Chartwell Marine secures design contract for lifeline ferry  

Chartwell Marine has been appointed to design a new ferry for a rural island community, which it did not name.

Chartwell Marine said it is currently selecting the shipyard, and “full details of the project will be released at a later date”. The vessel is scheduled to enter construction in early 2026 and enter operation 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, a statement explained.

It added “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.”

Chartwell Marine senior naval architect Christophe Rident said, “Adapting our proven hull forms that are tried and tested in the demanding offshore wind market, we’ve created a modern, versatile, low-emissions 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’ environment. It will also cut the existing transit time around the islands to under one hour.

Chartwell’s ferry orderbook continues to expand, with three projects currently underway, including the design of the new Fair Isle ferry.