Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. (CMAL) has once again selected the tried and tested Voith Schneider propulsion systems for its new hybrid ferry. Like sister vessels Hallaig and Lochinvar, the new ferry is being built by Ferguson Shipbuilders in Glasgow.

The new ship will be equipped with two 375kW VSP 16R5 EC/90-1 units as well as two bow-tooth couplings and the Voith electronic control system. Using the same electronic control system that is already installed on board of the Hallaig, the new ferry can be manoeuvred effortlessly and operated efficiently. As with the other two ferries in CMAL’s hybrid fleet, the newbuild combines a diesel-electric propulsion system with lithium ion batteries. To reduce the load on the diesel engine, the ferry’s two lithium batteries are charged overnight via a land cable. On the sister vessels, CMAL has already achieved savings of 38%.

The new ferry is expected to enter service in spring 2016. She will be 43.5m long with a 12.2m beam and is capable of accommodating approximately 150 passengers and 23 cars. Founded in 1867, Voith employs more than 39,000 people, generates €5.3 billion in sales, operates in over 50 countries around the world and is today one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe. The first steel for the new ferry (Hull 727) was cut on 19th December at Ferguson Marine Engineering.