Thrusters for Scottish ferry power

Western Ferries is building two new 50m double-ended ferries for the Dunoon to Gourock route, across the Firth of Clyde, at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead. Each will be equipped with a pair of US 105 CRP thrusters, which rotate through 360° to propel and manoeuvre the vessels and are said to be suited to the quick turn-round operations of these vessels. They will be larger, faster and more fuel efficient than the vessels they replace. .

The other contract is for the ferry Hoy Head, operated by Orkney Ferries, which will be equipped with Rolls-Royce thrusters as part of a major refit taking place at the same shipyard. The work will involve updating and lengthening the ship to increase vehicle capacity and the installation of a new propulsion system. The MV Hoy Head will return to service in 2013, operating its usual route between the Orkney mainland and the Islands of Hoy and Flotta.

Rob McBurney, commercial director – Cammell Laird said, “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.”

Graeme Fletcher, technical director at Western Ferries, said, “Previous experience of these thrusters has shown them to be unsurpassed in tractability and efficiency. They will provide our Skippers with outstanding control and manoeuvring characteristics that cannot be achieved by other designs. 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.”

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 of 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.”