---

The construction of two dual-fuel ferries for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) is approaching a new project milestone as the first vessel, currently known as Hull 801, nears the 75 percent steelwork fabrication stage.

The second vessel, Hull 802, is following closely behind - currently at 60 percent steelwork fabrication.

Once completed, the 102-metre vessels will be capable of operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine gas oil (MGO). They are designed to provide a fully flexible, year-round service for Arran and the Skye Triangle routes.

Last month, the dual-fuel engines that will power the vessels were delivered to Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd's shipyard in Port Glasgow, where the ships are being built. The 147-cubic-metre (cbm) LNG tanks supplied by Wartsila are nearing completion and are expected to be delivered to the shipyard in June 2017.

The new ships are being built to be highly manoeuvrable, with Twist Flow Costa Bulb Flap Rudders, three 620-kilowatt (kW) bow thrusters and a 480-kW stern thruster. An innovative stern ramp will slide transversely, allowing the ships to operate on several routes across the service network.

Jim Anderson, Director of Vessels at Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), said: "It is an impressive sight to see the two vessels being built side by side and the stage of fabrication now allows us to see the vessel form taking shape on the slipway at the shipyard. Hull 801 is approaching the 75 percent fabrication stage, with Hull 802 following closely behind. The yard is now moving into the main equipment installation stage of the vessels.

"The LNG fuel tanks are hugely impressive and their planned delivery reminds us of the scale of the project we are delivering. The design and build of these dual-fuel vessels is a highly complex, technical project, the first of its kind in Scotland - and indeed the UK. They represent CMAL's commitment to exploring new technologies for ferries, as well as a wider commitment to innovation in Scotland and consideration for the environmental impact of transport."

Liam Campbell, managing director at Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd, remarked: "We are now entering a stage of the build on the vessels that will see much of the equipment being delivered and allow us to further advance the outfitting of the vessels both on the slipway and in the module hall. These vessels, although complex, allow the yard invaluable experience in LNG vessels and, mixed with the experience we have gained in previous CMAL builds with hybrid propulsion vessels, puts us in a great position to serve the industry with state-of-the-art vessels."

The new ships are earmarked for the Arran and Skye Triangle routes, although the final decision on routes is subject to review by CalMac Ferries Ltd, CMAL and Transport Scotland.

The first ferry is expected to enter service in the second half of 2018, with the second vessel scheduled to follow a few months later.