---

Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) says it is "on track" to meet its own greenhouse gas emissions reduction target.

Fuel management systems have been fitted across the company's entire vessel fleet - the first ferry company in the UK to do so - as part of Project Ecoship, allowing both the master and chief engineer to make small adjustments in real time to reduce fuel consumption.

These minor tweaks, whilst not affecting the delivery of the timetable, are said to have shown encouraging results with the company's two percent reduction target looking "highly likely".

CalMac says this has encouraged increased close working between the bridge and engineering crews and also opened up collaborative dialogue across the fleet with staff exchanging ideas and tips.

"We are finding some encouraging results," commented Drew Collier, CalMac's Operations Director. "While it is too early to reveal any kind of scientifically concrete data, the initial figures we are seeing, as well as the anecdotal feedback from the teams on board, are optimistic.

"Our target is to make a two percent reduction in our release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. At the moment, we are confident that we are on track to achieve this and, importantly, we now have the technology in place to make accurate measurement.

"Whilst the effect of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and pollutants on air quality are well known, what is perhaps less known is that carbon dioxide is linked to acidification within our seas.

"We are very keen to ensure that our ferries help to preserve Scotland's marine environment in so far as possible and we are determined to work towards better and better solutions."

During a routine crossing from Ardrossan to Brodick on the Isle of Arran, Minister for Transport and Islands, Derek Mackay, said: "I am pleased to get a chance to see this state-of-the-art technology in action first hand.

"It brings clear environmental benefits, cutting the carbon footprint in some of Scotland's most striking coastlines and sensitive marine environments."

The first of CalMac's ships to have a fuel management system fitted was MV Caledonian Isles, and it has now been operating with a fuel management system for around seven months. The company considers that it is still in a bedding-in phase, with on-going learning by the crew and software updates being made.

Installed at a cost of GBP 450,000 (USD 634,000) the 10 fuel management systems, produced by Royston Enginei, will, if the targets are met, pay for themselves within a single year.

Caledonian MacBrayne's fleet of ferries are operated by CalMac Ferries Ltd and owned by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL).