MV Glen Sannox LNG-fuelled ferry. Credit: Mark Gibson / Ferguson Marine.
Clyde Blowers Capital unit Ferguson Marine Engineering (FMEL) has launched the first of two new liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered ferries at its shipyard at Port Glasgow in Scotland.
The environmentally-friendly, vehicle passenger vessel is named MV Glen Sannox and is being designed and built in the UK.
It is set to be owned by Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL).
"The successful launch of MV Glen Sannox is further confirmation of the vast capabilities we can now offer in Port Glasgow."
FMEL will be responsible for the design and construction of the 102m-long ferry, which is expected to be delivered to its owner by 2018 or 2019.
MV Glen Sannox will be able to accommodate up to 1,000 passengers and up to 127 cars.
It will be used to serve the Ardrossan-Brodick route in Scotland upon completion.
FMEL chief executive Gerry Marshall said: “Today is another landmark in the rebirth of Fergusons after Clyde Blowers Capital bought the assets out of administration in 2014.
“Since then, significant investment has been made into the yard, capabilities and skills.
“The successful launch of MV Glen Sannox is further confirmation of the vast capabilities we can now offer in Port Glasgow.”
FMEL previously delivered a roll-on roll-off (RoRo) ferry known as MV Catriona to CMAL in September last year.
MV Catriona was built at FMEL’s shipyard in Port Glasgow and is powered by the latest low-carbon diesel electric and lithium ion battery propulsion technology.
The 43.5m-long and 12.2m-wide vessel can accommodate 150 passengers, as well as 23 cars or two heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).