Construction of LNG dual-fuel ferries making good progress

Both vessels will be 102 m long, and capable of operating on marine gas oil (MGO) and LNG. The first vessel – currently known as Hull 801 – is nearing the 75% steelwork fabrication stage. The second vessel – currently known as Hull 802 – is just behind, at 60% steelwork fabrication. The first vessel is expected to enter service in 2H18, with the second vessel to follow just a months after.

Both vessels are design to provide full flexible, year-round service for Arran and the Skye Triangle routes, and will help Scottish Government reduction targets across transport. Nonetheless, the final decision regarding routes is subject to review by CalMac Ferries Ltd, CMAL and Transport Scotland.

In February 2017, the dual-fuel engines for the two vessels were delivered to Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd’s shipyard in Port Glasgow, UK, where construction is underway. The vessels’ 174 m³ LNG tanks will measure 20.4 m in length and 4 m in diameter, and are being supplied by Wartsila. These tanks are almost complete, and are expected to be delivered to the shipyard in June 2017. In addition to this, work is underway on the aluminium superstructure that will form the accommodation block for the ships.

CMAL claims that both vessels will be highly manoeuvrable, featuring Twist Flow Costa Bulb Flap Rudders, three 620 kW bow thrusters and a 480 kW stern thruster. A stern ramp will slide transversely, enabling both vessels to operate on a number of routes across the service network.

Jim Anderson, Director of Vessels at CMAL, said: “It is an impressive sight to see the two vessels being built side by side and the stage of fabrication now allows us to see the vessel form taking shape on the slipway at the shipyard. Hull 801 is approaching the 75% fabrication stage, with Hull 802 following closely behind. The yard is now moving into the main equipment installation stage of the vessels.

“The LNG fuel tanks are hugely impressive and their planned delivery reminds us of the scale of the project we are delivering. The design and build of these dual fuel vessels is a highly complex technical project, the first of its kind in Scotland – and indeed the UK. They represent CMAL’s commitment to exploring new technologies for ferries, as well as a wider commitment to innovation in Scotland and consideration for the environmental impact of transport.”

Liam Campbell, Managing Director at Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd, added: “We are now entering a stage of the build on the vessels that will see much of the equipment being delivered and allow us to further advance the outfitting of the vessels both on the slipway and in the module hall. These vessels, although complex, allow the yard invaluable experience in LNG vessels and, mixed with the experience we have gained in previous CMAL builds with hybrid propulsion vessels, puts us in a great position to serve the industry with state of the art vessels.”

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/13032017/construction-of-lng-dual-fuel-ferries-making-good-progress/