Green ferries for the Clyde

The announcement follows the tender process after Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd being granted funding by the Scottish Government for the new project back in February.

Ferguson will work alongside ship designers Seatec and electrical specialists Tec-Source to deliver the project.

It has been four years since the last commercial ship was fully built and delivered on the Clyde – and this project will save existing jobs and create new jobs and apprenticeships in the area.

Alex Neil, Cabinet secretary for Infrastructure & Capital Investment said: “The technology will be cleaner, quieter and cheaper to operate and maintain that ever before. It will help Scotland reach our ambitious climate change targets, and demonstrates the vast economic potential of developing green technology and moving to a low carbon economy”.

The ferries will be operated by CalMac Ferries and will be used for many of the short crossing between the Clyde and the Hebrides. The ferries will be built to accommodate 150 passengers, 23 cars, two HGVs and will use some of the most innovative green technology – including battery banks supplying around 20% of the energy used on board.

They will charge overnight whilst moored on the island and will it is hoped in future be charged by wind, wave or solar power – making them even more environmentally friendly.

The ferries are expected to enter service in Spring 2013.