THE SCOTTISH state-owned enterprise Caledonian Maritime Belongings Restricted (CMAL) has introduced the launch of MV Isle of Islay ferry on 16 March 2024.
It’s the first of 4 ferries being constructed on the Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Yalova, Turkey, and marks a significant milestone in CMAL’s dedication to delivering new ferries to serve the Scottish islands.
With the hull now structurally full, all blocks for the vessel have been erected and surveyed.
The launch will see the vessel transfer from the slipway into the water, the place work will proceed onboard.
In step with the shipyard construct programme, the vessel will stay on the slipway till March, the place set up of pipework, gear, equipment, electrical works, and outfitting might be progressed.
Subsequently, underwater hull coatings might be utilized, and propulsors put in earlier than launching.
The ferry, which can serve Islay and Jura, is about to be delivered in October 2024.
Following the transit from Turkey, it can bear crew familiarisation and native operational trials earlier than it enters service.
An official naming ceremony will happen on Islay in direction of the top of the 12 months, the place group representatives and stakeholders might be invited to board and tour the vessel to rejoice its arrival earlier than it formally joins the fleet.
The brand new ferry, together with its sister vessel MV Loch Indaal, can have a transparent give attention to freight in addition to ample passenger lodging to fulfill anticipated demand.
They are going to every have capability for as much as 450 passengers and 100 vehicles or 14 industrial autos.
This may present a mixed 40% enhance in automobile and freight capability on the Islay routes and can enhance the general resilience of the broader fleet.
Jim Anderson, Director of Vessels at CMAL, mentioned: “Work on the Cemre shipyard continues to progress nicely, with the venture coming in on time and on funds.
“We look ahead to witnessing the launch, which is a significant milestone within the vessel’s development.
“We look ahead to celebrating with the group in direction of the top of the 12 months, the place the vessel might be formally given its title, MV Isle of Islay.”
Fiona Hyslop, Minister for Transport, mentioned: “I’m happy that the MV Isle of Islay might be launched on the Cemre Shipyard in March.
“Delivering six new main vessels to serve Scotland’s ferry community by 2026 is a precedence for this authorities and this is a crucial milestone as a part of that dedication.
“Forward of getting into service later this 12 months, I look ahead to becoming a member of the group as we rejoice and formally title the brand new vessel.
“Folks will welcome a extra resilient and fashionable ferry service for Islay and Jura, and additional vessels will quickly carry related and extremely anticipated enhancements for Island communities throughout Scotland.”
