By
Rebecca Gibson |
New ro-ro ferry Loch Seaforth takes a first-in-fleet step for passengers in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides route, Tom Docherty, CEO of Caledonian Maritime Assets tells CFI
Pleasing passengers is a big priority for Caledonian Maritime Asset Ltd (CMAL), particularly on the near three-hour route between Scotland’s Stornaway and Ullapool in the Outer Hebrides.
The Scottish Government-owned company – which owns the harbours, ports, ferries and infrastructure that support ferry services on the West coast of Scotland and the Clyde Estuary – has proved that with its latest newbuild ro-ro ferry Loch Seaforth.
Replacing the smaller Isle of Lewis and operated by ferry firm Caledonian MacBrayne, the 116m vessel – capable of carrying up to 700 passengers and 143 cars or 20 commercial vehicles – offers a more comfortable trip than her predecessor, according to Tom Docherty. “We have spent a lot of time on the hull, bow thrusters and propulsion design to ensure passenger comfort,” he says. “This means a smoother and quieter journey and as the trip is two hours and 45 minutes long, that is important.”
Having dealt with one aspect of ensuring a more pleasant trip for travellers overall, CMAL was also keen to better accommodate those with impaired mobility, Docherty explains. “We invited feedback from wheelchair users and people with impaired mobility to find out what the issues are that they experience when travelling,” he says. “As a result, we have installed facilities such as larger lifts and toilets, as well as allowing more space between seating so that wheelchairs are more easily manoeuvred – a first for our fleet.”
Despite the larger Loch Seaforth allowing greater space allocation and CMAL’s commitment to catering for less mobile passengers, incorporating these was not always straightforward.
“The vessel could only be a certain length and we had to fit everything onboard,” Docherty says. “Trying to fit everything onboard with the two large wheelchair lifts didn’t just fall into place. But by using 3D modelling in the offices of our interior consultants – Danish design firm Steen Friis – we were able to overcome these problems in the end.”
The Copenhagen-based interiors team also advised on achieving vessel-wide spaciousness to benefit all passengers on the Hebridean route. “Achieving more room between tables and chairs was one aspect, but the larger vessel size means we have included more choices of seating such as reclining chairs, as well as a greater number and variety of designated spaces,” Docherty says. “These include various lounges such as the central Arcade area that contains a coffee bar, children’s area and games machines, as well as bar-type stools enabling passengers to enjoy the view from the ferry’s side portholes.”
The backdrop from which passengers can watch the waves, is an onboard palette throughout the ferry that mirrors the natural hues of the environment Loch Seaforth travels in and between. “The inspiration for the colour way comes from the Outer Hebrides,” Docherty says. “These include blues, greens, browns and off-white, which reflects the islands’ sandy beaches, but colourful at the same time.”
Launched from Germany’s Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft shipyard in March 2014, outfitting is underway ahead of harbour and sea trials prior to the ferry’s scheduled completion and certification during the second week of August 2014
This article appeared in the Autumn/Winter 2014 edition of Cruise & Ferry Interiors. To read other articles, you can subscribe to the magazine in printed or digital formats.