---

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), a corporation owned by the Scottish government, has selected Voith propulsion systems for its new hybrid ferry.

Like its sister vessels MV Hallaig [pictured] and MV Lochinvar, the new ferry is due to be built by Ferguson Shipbuilders in Glasgow.

The new hybrid vessel is to use two 16R5 EC/90-1 Voith Schneider Propellers (VSPs) as well as two bow-tooth couplings and the Voith electronic control system. The electronic control system will be the same that is already installed on board the MV Hallaig.

The control system consists of a modular hardware and software architecture and offers various control features and standardized interfaces, thus making it possible to actuate the two 375kW VSPs.

As is the case with the other two ferries in CMAL's hybrid fleet, the new vessel combines a diesel-electric propulsion system with lithium-ion batteries. To reduce the load on the diesel engine, the ferry's two lithium batteries are charged overnight via a land cable. On the sister vessels, CMAL says it has already achieved savings of 38 percent.

Once completed, the vessel is due to operate in Scottish waters characterized by strong currents. Thanks to the VSPs, Voith asserts that the ferry can be manoeuvred safely and comfortably, even under these adverse operating conditions.

Many Scottish landings consist of concrete ramps where the vessels dock without being firmly moored. Accurate control and positioning as well as maximum maneuverability are imperative to guarantee safe operations when docking in rough seas. To ensure that the two VSPs are protected when docking, they are arranged diagonally in recesses and not in a central position at the bow and in the stern as is normally the case.

The vessel is expected to enter into service in spring 2016. It measures 43.5 meters in length and 12.2 meters in breadth and is capable of accommodating approximately 150 passengers and 23 cars. The service speed of the hybrid ferry is nine knots.

Voith Turbo, a group division of Voith GmbH, is a specialist in intelligent drive solutions and systems. The company has customers from a number of industries such as oil and gas, energy, mining, mechanical engineering, ship technology, rail and commercial vehicles.

Image: MV Hallaig.