Chartwell Marine wins hybrid ferry deal
Illustration of the ferry design - full details will be released later in the project stage
(Source: Chartwell)
UK-based Chartwell Marine has landed a design contract for a new ferry to link remote Scottish island community with the mainland. The hybrid-propulsion ferry is due to enter service in 2027.
The ferry is expected to be deployed between the UK’s most remote island, Fair Isle, and the Shetland Islands. It will be designed to withstand the often challenging sea conditions that prevail across the region, as well as limited port infrastructure. The existing ferry has been described as a ‘lifeline’ of critical importance to the local community.
The hybrid ferry will have a catamaran hull with capacity for 100 passengers. It will also carry cargoes and supplies for the island communities.
“We’re delighted and deeply honoured that the client has appointed Chartwell Marine to design the new ferry. Adapting our proven hull forms that are tried and tested in the demanding offshore wind market, we’ve created a modern, versatile, low-emission vessel tailored to the local community’s exact requirements.”
The IMO Tier III-compliant vessel will be capable of operating fully on electric power part of the time and will reduce the transit times be a considerable margin.
