Birkenhead-based
APCL Cammell Laird last week hosted the keel-laying ceremony for the new Western Ferries (Clyde) Ltd car and passenger ferry, which has been named the ‘MV Sound of Scalpay’. The historic UK shipbuilding and ship repair company was awarded the contract to build the two new vehicle and passenger ferries for Western Ferries in May 2025 — the second ferry will be named the ‘MV Sound of Sleat’.
This latest contract is a repeat order of the very successful Western Ferries and Cammell Laird design, which produced the ‘MV Sound of Seil’ and the ‘MV Sound of Soay’, both of which were constructed at Cammell Laird in 2013. Since their delivery, both ferries have been mainstays of Western Ferries’ four-vessel fleet, contributing to the delivery of around 32,000 annual sailings.
The new 50m double-ended vessels are designed to carry 40 cars and 220 passengers and will operate on Western Ferries’ Gourock to Dunoon route. The 2013 design has been further optimised to minimise fuel consumption and increase the efficiency of operation. Fuel efficiency savings have been achieved principally by the efficient matching of the hull design to the propulsion package, the reduction of permanent ballast installed and selection of low-energy consumption machinery, providing both environmental and through-life benefits.
The Cammell Laird design team has also enhanced the original design of the superstructure to improve the aesthetics, with upgrades being made to the heating and ventilation system to improve the passenger and crew experience.
APCL Group’s CEO David McGinley said: “I am delighted to welcome the Western Ferries’ Board to Cammell Laird today, to celebrate the keel laying ceremony of the latest Western Ferries’ ferry. It is a point of pride that we welcome back Western Ferries as a returning customer and this contract is a significant vote of confidence in our facilities and shipbuilding capabilities.
“Contracts such as these underpin the ongoing success of APCL Cammell Laird and the wider Group. We look forward to continuing the construction of MV Sound of Scalpay and the MV Sound of Sleat over the coming months.”
James Denham, Western Ferries’ chairman, said: “Today’s keel laying marks a very exciting milestone in the construction of our two new vessels, due for delivery in Autumn 2026. The progress made by Cammell Laird has been exceptional, reaching this stage in just a few short months is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to the dedication of everyone involved. We all remain confident that the new vessels will be delivered on time and on budget.
He concluded: “This investment demonstrates Western Ferries’ continued commitment to our employees and the communities we serve. Once operational, the MV Sound of Scalpay and MV Sound of Sleat will further enhance our reputation for reliability and resilience in providing essential lifeline ferry services.”