Thruster orders for Scottish ferries

Western Ferries recently announced the construction of two new ferries which will operate on the Dunoon to Gourock route, across the Firth of Clyde. The 50m LOA double ended car ferries will each be equipped with a pair of Rolls-Royce US 105 CRP thrusters, which rotate through 360° to propel and manoeuvre the vessels and are particularly suited to the quick turn-round operations of these vessels.

Graeme Fletcher, technical director at Western Ferries said, “These vessels will deliver a truly optimised hull and propulsion package that will provide genuine demonstrable environmental benefits. Our customers and staff will appreciate the enhanced quality and safety provided by these new vessels on our busy route.”

The ferries are being built by the Cammell Laird ship yard in Birkenhead and will be larger, faster and more fuel efficient than the vessels they replace.

Rob McBurney, commercial director at Cammell Laird added, “Machinery selection for these new ferries was a joint effort and the Rolls-Royce thrusters were chosen because of the good operating experience, improved fuel consumption and manoeuvrability achieved on Western Ferries’ existing vessels Sound of Shuna and Sound Of Scarba.”

The MV Hoy Head, operated by Orkney Ferries, will be equipped with Rolls-Royce thrusters, as part of a major refit also taking place at the Cammell Laird shipyard. The work will involve updating and lengthening the ship to increase vehicle capacity and the installation of a new propulsion system.

James Stockan, chair of the Orkney Islands Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee said: “It has been a long term aspiration of the Council to meet increasing demands on our South Isles ferry service, by alleviating congestion and providing increased opportunity to travel at the most convenient times. I believe that lengthening the vessel, and providing a new propulsion system will provide stimulus to the local economy and prove to be of social and economic benefit to residents and visitors to Orkney’s South Isles. This is excellent news for the communities served by the Hoy Head.”

The MV Hoy Head will return to service next year, operating its usual route between the Orkney mainland and the Islands of Hoy and Flotta.