The keel for the MV Sound of Scalpay has been laid at Cammell Laird’s Birkenhead shipyard, marking the formal start of construction on Western Ferries’ latest roll‑on, roll‑off vessel for the Gourock to Dunoon route. The 50‑metre double‑ended ferry has been designed to carry 40 cars and 220 passengers on the company’s McInroy’s Point to Hunters Quay crossing, one of Scotland’s busiest short sea links.
The newbuild is based on the proven design of Western Ferries’ existing Cammell Laird‑built vessels, Sound of Seil and Sound of Soay, which joined the Clyde fleet in 2013. The operator describes the project as a major investment in the long‑term resilience of its privately run Firth of Clyde service.
While the latest vessel repeats the successful 2013 hull and propulsion concept, a series of refinements is intended to cut fuel consumption and improve overall efficiency. The superstructure has been reworked for a cleaner profile, with upgraded heating and ventilation systems to enhance comfort for passengers and crew in all weathers.
When she enters service, the MV Sound of Scalpay will join four purpose‑built car ferries already operating on the route, all designed for fast turnrounds and frequent sailings. Western Ferries continues to highlight the environmental benefits of its energy‑efficient designs, which combine optimised hull forms, modern propulsion and LED lighting to reduce emissions and running costs.
The MV Sound of Scalpay is the first of two sister ships ordered from APCL Cammell Laird in a multi‑million‑pound contract agreed earlier this year. The second vessel, MV Sound of Sleat, maintains the company’s tradition of Hebridean‑inspired names.
Both ferries are due for delivery in autumn 2026, expanding the Western Ferries fleet to six ships and keeping the tonnage entirely British‑built. The company says the project underlines its commitment to its workforce and to the communities that depend on its sailings for everyday travel, tourism and freight.
APCL Group, Cammell Laird’s parent company, has welcomed Western Ferries back to Birkenhead, describing the order as a strong vote of confidence in the yard’s facilities and shipbuilding expertise. The work supports skilled jobs on Merseyside while underpinning a key piece of transport infrastructure on Scotland’s west coast.
James Denham, chairman of Western Ferries, said: “Today’s keel laying marks a very exciting milestone in the construction of our two new vessels, due for delivery in autumn 2026. The progress made by Cammell Laird has been exceptional, reaching this stage in just a few short months is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to the dedication of everyone involved.
“We all remain confident that the new vessels will be delivered on time and on budget. This investment demonstrates Western Ferries’ continued commitment to our employees and the communities we serve. Once operational, the MV Sound of Scalpay and MV Sound of Sleat will further enhance our reputation for reliability and resilience in providing essential lifeline ferry services.”
David McGinley, group chief executive officer of APCL Group, said: “I am delighted to welcome the Western Ferries’ Board to Cammell Laird today (November 25), to celebrate the keel‑laying ceremony of the latest Western Ferries ferry. It is a point of pride that we welcome back Western Ferries as a returning customer and this contract is a significant vote of confidence in our facilities and shipbuilding capabilities. We look forward to continuing the construction of MV Sound of Scalpay and the MV Sound of Sleat over the coming months.”
Unions have also hailed the order as good news for seafarers, describing Western Ferries’ investment as a vote of confidence in the future of the Clyde route. Once in operation, Sound of Scalpay and Sound of Sleat are expected to further strengthen the operator’s reputation for reliability and high‑frequency sailings on the McInroy’s Point to Hunters Quay corridor.