Future CalMac ferry hits the water

A new ferry ordered by Scottish shipowner Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL) was launched into the water for the first time on Saturday, March 16.

Isle of Islay is the first in a planned series of two Ro-Pax ferries ordered by CMAL for operation by Caledonian Macbrayne (CalMac). It will be deployed on CMAL’s Clyde and Hebrides network, between Islay and Jura.

CMAL aims to increase cargo and vehicle capacity by 40 per cent on the Islay and Jura route with the newly constructed ferries, which will feature diesel hybrid propulsion systems.

Once completed, Isle of Islay will have a length of 94.8 metres, a beam of 18.7 metres, a draught of four metres, and capacity for 450 passengers and up to 107 vehicles on two decks.

Design work on the new ferry was undertaken by Norwegian naval architecture firm LMG Marin in compliance to Lloyd’s Register class rules.

Delivery is scheduled for October of this year.