Turkish yard launches Scottish RoPax ferry
The ferry Isle of Islay has now been launched in Turkey (Source: CMAL)
Turkey’s Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard has launched the first of two RoPax ferries for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL). Outfitting of the Isle of Islay will continue over the months ahead, prior to sea trials and handover to CMAL in October.
The vessel will have capacity for 450 passengers and 100 cars, or 14 commercial vehicles. It will provide a combined increase of 40% in vehicle and freight capacity between the mainland and Islay Island, which lies off the west coast of Scotland.
CMAL chief executive officer, Kevin Hobbs, said: “The successful launch of the Isle of Islay marks a major milestone in the vessel’s construction. It’s wonderful to see her in the water. We look forward to marking the official naming of the ferry, Isle of Islay, at the event later this year as we welcome her to Scottish waters.”
UK Cabinet Secretary for Transport described the vessel’s arrival in Scotland later this year as an important milestone in the Scottish Government’s commitment to deliver six new vessels by 2026.
With Isle of Islay progressing towards delivery in October and her sister ship Loch Indaal following soon after, ferry users can anticipate more reliable and resilient services with increased capacity for the Islay routes from 2025.
“I look forward to seeing these and more new vessels being added to the fleet in the coming years and bringing improvements for island communities across the Clyde and Hebrides network,” she added.
The second vessel for the islands of Islay and Jura is due to be launched at Cemre later this year.
