KEEL-LAYING CEREMONY FOR NEW KERRERA FERRY

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has held a keel-laying ceremony to mark the start of the build of the new Kerrera ferry.

The ferry, which will service the route between the small island of Kerrera and the mainland south of Oban at Gallanach, is being built by Malakoff Limited of Lerwick in Shetland.

The keel laying ceremony took place at Malakoff’s new boatbuilding facility at the Greenhead Base on the island. A silver coin, specially minted by Shetland Jewellery, has been placed into the hull.

Kevin Hobbs, chief executive, CMAL said:

“The ceremony marks the official start of the build of the new ferry and we’re delighted to see construction get underway. We will work closely with Malakoff to maintain progress on the build and we look forward to bringing the new vessel to the islanders on Kerrera later this summer.”

The 12-metre-long vessel will be called MV Carvoria and will replace the existing ferry MV Gylen Lady. Although similar in size and design, a number of improvements have been made to ensure passenger comfort and greater cargo carrying capacity to the island. It will be operated by Calmac Ferries Ltd, which took over the route on 1st July this year.

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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. Photograph attached of CMAL and Malakoff teams at the keel-laying ceremony. Kevin Hobbs, chief executive, CMAL sits front row middle and Ryan Stevenson, Malakoff Boatbuilding Project Manager stands second row middle.
  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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