New Arran ferry starts final sea trials
The new ferry which will operate on the Lochranza to Claonaig route next summer, MV Catriona, is starting advanced sea trials around Arran and Cumbrae.
The diesel electric hybrid ferry will be carrying out real time trials on the Largs/ Cumbrae route from Sunday August 14 to Saturday August 19, and at Lochranza/Claonaig from Sunday August 20 to Sunday August 26.
The trials will not affect normal timetabled service and no passengers will be carried.
The ship is almost 30 metres long and can accommodate 150 passengers and 23 cars or two HGVs and is owned by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL).
Hybrid
It is the first ship to be built by the newly formed Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited in Port Glasgow and will follow the first two hybrid ferries MV Hallaig and MV Lochinvar into service with CalMac.
John Salton, fleet manager at CMAL said: ‘The trials are designed to balance the diesel and battery output to ensure best fuel efficiency. We expect to deliver the vessel to CalMac for operation soon after completion of the trials.’
Welcoming
CalMac’s director of operations, Drew Collier added: ‘We look forward to welcoming the MV Catriona into service following the successful conclusions of these trials.’