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      Western Ferries announces Cammell Laird as preferred bidder for two new vessels

      29 April 2025

      Image:Western Ferries vessel MV Sound of Scarba at Hunter's Quay, Dunoon. Image: Geograph/Wikimedia Commons
      Western Ferries vessel MV Sound of Scarba at Hunter's Quay, Dunoon. Image: Geograph/Wikimedia Commons

      Western Ferries has announced APCL Cammell Laird as the preferred bidder for two new vehicle passenger vessels for its Gourock to Dunoon route, a vital strategic link between Scotland’s West Coast and the Central Belt.

      This continues a relationship that started in 2013, when APCL Cammell Laird designed, built, and delivered the Sound of Seil and Sound of Soay. The performance of these vessels was an important factor in the decision to award the new contract to APCL.

      Construction will begin shortly, with both vessels due to be delivered to the Firth of Clyde in Autumn 2026.

      The decision also means that the Western Ferries fleet will continue to be 100% British built.

      Nautilus head of industrial Micky Smyth said: ‘This is good news for our members at Western Ferries, as it represents a significant investment in the future. It reflects the company’s plan to continue to deliver an excellent service which is carried out by all employees at Western Ferries. Nautilus will continue to work in partnership with the company for the benefit of our members on the vessels and ashore.’

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      • 29 April 2025