The 1,000-guest newbuild will join CMAL's Scotland-based fleet in winter 2018-2019
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon launched the UK’s first LNG-powered passenger ferry at Ferguson Marine Engineering’s shipyard at Port Glasgow on 21 November.
Named Glen Sannox, the 102-metre-long vessel is one of two ro-ro ferries that are being built as part of a £97 million contract on behalf of Scottish operator Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL). The vessel will be able to operate on both marine gas oil and LNG fuel, which will reduce CMAL’s emissions in line with Scottish Government targets.
“Ferguson Marine Engineering makes a significant contribution to the Scottish industrial sector and to the Inverclyde economy,” said Sturgeon. “These state-of-the-art ferries are more sustainable, therefore contributing to Scotland’s world-leading climate change goals. They are also capable of carrying more vehicles and benefiting the communities that rely on them.”
Glen Sannox is designed to carry up to 1,000 passengers and 127 cars or 16 HGVs. The ferry will now undergo final outfitting and tests ahead of her winter 2018-2019 delivery.
“We welcome the launch of Glen Sannox, marking a major milestone in the construction of this highly innovative vessel,” said Kevin Hobbs, chief executive at CMAL. “The use of LNG in maritime transport is a sign of our ongoing commitment to exploring new fuel technologies for ferries, as well as a wider commitment to innovation in Scotland and consideration for the environmental impact of transport.”
Ferguson Marine expects the successful launch of Glen Sannox to play a role in helping it to become a world-class shipyard.
“Ferguson Marine and CMAL have worked closely together on the highly challenging engineering issues arising from the unique nature of the dual-fuel ferry project,” said Jim McColl, chief executive of Clyde Blowers, which owns Ferguson Marine. “The experience and knowledge gained during this project will be of enormous benefit to the competitiveness of Scottish shipbuilding in the future as technology continues to develop to meet tightening clean energy legislation.”