CalMac repowered 14 ferries to boost energy efficiency

In 2024, Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries (CalMac) and Volvo Penta partnered to repower 14 ferries to improve energy efficiency and performance, and to prepare for future emissions reduction requirements. The unpredictable extremes of Scotland’s weather conditions requires tough marine equipment that is adaptable and reliable. Ferries are also crucial in maintaining connectivity between Western Scottish island communities and mainland Scotland. However, with vessels of various sizes and different travel requirements, this project necessitated applying unique repowering solutions for each ferry. There was no one-size-fits-all solution. Through partnering with Volvo Penta, CalMac updated each ferry using their Volvo Penta marine genset engines which offer heavy-duty, fuel-efficient electrical power generation for emergency generator sets and onboard power. This has helped extend the lifetime of the vessels, granting them new reliability with improved acceleration and enhanced manoeuvrability. Furthermore, they are more fuel efficient and are compatible with certain alternative fuel sources and electronic management systems, therefore allowing CalMac to improve the energy efficiency of its vessels beyond the current International Maritime Organisation tier III emissions regulations.