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Cammell Laird complete £2.7m ferry contract

Shipbuilders Cammell Laird have just completed a £2.7m ferry conversion project to lengthen the MV Hoy Head car ferry for Orkney Islands Council.

The Birkenhead-based company finished the project following what it called a busy period in the ferry market, and is in the midst of two multi-million pound contracts to build two new vehicle and passenger vessels for Scottish ferry operator, Western Ferries.

Work on the MV Hoy Head added car capacity to the ship, which can now fit 24 cars or three 16.5 m HGVs and seven cars.

Cammell Laird’s managing director Linton Roberts said this increased capacity means the ferry can take the highest load in the Orkney Ferries fleet, which adds significant capacity for the islands of Hoy and Flotta, just off the North of Scotland.

Mr Roberts added: “We are delighted to complete this contract which again demonstrates our strength in the ferry repair, conversion and build market.

“We are ideally placed to win more work in this sector given our expertise, track record and ability to deliver on time and to cost effective budgets.

“This contract further continues our long association of providing vital support to island communities around the UK.”

Further to increasing ferry capacity, the £2.7m project upgraded the propulsion and control systems, as well making the ship more low carbon-friendly and manoeuvrable, while passenger areas were also upgraded.

Cllr James Stockan, chair of the Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee, commented: “We are very grateful to Cammell Laird for performing such an excellent conversion to the MV Hoy Head.

“We have enjoyed working closely with the shipyard and its knowledgeable highly skilled team who have been dedicated, committed and driven to deliver for us. We strongly recommend Cammell Laird and its workmanship.

“We are delighted to welcome the MV Hoy Head back to Orkney waters. Extending the length of the Hoy Head will enable Orkney Ferries to meet growing demand for services to Lyness and Flotta.

“It will help alleviate congestion and provide better opportunities for residents and visitors to travel at the times most convenient to them.

“This project will provide a social and economic boost for the South Isles.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .