Ferguson contracted for CMAL LNG ferries

The ships will use clean burning LNG dual fuel engines and increase economic efficiency to create operating savings of up to 30% on conventional diesel systems. This will aim to cut carbon emissions by about 25%, sulphur dioxide emissions by 90% and nitrous oxide emissions by over 80%.

“This contract confirms Ferguson Marine as a leading supplier of commercial ships in the UK and a lead supplier of innovative green vessels internationally. We believe the reason we were successful in this contract is due to our commitment to innovation in fuel efficiency, noise and vibration reduction,” said managing director, Liam Campbell.

He added: “We are currently investing heavily in facilities and equipment, and these will be the first two vessels completed in our reconfigured yard using new under-cover facilities for modular build that will ensure ever higher quality and on-time delivery for less cost.”

The Ferguson Marine business has seen major developments over the past year, it was brought by Jim McColl and Clyde Blowers Capital in September 2014. In 2015 employee numbers have risen from 70 to over 190 including 15 apprentices and an investment of £12m.

The yard claims to have built the world’s first two diesel-lithium ion hybrid ferries in 2012 and 2013.

Clyde Blowers chairman, Jim McColl, said: “Ferguson Marine is now well on its way to establishing itself as an internationally recognised shipbuilder and marine engineering business. Our ambition is for it to become one of northern Europe’s leading yard within five years.”