The public has been asked to vote on a name for Hull 802, one of the long-delayed new ferries under construction at Port Glasgow.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) says the vessel’s launch is likely to take place towards the end of this year and the boat is scheduled to follow Glen Sannox into passenger service by the end of 2024.
The vessel was initially expected to be launched in 2018 – the final cost of building both ferries will be more than £300m, more than treble the initial estimate.
Earlier this year a review found it would be cheaper to abandon Hull 802 and start again from scratch, but the Scottish Government decided to continue with the project.
CMAL says the new ferries, both of which are under construction at the nationalised Ferguson Marine, will provide a fully flexible year-round service for Arran.
Chief executive Kevin Hobbs said: “The two ferries, Glen Sannox and Hull 802, will be a welcome addition to our Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services network – however Hull 802 is currently nameless!
“We know there’s a lot of interest in the dual fuel ferries, so we hope to see this translate into votes.”
A shortlist of names has been produced after consulting with islanders and local communities.
Anyone can vote for their favourite from the shortlist, and the most popular name will be given to Hull 802.
Voters will also be entered into a competition to win a free return journey on one of the ferries for four passengers and a car.
The shortlisted names are:
- Glen Cloy – A small valley on the east coast of Arran
- Glen Rosa – A glen near Goat Fell on the island
- Claymore – The word ‘claymore’ comes from the Gaelic claidheamh mòr meaning ‘great sword’
Voting is open here until midnight on Wednesday August 23.
The 102-metre ferries will be able to operate on both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine diesel.
They are designed to carry 127 cars or 16 HGVs, or a combination of both.
I dare you to publish the suggestions.
I think that “About Time” would be appropriate.
Titanic 2