends

 

Notes to editors:

  1. Issued by Clark Communications on behalf of Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL).  For media enquiries contact Angela Hughes 0141 548 8028 / 07970 184 198 / angela@clarkcommunications.co.uk
  2. Photographs attached of the new vessel being launched at Lerwick harbour, and the teams from CMAL and Malakoff Limited.
  3. CMAL own property at piers and harbours at more than 26 locations throughout Scotland.  CMAL is delivering a programme of investment and improvements, which will create better facilities.
  4. In addition to its pier and harbour facilities, CMAL owns 32 ferries.  All 32 vessels are leased to CalMac Ferries Ltd for use on ferry services on the Clyde and Hebrides. In addition, two ferries are currently under construction.
  5. CMAL is a publicly owned company with Scottish Ministers as the sole shareholder.
  6. For more information about CMAL visit: www.cmassets.co.uk

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