Shipping line Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL) has awarded a contract to engineering firm Wallace Stone for design and development work to support its newbuild LNG-powered ferry, Skye Triangle.
The vessel is scheduled to launch in 2018 and is one of two dual-fuel ferries ordered by CMAL. Wallace Stone will now identify the required harbour improvements at Lochmaddy and Tarbert, and work with CMAL and the outer Hebrides council, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, to agree preferred options for the finalized vessel design.
“We are delighted to appoint Wallace Stone to carry out this work on behalf of CMAL and Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar. Initially, we will be investigating the full extent of the works required with a view to agreeing preferred options for the works,” Brian Sydney, senior civil engineer at CMAL, said.
Infrastructure improvements to develop Tarbert and Lochmaddy
The work to prepare the LNG fuelling infrastructure will include design development at Tarbert ferry terminal and Lochmaddy ferry terminal. An agreement is in place between CMAL and Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, which will see CMAL manage the development and delivery of required works at Lochmaddy on the local authority’s behalf.
“The new dual-fuel ferries will require some infrastructure improvements at existing harbours. This will include consideration of how and when the works will be delivered in advance of the introduction of the new vessels,” Sydney, added.
Wallace Stone now plans to schedule additional studies into mooring arrangements, fendering, linkspan, dredging, vehicle marshalling and access roads and footpaths as well as managing and supervising ground investigations and concrete testing works.
LNG development secures £97 million investment
The two dual-fuel ferries under order by CMAL will provide a fully flexible year-round service for Arran and the Skye Triangle routes. They are currently under construction at Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited (FMEL) on the Clyde and are known as Hull 801 and Hull 802.
“The Scottish Government is committed to creating the vital jobs needed to boost local economies and help stimulate growth across Scotland. This £97 million contract means FMEL can retain its 150-strong workforce, as well as take on more staff and apprentices,” Derek MacKay, Scottish minister for Transport and Islands, said.
Each vessel will be 102 metres in length and will able to carry up to 1,000 passengers as well as 127 cars or 16 HGVs or a combination of both.
