Ferry Contract for German Shipbuilder

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited announce Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft  preferred shipbuilder  for new Scottish highlands ferry

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has announced that Lloyds Banking Group plc (LBG) are to provide financing for a replacement vessel for the Stornoway to Ullapool route and has named Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft MBH & Co. KG (FSG), Germany as the preferred shipyard for the detailed design and construction of the vessel.

The new 116m Roll On Roll Off vehicle passenger ferry will be capable of operating 24 hours a day and will have a capacity for up to 700 passengers, and 143 cars or 20 commercial vehicles.

The new vessel is scheduled for delivery in June 2014 and will go into service shortly thereafter.

Commenting on the announcement CMAL Chief Executive, Guy Platten, said:
“We are delighted that we now have plans in place for a new vessel for the Stornoway to Ullapool route, which provides a critical lifeline service for communities between the Western Isles and the Scottish mainland."

“The decision to develop a single vessel represents the most cost effective option and will be more fuel efficient and reliable for passengers who use the service, minimising weather delays and ensuring that maintenance can be carried out without affecting the operation of the ship, leading to less delays and cancellations.”