Pentland Ferries ‘significantly expands’ capacity with new ropax

The vessel is the latest in a series of collaborations between Strategic Marine and BMT.

Recently-delivered Alfred was named after the father of Pentland Ferries owner and managing director Andrew Banks.

Designed by Southampton-based BMT, construction began in mid-2017 at Strategic Marine’s Vung Tau facility in Vietnam. Launched in January 2019, the vessel has completed sea trials and the voyage from Vietnam and arrived at its home port in the Orkney Islands earlier this week.

Alfred will operate in the rough waters of the Pentland Firth, between Gills Bay on the Scottish mainland and St Margaret’s Hope, Orkney, with a transit time of around one hour. Entry into service is planned for later this year and, the vessel will “significantly expand the operator’s capacity on the route”, carrying up to 430 passengers and 98 cars, or 12 lorries with 54 cars.

Powered by four Yanmar 6EY17W engines and quad-screw propulsion, the low-emissions vessel is quiet and efficient, achieving a service speed of 16 knots.

BMT says “With a hull form specifically designed for the area of operation, the new vessel ensures a comfortable transit for those on board, and maximum operability for the vessel’s owners.”