FMEL to be awarded LNG-fuelled ferry contract

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has announced that Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd (FMEL) is the preferred tenderer for a £97 million contract to build two large dual fuel ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service (CHFS), Scotland.

Once signed, the contracts will see 2 x 100 m ferries built at Port Glasgow, which can  accommodate 127 cars or 16 HGV’s or a combination of both and up to 1000 passengers.

The winning design from FMEL incorporates a high level of in-built backup capability to improve reliability and ability. The ferries are designed to operate on either marine diesel or LNG.

FMEL will undertake the detailed design and construction work of new vessels, as well as their testing, equipping, launching and delivery. It is anticipated that the first vessel will enter service early in 2018, with the second following a few months later.

Tom Docherty, CEO at CMAL, said: “This project provides a fantastic commercial opportunity for Scottish shipbuilding and we are delighted to announce FMEL as the preferred tenderer for this contract. We have worked closely with colleagues at CalMac Ferries Ltd to ensure that the design of these ferries follows their requirements that are based on future demand both on the initially identified routes and across the network, as well as their desire for an LNG-powered ferry, which helps to future proof the vessel.

“CMAL is committed to leading the way in innovative and greener ferry design and this dual fuel ferry is further proof of that. When fully operating on LNG, these ferries will greatly contribute to Scotland’s ambitious climate change targets.

“Subject to agreement on all final contractual elements with FMEL, we hope to be in a position to finalise the award of the contract in September.”

First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, added: “This is an excellent result for Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd and I am delighted to name them as preferred tenderer for the contract to build two new ferries, the largest commercial vessels to be built on the Clyde since 2001. Today’s announcement proves that Scottish shipbuilding can succeed in a competitive market, with the FMEL team submitting the highest quality bid that offered best value for money.

“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting ferry users around Scotland by providing safe and reliable services, and this is the latest step to ensuring we have a fleet that continues to deliver for the communities that depend on it.”

Edited from press release by Callum O'Reilly

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/01092015/fmel-to-be-awarded-lng-fuelled-ferry-contract-1226/