The modern catamaran design will operate on Pentland Ferries existing route from Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope, replacing an older car ferry. Up to 8 trucks, 32 cars and 250 passengers can be accommodated onboard, with the vessel providing a modern spacious passenger area.

With a 45 minute crossing time, the vessel’s design has been optimised to deliver exceptional revenue carrying capabilities for Pentland Ferries when compared with other vessels operating within the Scottish ferry market. The catamaran’s

excellent fuel efficiency (per tonne of cargo carried) will also provide Pentland Ferries with an overall reduction in emissions.

As a non-subsidised frequent service, Pentland Ferries increased popularity on the Scottish mainland route has enabled this significant investment in a modern catamaran with FBMA Marine.

Speaking at the contract signing, the owner of Pentland Ferries, Andrew Banks said, ‘This investment will allow Pentland Ferries to significantly increase

the quality and value for money that we are already offering to the local community and visitors to Orkney’. He added that he was expecting the increase in daily sailings will play its part in attracting new tourists and visitors to Orkney.

Craig Patrick from FBMA Marine said, ‘This project represents a significant step forward for ferry operations in Scotland. The use of efficiently designed catamarans is long overdue as a solution to best serve the ferry

dependent communities of Scotland.

The vessel is designed by the naval architects Sea Transport Solutions in

Australia, which has developed its well proven design to meet the route requirements in Scotland. Construction commenced within weeks of the signing and delivery will be in 2008 for the start of the new summer timetable.