Construction of world’s first battery-powered ferries begins in Scotland

31 Jan 2012 - Environment , Shipping

• £22 million construction of two 900-tonne ro/ro ferries underway

• Ferries will link the Islands of Skye and Rassay

The £22 million construction of the world’s first battery-powered ferries is underway in Port Glasgow's Ferguson shipyard.

The two 900-tonne roll-on roll-off diesel-electric hybrid ferries vessels, owned by Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL) and operated by CalMac Ferries, are expected to be operational from 2013.

Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services, run by CalMac Ferries, will use the ferries to link Skye and Rassay, according to the BBC.

The pioneering vessels will be able to accommodate around 150 passengers and 23 automobiles or 2 lorries.

The ferries will be equipped with the latest in green technology, including the installation of battery packs capable of supplying the ships with at least 20 percent of the energy consumed on board. Diesel generators will be fitted to top up the charge.

The vessels will be charged prior to sailing at the respective islands of Skye and Rassay.

In the future it is hoped that the charging of the vessel’s batteries could be provided by renewable sources.

“The cutting of the first steel marks an exciting new stage of the project, as the build begins on the world's first sea-going ro-ro passenger hybrid ferries,” said CMAL chief executive, Guy Platten.

“The project demonstrates CMAL's commitment to leading the way in innovative ferry design and we look forward to seeing the project reach fruition when the first of the vessels goes into service in early 2013.”

The project will see Ferguson working alongside Glasgow-based Seatec and Tec-Source, with support being provided by the Scottish government and the European Regional Development Fund, who will supply an additional £450,000.

“The detailed design and the construction of the world's first battery-operated sea-going vehicle ferry, both being carried out by local companies, highlights Glasgow and the Clyde as a major player in a modern world,” said Environment Minister, Stewart Stevenson.

“It is absolutely fantastic that a new generation of ship-building is starting on the Clyde, a river which has a rich and proud ship-building history.”