Shipbuilding contracts for low emissions hybrid ferries project

Ferguson will be working alongside Glasgow-based ship design specialists Seatec and electrical specialists Tec-Source to deliver the project, which will see two hybrid ferries built to accommodate 150 passengers, 23 cars or 2 HGVs, with a service speed of nine knots.
The ferries, which will be operated by the current operator of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services, CalMac Ferries, are designed for use on many of the short crossing routes around the Clyde and Hebrides and will use some of the most innovative new ‘green’ technology, including battery banks supplying a minimum of 20% of the energy consumed on board.
The vessel will be powered by small diesel generator sets, feeding power to a 400 volt switchboard, which will supply power to electric propulsion motors that turn the propellers. In addition the battery banks will provide power to operate the vessel. Benefits of the hybrid ferries are said to include reduced fuel consumption and impact of CO2 emission and other pollutants, noise reduction and lower maintenance requirements. The ferries will charge overnight while they are moored on the islands they will serve and it is hoped that in the future energy from local wind, wave or solar systems will be used to charge the batteries, making the process even more environmentally friendly.  
It is anticipated that the first vessel will enter service in late spring/early summer 2013, with the second following six months later.