Ferry company favours Cammell Laird

Western Ferries operates a commercial ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon, and since 2011 has been the sole vehicle service provider on the Dunoon route. Gordon Ross, managing director of Western Ferries said it is hoped that construction will begin in June 2012 with both vessels due to be delivered during Summer, 2013. The new vessels are being ordered to improve the existing service between Dunoon and Gourock. They will provide improved passenger accommodation and facilities and will be faster and larger than the vessels they are replacing, with 20% extra capacity. They will be designed to be substantially more environmentally friendly and fuel efficient than the existing vessels.

Mr Ross said: “Western Ferries is delighted to appoint Cammell Laird as the preferred bidder to build two new ferries for its Gourock to Dunoon service. Not only was Cammell Laird’s bid the most commercially competitive, it also provided for the earliest delivery of the vessels which was a crucial factor for the Company and the local community. Despite strong international interest, Western Ferries is also very pleased that these new vessels, along with the new vessels introduced in 2001 and 2003, will be fully built in the UK.”

Linton Roberts, managing director of Cammell Laird said: “Cammell Laird is extremely pleased to be appointed as preferred bidder for this project and looks forward to working with the Western Ferries team over the coming months to deliver these very important new vessels.”