New ferry order for Scotland’s Jacobite Cruises

The UK’s Wight Shipyard has won an order to build a 21-metre passenger catamaran for Jacobite Cruises, for Loch Ness cruising between Dochgarroch, just outside Inverness, the Clansman Hotel and the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle.

The hullform of the new catamaran is designed to provide through-life efficiency with low structural weight assisting lower fuel consumption.

The new catamaran will accommodate 200 passengers who will board over the forward and aft decks. The aft deck will seat 13 passengers while the foredeck will have 15 seats and will be fitted with hinged boarding ramps.

Passengers will enter a large central space with seating arrangements for 102 passengers. Above, on the upper deck, outdoor seating will be provided for 84 passengers aft of the elevated wheelhouse.

The vessel will be powered by two Scania DI9 main engines, each producing 257kW at 2,100rpm. Capable of reaching a maximum speed of 15 knots, the vessel will cruise at 12 knots on Loch Ness further slowing to five knots in the Caledonian Canal.

The new vessel will be delivered in time for the 2018 summer season.


Baird Maritime

The best maritime site on the web. The sea's our scene!