Hybrid ferry Hallaig to be launched

Dec 17 2012

The first commercial ship to be fully built and delivered on the Clyde in over five years is due to be launched.

The hybrid ferry is the first of two vessels being built at Ferguson's yard in Port Glasgow, securing 75 jobs and creating about 100 more, the Scottish Government said.

The first ferry, to be named Hallaig, will be launched by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, a Glasgow MSP. It is expected to come into service between Skye and Raasay next summer.

The name comes from a poem, written by Sorley Maclean, which is named after an abandoned township on Raasay.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Today is about the Clyde, its shipbuilding heritage and its future, and the enormous benefits investment can bring for local communities through jobs and skills training.

"I look forward immensely to launching the new vessel later today - she has served the local community and economy in Inverclyde well during her construction, and will soon be serving local communities and local economies well when she is in the water."

The Scottish Government said it invested more than £20 million in the project.

Ms Sturgeon will be joined at the launch by one of the apprentices working on the contract and Ferguson's first female apprentice shipbuilder, 19-year-old Jill Hughes.

Hallaig is said to be the first vehicle roll-on roll-off ferry to incorporate a low-carbon system of diesel electric and lithium ion battery power.

The 135-ton vessel is nearly 150ft long and will accommodate 150 passengers, 23 cars or two HGVs.