Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has announced a shortlist of names for the first of its two 102 metre dual fuel ferries and is inviting the public to vote for their favourite name.

The shortlist has been selected by the CMAL Board and the Scottish Government, with help from the Clyde River Steamer Club to reflect the ferry’s Scottish roots. The ferry, currently known as Hull 801, is earmarked for Arran and all names are inspired by Arran’s history and geography.

The shortlisted names are:

  • Glen Sannox – a spectacular valley on the island, but also the name of the first purpose-built car ferry that serviced the Isle of Arran
  • Goatfell – the highest point on Arran. On a clear day visitors can see as far as Ireland from its summit
  • Hutton – the name of famous geologist, James Hutton who discovered his theory on the Isle of Arran
  • Glen Iorsa – the largest valley on the Isle of Arran; steeped in history and a great example of landscape shaped by glaciers.

The naming competition launches today, Tuesday 2nd May 2017, and to vote in the competition simply go online and vote for your preferred choice before midnight on Monday 29th May 2017, when voting closes.

The name with the most public votes will be the name of the first LNG ferry.

All of those who voted for the winning name will be entered into a prize draw. One person chosen at random will be invited as a special guest (with a friend) to the launch of the ferry at Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited’s (FMEL) ship yard in Port Glasgow. The winner will also receive a £200 gift voucher for the Auchrannie Resort, two bottles of commemorative whisky, bottled by Arran Distillery to mark this special occasion, and a special goody bag. Terms and conditions apply.

Kevin Hobbs, CEO at CMAL, said:

“The ferry will provide a lifeline service for the Arran community. We’re excited to reach this milestone and I encourage locals and ferry enthusiasts to get involved and vote.”

The ferry is one of two currently being built by CMAL at FMEL shipyard. The 102 metre vessels will be capable of operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine gas oil (MGO), reducing emissions to help meet Scottish Government reduction targets across transport.  They are being designed to provide a fully flexible, year-round service for Arran and the Skye Triangle routes, although the final decision on routes is subject to review by CalMac Ferries Ltd, CMAL and Transport Scotland.  The first ferry is expected to enter service in the second half of 2018, with the second vessel following a few months later.

A competition to name the second ferry, Hull 802, will open later this summer.


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