New ferry to deliver essential lifeline service for island residents
Chartwell Marine, a specialist in next-generation vessel design, has been appointed to lead the design of a new ferry serving a rural island community. Construction of the vessel is planned to commence in early 2026, with the shipyard selection process currently under way and being supported by Chartwell. The ferry is expected to enter service in 2027.
Due to the islands’ remote location and unique environment, travel is particularly challenging, requiring versatile vessels capable of navigating choppy waters and operating within limited port infrastructure. For years, the current ferry has been a critical ‘lifeline’ for the local community, enabling them to go about their daily lives.
However, changes to the local environment, coupled with the growing needs of the population, mean a new, more capable vessel is now required. Designed in close collaboration with the ferry operator and local stakeholders, Chartwell has created a ferry with a highly customised, robust catamaran hull and a hybrid propulsion system. This will enable it to efficiently carry up to 100 passengers and cargo around the islands in an environmentally friendly way, helping to preserve their remote beauty.
Christophe Rident, Senior Naval Architect at Chartwell Marine, said: “We’re delighted and deeply honoured that the client has appointed Chartwell Marine to design the new ferry. Adapting our proven hull forms that are tried and tested in the demanding offshore wind market, we’ve created a modern, versatile, low-emission vessel tailored to the local community’s exact requirements.”
The vessel is IMO Tier 3 emissions-compliant and capable of operating on full electric power, significantly reducing emissions and noise pollution while helping to protect the islands’ unique environment. It will also cut the existing transit time around the islands to under one hour.
