CMAL Engineering Consultancy

For 3 years BMT supported Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) with design and engineering for the procurement of new ferries serving the Gourock, Dunoon, and Kilcreggan routes, starting with a 40 metre passenger ferry concept design. The project expanded to include propulsion studies, seakeeping analysis, and model testing. Alternative vessel designs were assessed to reflect differing operational profiles and port infrastructures.

Requirement:

CMAL required a concept design suitable for tendering, supported by a technical specification and drawing package that would allow shipyards to submit fixed-price design-and-build proposals. The vessels needed to operate reliably from three different ports while delivering high levels of passenger and crew comfort, safety, and operational efficiency. Key objectives included reducing operating costs, ensuring machinery reliability, and minimising environmental emissions.

Solution:

To support CMAL's evolving requirements, BMT provided analysis to inform decisions on timetables, propulsion systems, and shoreside infrastructure. Seakeeping studies were undertaken to enhance passenger comfort, alongside a feasibility study confirming that a fully electric propulsion option could meet operational timetables. BMT delivered a comprehensive suite of analyses and documentation, including:

• Hull form comparison studies
• Wake wash analysis to reduce environmental impact
• Outfit specifications and 3D interior and exterior visualisations
• A full electric propulsion feasibility study with supplier input

Environmental and port operation modelling by BMT's REMBRANDT team supported CMAL's outline business case and funding decisions

Outcome and Benefits:

BMT’s involvement enabled CMAL to pursue sustainable, energy-efficient vessel solutions without compromising safety or reliability. Model testing validated the concept design, giving CMAL confidence that shipyards could meet the specification, reducing procurement risk and supporting long-term operational assurance.

Customer Quote:

Andy Crossan, senior technical manager and projects director at CMAL, stated, "BMT has a strong track record of advanced vessel design, knowledge and experience, and has a thorough understanding of the challenges and the opportunities offered by the port infrastructure redevelopment. The contract award is an important milestone in the new vessel project, which will provide much-needed investment in the ferry service for the local community and the overall vessel fleet."