FBMA Marine, Inc, the Aboitiz-owned shipbuilding company based in Balamban, Cebu recently signed a contract with Scottish firm Pentland Ferries to build a 70-meter catamaran ferry for operation from Scotland to the Orkney Isles in the United Kingdom.

 
Pentland Ferries’ increased popularity on the Scottish mainland route has enabled this significant investment in a modern catamaran with FBMA Marine. The vessel will carry both passengers and cars as well as freight trucks. Up to 8 trucks, 32 cars and 250 passengers can be accommodated onboard the vessel that provides a modern spacious passenger area.
 
The catamaran was designed by naval architects company Sea Transport Solutions in Australia, to meet the route requirements in Scotland. It will operate on Pentland Ferries’ existing route from Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope, replacing an older car ferry. Its excellent fuel efficiency (per tonne of cargo carried) will also result in overall reduction in emissions.
 
During the contract signing, Pentland Ferries owner Andrew Banks said, ”This investment will allow the company to significantly increase the quality and value for money that we are already offering to the local community and visitors to Orkney”. He added that he expects an increase in daily sailings that will attract new tourists and visitors to Orkney, an archipelago in northern Scotland.
 
For his part, FBMA Sales and Marketing Manager Craig Patrick said, ”This project represents a significant step forward for ferry operations in Scotland. The use of efficiently designed catamarans is long overdue as a solution to best serve the ferry-dependent communities of Scotland. FBMA Marine values the importance of this contract and is extremely proud to be building this pioneering vessel for Pentland Ferries and for Orkney. “
 
The contract also underscores FBMA Marine’s excellent reputation in supplying cost-effective aluminum and steel ferries to the world market. Delivery of the vessel will be in 2008 in time for the start of the new summer schedule.