Scottish operator Western Ferries (Clyde) has formally named its two newest double-ended Ro-Pax vessels.
Sound of Scalpay and Sound of Sleat were built by local company Balaena (formerly Cammell Laird) for Western Ferries in fulfilment of a contract awarded in May 2025.
Following the laying of Sound of Scalpay's keel late last year, Balaena said the contract covered a repeat order of an earlier design used in the ferries Sound of Seil and Sound of Soay, both of which were constructed in 2013.
The builder remarked that the original vessel design has been further optimised to minimise fuel consumption and increase the efficiency of operation. Fuel efficiency savings will be achieved principally by the efficient matching of the hull design to the propulsion package, the reduction of permanent ballast installed and selection of low energy consumption machinery, providing both environmental and through-life benefits.
The two new ferries each have a length of 50 metres and space for 220 passengers and up to 40 cars. They will be operated on Western Ferries' Gourock to Dunoon route.
