CMAL held a keel-laying ceremony for new Kerrera ferry
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) says it has held a keel-laying ceremony to mark the start of the build of the new Kerrera ferry.
The ferry, which will service the route between the small island of Kerrera and the mainland south of Oban at Gallanach, is being built by Malakoff Limited of Lerwick in Shetland.
The keel laying ceremony took place at Malakoff’s new boatbuilding facility at the Greenhead Base on the island. A silver coin, specially minted by Shetland Jewellery, has been placed into the hull.
Kevin Hobbs, chief executive, CMAL said: “The ceremony marks the official start of the build of the new ferry and we’re delighted to see construction get underway. We will work closely with Malakoff to maintain progress on the build and we look forward to bringing the new vessel to the islanders on Kerrera later this summer.”
The 12-metre-long vessel will be called MV Carvoria and will replace the existing ferry MV Gylen Lady. Although similar in size and design, a number of improvements have been made to ensure passenger comfort and greater cargo carrying capacity to the island. It will be operated by Calmac Ferries Ltd, which took over the route on 1st July this year.
