Unique Ferry Will Be 'Milestone' for the Clyde

The launch of the MV Hallaig, a unique hybrid ferry, from Ferguson’s yard in Port Glasgow will be a major milestone for shipbuilding on the Clyde.

The new ferry is the first commercial ship to be wholly built and delivered on the Clyde in more than five years and is the first of two vessels being built at Ferguson’s yard. It will be launched by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at a ceremony this afternoon.

West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan has been invited to pipe at the launch of the ship, having previously piped at Ferguson’s yard when he was a teenager.

Commenting, West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan said:

“The launch of the world's first of its kind hybrid ferry is a proud moment for everyone involved with Ferguson Shipbuilders in Port Glasgow. It is the first commercial ship to be wholly built and delivered on the Clyde for over five years, so this is a significant milestone.

“As someone who grew up in Port Glasgow I am immensely proud to be attending and piping at the launch of this hybrid ferry.  This was the last shipyard my father worked at before his passing, so it means a lot to me to be attending such a momentous occasion in the organisations history.

“The building of these vessels has secured the immediate future of Ferguson and allows shipbuilding to continue on the lower Clyde.

“That is what has been made possible by the Scottish Government’s hugely important investment and I am delighted that we have reached the point where the first of these ships is about to be launched.”

Photo (thumb): The River Clyde at Glasgow's Broomielaw

Source: http://www.snp.org/media-centre/news/2012/dec/unique-ferry-will-be-‘milestone’-clyde