MV Glen Sannox — the UK’s first passenger ferry powered by liquified natural gas — was launched last month at the Port of Glasgow by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

It is the first of two LNG ferries being built for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) in a £97 million contract.

At 102m long, it is designed to carry 1,000 passengers, as well as 127 cars or 16 HGVs (or a combination of both). It has been earmarked for the Ardrossan to Brodick route and is due to begin next winter.

Kevin Hobbs, CMAL chief executive, said: “We welcome the launch of this highly innovative vessel. The use of LNG in maritime transport is a sign of our on-going commitment to exploring new fuel technologies for ferries, as well as a wider commitment to innovation in Scotland and consideration for the environmental impact of transport.”

The second LNG vessel — yet to be named — is currently under construction; it has been earmarked to serve Tarbert, Lochmaddy and Uig.

The Scottish Government is expected to publish its third Climate Change Plan at the start of 2018, as part of its aspiration to cut emissions by 66% by 2032.