As the first of four sister vessels, Isle of Islay will serve Scottish communities with an innovative design that prioritizes safety and delivers exceptional passenger comfort.
Conceptually designed by naValue and the owner’s design team, the vessel was subsequently developed by LMG Marin in collaboration with Cemre Shipyard’s in-house team.
The vessel is optimized for maximum operational efficiency and enhanced onboard comfort, while increasing fleet capacity by 40%, accommodating 450 passengers and 100 cars across the main and hoistable decks, or 14 commercial vehicles on the main deck. Isle of Islay will operate on one of the busiest routes within the Clyde and Hebrides network with her sister Loch Indaal.
The 95-meter vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system, substantially reducing the carbon footprint compared to conventional newbuild ferries. Isle of Islay and her three sister vessels are also equipped with Voith Schneider vertical propulsion units, featuring vertically rotating blades that significantly enhance control capability, safety, and maneuverability.
When stepping on board and visiting the passenger areas, passengers will find a high-class, thoughtfully designed environment that meets almost every need, including a child-care and parents’ room, a first aid room, a cafeteria, a stylish luggage store, and lounges with high-comfort seating and outstanding views.
The vessel has also been designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that all passenger areas accommodate passengers with reduced mobility, with key facilities carefully planned to provide comfort and ease of movement.
“We are proud to have successfully delivered Isle of Islay, built for Scotland.
Through the collaboration of the CMAL and Cemre teams, working with strong alignment and dedication toward a shared goal, a truly fantastic vessel—one we are proud of in every detail—has been brought to life.
I sincerely thank all our colleagues and partners who contributed their effort and commitment throughout this process.
The construction of the three sister vessels is progressing with the same dedication and care from our teams, and we look forward to delivering them to serve island communities with the same level of quality and determination.”
Orhan Gülcek, Chief Executive at Cemre Shipyard
“It was a privilege to collaborate with the CMAL and CalMac teams throughout this challenging journey.
We are aware that when you are an islander, a ferry should be more than just a means of transport. She should offer you comfort and create an environment for you to have memories to remember while taking you safely from A to B point.
Together with all our partners, we are proud to contribute those memories and looking forward to see her sisters sailing away from our yard to serve the island communities.”
Recep Portakal, Project Manager at Cemre Shipyard
