https://lnkd.in/eczVqGdx Very valid BBC article on CMALs new LNG ferries which raises the question was and is LNG a valid green soloution? The world has changed a lot in the last 10 years, so why has the LNG operation requirement not been reviewed? With the Arran route in such a mess and the largest vessel Caledonian Isles languishing in a Liverpool dry dock for unplanned steel corrosion repairs, surely getting the Glen Sannox into operation should have been the overriding priority for the summer rather than commisioning the LNG system which could be done when Glen Rosa enters service. In the legal contract between CMAL and the Operator Calmac Ferries, it is stated very clearly the operator has no control over specifing reqirements for new vessels. The contract very clearly states CMAL are entirely responsible for specifiying design and procurement of new vessels. These vessels have LNG propulsion because CMAL wanted them to have LNG propulsion. It is bizarre they are still insisting the LNG systems are finished when they have not put the bunkering facility in place. Contractually CMAL are also responsible for ensuring the operator properly maintains the vessels and CMAL technical staff carry out twice yearly inspections, one of which is at drydock. So how did the steelwork problems due to poor maintenance over the last 5 years on Caledonian Isles go unnoticed? The people and businesses of Arran must be apoplectic with rage over the arrogant mis-management of this shambles.
LNG is not a clean option as it’s the dirtiest methane available with very large CO2 and pollutants emissions in its exploration, production, manufacturing and supply chain. Not forgetting it’s combustion on the vessel and exhaust. There’s electric ferries now being used globally.
Mike Nicholson
8mo
I love how the light catches the Aluminim foil superstructure (it looks as thin as foil).
John Keating
8mo
Bad choice from day one. Can’t believe they got advice from anyone in the shipping industry. Whoever it was it must have cost about 600k, a top of the range Jag and free use of a campervan I would have done it for free
Upstream Marine Quality Assurance at Maritime Global Services Ltd
8moAfter many years of 'spin' its refreshing to see that some journalists are finally getting slightly closer to the real underlying story and issues here. There was a deliberate decision made around a year ago (if memory serves me well) to only bring these vessels into service once they had a fully operational gas plant. That decision/announcement was probably taken in part to cover for other delays and problems but it remains an absolutely ludicrous one given the wider reliability and maintenance problems in the operational fleet and the lack of supporting shore infrastructure to handle LNG bunkering. At a stretch I can accept that the decision to opt for this power plant configuration was originally taken in good faith (albeit with that faith being placed on woefully inadequate technical advice) but the decision to persevere with its commissioning is madness.