Houlder wins contract for IoMSPC's new purpose-built barrery hybrid ferry

Houlder has won another contract with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IoMSPC). Acting as technical advisor in the design and build of its latest battery hybrid ferry, Houlder will solve the challenging design requirements of increased vessel capacity, as well as tolerating harsh Irish Sea conditions throughout the annual cycle of vessel operations.

The project presents two key design challenges. Firstly, to provide a dependable lifeline throughout winter which can tolerate the harsh Irish Sea in its route between Douglas and Heysham, Lancashire. And secondly, increased passenger capacity, especially important during the two weeks of the Isle of Man motorcycle event, the annual TT.

Houlder will guide the shipyard during the build of this new vessel, ensuring it meets the design specification, as well as advising IoMSPC on technical and regulatory aspects, to ensure a high quality and timely delivery. The Houlder team will use its experience of the local regulation, knowledge of the routes, and operational and technical expertise to ensure a smooth process from concept to delivery.

David Wing, Ship Design & Engineering Director, Houlder, said:

“We are delighted to be working with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company again on its latest project and providing pragmatic solutions to the various technical and logistical considerations for the new vessel. Solving design challenges and meeting ambitious targets, whether technical, operational or environmental, is where we do our best work.

“There are many challenges in this brief, including the vessel’s size constraints in tight ports while meeting lane metre requirements for freight, as well as meeting environmental expectations for the vessel’s life-span which includes reducing local emissions while in port. We are looking forward to working with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard and IoMSPC to ensure a smooth and successful delivery of this new vessel.”