Hybrid ferries bring 100 jobs

Transport Correspondent

Friday 4 November 2011

CIVIL shipbuilding is returning to the Clyde, creating around 100 jobs, after a £22 million deal to build the world's first hybrid-powered ferries was clinched.

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DAMIEN HENDERSON Transport Correspondent

The contract was hailed yesterday as “groundbreaking” by the managing director of Ferguson Shipbuilders in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, which beat off intense competition from European yards to build the pair of battery-powered vessels.

Richard Deane said it was not only an example of how the river’s heritage could be revived, but it would play a major role in rebuilding the area’s economy.He said: “The Clyde has a proud shipbuilding heritage and it is wonderful to be part of such a groundbreaking project which will see the world’s first hybrid ferries sailing in Scotland.“The project will have a major impact on the local economy, including the creation of new jobs throughout the course of the build.”Duncan McNeil, Labour MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, said: “I am delighted to see ships being built on the lower Clyde once again and I congratulate the team at Ferguson’s for beating other shipyards from across Europe for this important work.“The shipyard has been able to sustain manufacturing and retain its skilled workforce through a difficult period by acquiring work on the aircraft carriers and other vessels.“This ensured they were able to bid for this work and I wish the Dunnet family, managing director Richard Deane and the team at Ferguson’s great success with this exciting new opportunity.”SNP West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan, who grew up in the town, added: “Mixing the traditional Clydebuilt skills as well as newer green technologies shows that Port Glasgow can once again be at the vanguard of the shipbuilding industry.”Infrastructure and Capital Investment Secretary Alex Neil, who announced the deal, said: “This award is a perfect illustration of how we are making good on our commitment to create the vital jobs needed to boost local economies and, crucially, to help stimulate growth across Scotland.“The two new ferries will come into operation in 2013 and are the world’s first seagoing passenger and vehicle roll-on, roll-off ferries to incorporate a low-carbon hybrid system of diesel electric and battery power.“The technology will be cleaner, quieter and cheaper to operate and maintain than ever before. It will help Scotland to meet our ambitious climate-change targets, and demonstrates the vast economic potential of developing green technology and moving to a low-carbon economy.”The ferries accommodate 150 passengers and 23 cars and will be powered by battery banks and a small diesel generator which feeds power to a switchboard, turning the propeller motors.The system has been used for decades on naval submarines but this is the first time the technology has been used on vessels of this size.The project is a boost for shipbuilding on the Clyde, with the last commercial ship fully built on the river completed in 2007.The boats, operated by CalMac Ferries, current operator of Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services, are designed for use on short-crossing routes around the Clyde and Hebrides.The first vessel is expected to be running on the Sconser-Raasay route on Skye by the middle of 2013, with the second ferry coming into operation later that year. Leader comment: Page 16

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Hybrid ferries bring 100 jobs

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