We’re now fully accustomed to hybrid cars now, but hybrid ferries are new one on us. However, according to the Press Association, Ferguson Shipbuilders in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde has won a contract worth £22 million to build two diesel-electric ferries.
The ferries will have room for 150 passenger and 23 cars and use a diesel generator to charge batteries with in turn provide the power to the vessel’s propellers.
It will be first time that battery power has been used to power ferries, as large, heavy and energy hungry vessels.
The project, earmarked for completion in 2013, will see the hybrid ferries used for short-crossing routes around the Clyde and Hebrides.
Richard Deane, managing director of Ferguson Shipbuilders, told the Press Association: “The Clyde has a proud shipbuilding heritage and it is wonderful to be part of such a groundbreaking project which will see the world’s first hybrid ferries sailing in Scotland. The project will have a major impact on the local economy, including the creation of a number of new jobs throughout the course of the build. We look forward to signing the contracts and starting work in due course."
Full story: PA
