MV Hallaig is a pioneering Diesel Electric Hybrid ferry built for the Caledonian MacBrayne service between Skye and Raasay.

Approaching Sconser, Skye on 9 May 2015.
History
United Kingdom
NameMV Hallaig
NamesakeHallaig
OwnerCaledonian Maritime Assets Limited
OperatorCaledonian MacBrayne
Port of registryGlasgow
RouteSconser - Raasay
Ordered2011
BuilderFerguson Shipbuilders, Port Glasgow
Cost£10 million (2011)
Yard number725
Launched17 December 2012
Christenedby Nicola Sturgeon
Completed2013
Identification
StatusIn Service
General characteristics
TypeHybrid ro-ro vehicle and passenger ferry
Tonnage
Length
  • 43.50 m (142 ft 9 in) (Overall)
  • 39.99 m (131 ft 2 in) (Between Perpendiculars)
Beam12.2 m (40 ft 0 in)
Draught1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Deck clearance5.1 m (16 ft 9 in)
Installed power
  • Diesel Electric Hybrid: 3 × Volvo Penta Marine D13 MG and Lithium Ion batteries
  • Machinery: 2 × Permanent Magnet Motor 375 kW each[1]
Propulsion2x Voith 16 R5 EC/90-1 Units
Speed9 kn (17 km/h)
Capacity
  • 150 passengers
  • 23 cars
  • 2 HGVs
Crew3
Notes[2]

History

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Hallaig was launched in December 2012 at Ferguson Shipbuilders in Port Glasgow by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.[3] The name comes from a poem, written by Sorley MacLean, itself named after an abandoned township on Raasay.[4] Hallaig was the first commercial ship to be fully built and delivered on the Clyde in over five years. The Scottish Government invested more than £20 million in the project.[3]

Layout

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Hallaig is the first of three roll-on roll-off hybrid-powered ferries. She has a low-carbon system of diesel electric and lithium-ion battery power.[3]

The 135-ton vessel is 43.5 metres (143 feet) long and accommodates 150 passengers and 23 cars or two HGVs.[5]

Service

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Hallaig was built for the service between Sconser on Skye and Raasay and commenced service on 17 October 2013.[3] The Clydebuilt Hallaig began her first sea trials on 5 August 2013, eight months after her launch, although she had moved in and out of dry dock in Greenock under her own power in July 2013. The delay in her entry to service was caused by a last minute change in fire safety regulations which required her and her sister Lochinvar to have insulation fitted extensively to exposed steel and aluminium on board. In April 2014, Hallaig temporarily relieved on the Mallaig-Armadale service after MV Coruisk was involved in an incident at Dunoon and had to have her bow extensively rebuilt.[6]

In March 2018, she relieved on the Lochaline - Fishnish route so that her sister MV Lochinvar could go for her overhaul.

References

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  1. ^ "Hallaig". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
  2. ^ "Hybrid Ferries project". CMAL. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  3. ^ a b c d "Hybrid ferry Hallaig to be launched". East Kilbride News. 17 December 2012. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  4. ^ "NAME Announced For New Ferry". Inverclyde Now. 4 October 2012. Archived from the original on 6 October 2012. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  5. ^ "Hybrid Ferries Project - MV Hallaig". CMAL. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  6. ^ Keith MacKenzie (17 April 2014). "Repairs delay for regular Armadale ferry". West Highland Free Press. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
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