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Dutch firm Imtech Marine B.V. says it has been awarded a third contract to supply the electric and hybrid propulsion system for a hybrid ferry operated by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) of Scotland.

Ferguson Marine, the Glasgow-based yard which built the first two CMAL diesel electric, hybrid seagoing ferries, launched a tender last year and Imtech Marine was given the contract in late February.

For the latest hybrid ferry, Imtech Marine will, next to the diesel-electric and Li-Ion battery hybrid propulsion system, additionally carry out the electrical installation. The third CMAL vessel is to also have an Imtech Marine remote control monitoring system, whereby the owner can track fuel usage in real time.

Designed to reduce fuel, noise and emissions, the first CMAL ferry delivered - which used a lithium battery system, diesel generators and electric propulsion supplied by Imtech Marine - has proven to achieve fuel savings of 38 percent, according to the Rotterdam-based company.

Imtech Marine explains that the substantial savings come from using shore-charged energy (28 percent), whereby the batteries are charged overnight with locally produced wind energy. Then savings of a further 10 percent are due to smart load control via the Imtech Marine Energy Management System. The EMS controls the fuel optimisation by preventing a second generator starting up during the complete working day (adaptive control) and it also controls the load sharing between the diesel generator and batteries based on a 'market' control strategy, which matches the energy supply to demand (peak shaving).

The Energy Management System also provides essential performance feedback to the captain through Imtech Marine's energy dashboard. The web-based remote monitoring system also provide feedback about the current and historic performance and maintenance values to the fleet owner.

Imtech Marine's Mischa Kyanin remarked: "Originally we estimated the propulsion system would result in savings around the 20 percent level but this result of 38 percent exceeded all expectations. We are proud of the system's proven performance."

The third CMAL ferry is due to be delivered in April 2016 but Imtech Marine says it will deliver its system by December this year. CMAL's first two vessels, the MV Hallaig and MV Lochinvar, operate between the Isle of Skye and Raasay and between Tarbert (Loch Fyne) and Portavadie respectively.

CMAL operates 30 ferries on the west coast of Scotland to 18 islands. Late November 2013 marked the maiden voyage for the MV Hallaig. MV Lochinvar was officially handed over to CalMac Ferries Ltd on 6 May 2014.