The Scottish ferry operator Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) is having seven new ships built by the Polish shipyard Remontowa Shipbuilding. The newbuilds will be powered by rudderpropellers from Germany.
The electrically powered double-ended ferries from the state-owned company CMAL are intended for use on nine routes on the west coast of Scotland. Delivery of the first unit is scheduled for 2027.
Six of the ferries can accommodate 150 passengers and 24 cars each, while the seventh ferry is designed for up to 250 passengers and 16 cars. Thanks to their battery-electric drive system, the ferries are emission-free. The batteries are charged overnight. The ships play a central role in CMAL’s “Small Vessel Replacement Program”. This programme is part of a comprehensive initiative to renew the fleet of smaller vessels and modernize the ports to accommodate the new ships.
Equipped for Scotland’s coast
The chosen propulsion system consists of four Schottel SRP 100 L Rudderpropellers per vessel. In line with CMAL’s focus on efficiency and sustainability, each SRP has the L-Drive variant. By eliminating the upper gearbox, mechanical losses are to be reduced, thereby lowering maintenance costs. In addition, the L-Drive is intended to contribute to optimized passenger comfort by minimizing vibrations and noise levels. Thanks to a powerful SDC nozzle with hydrodynamically optimized anode technology, the ferries also benefit from “the highest free running efficiency in transit at higher speeds”, according to Schottel.
To ensure reliable operation even in the harsh weather conditions off Scotland’s west coast, the SRPs for this project will be equipped with a responsive azimuth control system. This is intended to ensure greater positioning accuracy and extend operating times. The operational readiness of the ferries is also supported by the MariHub condition monitoring system, which enables condition-based maintenance and helps to optimize service intervals.
