9 6 FERRY ORDER BOOK Justin Merrigan shares the latest updates about some of the notable newbuild projects shipyards are carrying out for ferry operators around the world Exciting times ahead Has there ever been such an exciting time as this when it comes to newbuild projects in the global ferry sector? The unprecedented rate at which technology is advancing is breathtaking and the rate of fresh orders for hybrid and zeroemission ferries is increasing. Scotland’s Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has placed a £89 million ($108 million) order with Turkey’s Cemre Shipyard in Yalova for two new battery hybrid ro-pax ferries, which will be operated by Caledonian MacBrayne on services to Islay and Jura. “We very much look forward to welcoming these two new vessels into the CalMac fleet,” says Robbie Drummond, managing director of CalMac Ferries. “This will help us deliver a service we can all be proud of.” The main propulsion will be supplied by a hybrid system comprising electric batteries and diesel engines running on low-sulphur marine gas oil to significantly reduce emissions. The system will drive two stern-mounted azimuth propulsion thrusters. Each ferry will be fitted with twin bow thrusters for enhanced manoeuvrability. Operating on the busiest service route in the Clyde and Hebrides network, the 95-metre vessels will have onboard facilities for passengers, as well as 275 lane metres for trucks on the main deck and capacity for a total of 107 cars on both the main and hoistable decks. As such, the new vessels will bring an almost 40 per cent increase in vehicle and freight capacity to the Islay routes. The first ferry is expected to be delivered by October 2024 and will enter service following sea trials and crew familiarisation. The second vessel will follow in early 2025. Together, the newbuilds will replace Hebridean Isles and allow Finlaggan to be redeployed to another route. Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s new diesel-electric ro-pax Manxman pictured during its float-out ceremony at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in South Korea
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