88-tonne fuel tank delivered for Scotland’s first LNG ferry

A major logistical engineering operation took place on the Clyde, on 14th July, when an 88-tonne LNG tank was delivered to Ferguson shipyard, marking a significant milestone in the construction of Scotland’s first LNG ferry. The 147m3 tank is the first to be delivered for two dual fuel ferries being built for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL).

The 102 metre vessels will be capable of operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine gas oil (MGO), helping to reduce emissions, CMAL informed.

The unloading operation involved 20 specialised personnel and equipment to raise the tank off a barge at the quayside using a specialised 750-tonne heavy lift crane. The tank, supplied by Wartsila, left Shanghai, China eight weeks ago, travelling by sea through the Suez Canal to Antwerp before reaching Scotland’s shores this week.

Andy Crossan, Projects Director at CMAL said: “The design and build of these dual fuel vessels is a highly complex technical project, the first of its kind in Scotland – and indeed the UK. It is a sign of our commitment to exploring new technologies for ferries, as well as a wider commitment to innovation in Scotland and consideration for the environmental impact of transport.”

CMAL’s first ferry, recently named as MV Glen Sannox, is expected to enter service in the second half of 2018.