APCL Hosts Keel Laying Ceremony for First New Western Ferries’ (Clyde) Limited, Car and Passenger Ferry.

Today, 25 November 2025, APCL Cammell Laird hosted the keel laying ceremony for the new Western Ferries (Clyde) Limited (“Western Ferries”) car and passenger ferry, which has been named the MV Sound of Scalpay.

APCL Cammell Laird was awarded the contract to build two new vehicle and passenger ferries for Western Ferries in May 2025. The second ferry will be named the MV Sound of Sleat.

This latest contact is a repeat order of the very successful Western Ferries and Cammell Laird design, which produced the MV Sound of Seil and MV Sound of Soay, both of which were constructed at Cammell Laird in 2013. Since their delivery, both ferries have been stalwarts of Western Ferries’ four vessel fleet, contributing to the delivery of around 32,000 annual sailings.

The 50m double ended vessel is designed to carry 40 cars and 220 passengers and will operate on Western Ferries’ Gourock to Dunoon Route.

The 2013 design has been further optimised to minimise fuel consumption and increase the efficiency of operation. Fuel efficiency savings have been achieved principally by the efficient matching of the hull design to the propulsion package, the reduction of permanent ballast installed and selection of low energy consumption machinery, providing both environmental and through-life benefits.

The Cammell Laird design team has also enhanced the original design of the superstructure to improve the aesthetics, with upgrades being made to the heating and ventilation system to improve the passenger and crew experience.

David McGinley, Group Chief Executive Officer of APCL Group, said: “I am delighted to welcome the Western Ferries’ Board to Cammell Laird today, 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.

“Contracts such as these underpin the ongoing success of APCL Cammell Laird and the wider Group. We look forward to continuing the construction of MV Sound of Scalpay and the MV Sound of Sleat over the coming months.”

Western Ferries’ Chairman, James Denham, said: “Today’s keel laying marks a very exciting milestone in the construction of our two new vessels, due for delivery in Autumn 2026. I’m also delighted to reveal that they will be named MV Sound of Scalpay and MV Sound of Sleat.

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.”

For any Media Enquiries, please contact:

Emma Parker-Goff 07717 415 114 emma@artemismediaprofile.co.uk

Rebecca Littledyke 07551 341 569 rebecca@artemismediaprofile.co.uk

Notes to editors

About Western Ferries

Western Ferries operates more than 32,000 annual sailings every day of the year, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. It is one of the largest private sector employers in the Dunoon area. Of the 70 current employees, 60 reside in Dunoon and Cowal. It also provides free out of hours support to the local emergency services and actively supports its local communities by way of discounted fares.

Western Ferries operates with a fleet of four similar vessels, its terminals at Hunter’s Quay Dunoon and McInroy’s Point, Gourock each have two berthing structures.

It has an annual sponsorship programme, which provides direct support for local events, charities, youth sporting groups and individuals within the surrounding areas.

About APCL Group

APCL Group Limited was established in 2023, bringing together A&P Group, Cammell Laird, Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company, and Neway Industrial Services—some of the most illustrious names in the maritime industry. The launch of APCL Group united the UK’s two largest commercial shipbuilding and ship repair operations under one banner.

Today, APCL operates three strategic facilities across the UK—APCL A&P Tyne, APCL A&P Falmouth, and APCL Cammell Laird—located in the North East, South West, and North West of England.

Together, APCL Group operates two of the UK’s largest construction facilities, nine drydocks, employs 1,600 people, and supports a vibrant global supply chain.

APCL Group is a global leader in military ship refit, commercial ship repair, upgrades, and conversions. The company provides ship repair and maintenance services for ferries, cruise ships, and offshore vessels while maintaining Royal Navy vessels and 100% of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary flotilla.