Remontowa starts work on electric ferries for Scotland
The first vessel is due for delivery in 2027 (Artist Vision: NaValue)
Steel-cutting at Remontowa’s Gdańsk shipyard has started the construction of seven new loch-class electric ferries for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) to be deployed on small island services in Scotland.
The steel-cutting event marks the first milestone in CMAL’s Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP) which, on completion, will have resulted in the commissioning of fully electric ferries on seven services across the Clyde and Hebrides network. It follows the replacement of larger ferries on other key routes around the Scottish islands.
The first phase of the SVRP involves a GBP 160 million investment by the Scottish Government, of which construction of the ferries takes up GBP 147.5 million. The first vessel is due for delivery in 2027.
CMAL chief executive, Kevin Hobbs, said: “The steel cutting process marks the start of construction for our new fleet of small vessels. These ferries will bring increased capacity and the benefits of clean, fully electric propulsion to island and rural communities. Work at the shipyard is progressing well, building on our strong working relationship with Remontowa, who have already successfully delivered ferries for the Scottish network.”
Remontowa’s director of Commerce, Michal Jaguszewski, commented: “We have worked closely with CMAL and our skilled design teams to ensure production follows a strict timeline. We are very satisfied with the progress made so far and look forward to continuing at pace."
The SVRP is part of CMAL’s investment programme, support with funding from the Scottish Government, which will result in new ferries and harbour upgrades across the network.
