British Shipyard Cammell Laird recently announced ambitious plans to shake up the new-build ferry market with a new specially designed Ro-Pax ferry.

Founded in 1828, Cammell Laird are one of the most famous names in British shipbuilding and are based on the River Mersey in Birkenhead. Today, they are rapidly expanding as a cutting-edge engineering services specialist with a highly skilled workforce and extensive world-class facilities to support a broad range of sectors and projects. The company has also continued to develop its capability in the marine sector and is the world leader specialising in military ship refit, commercial ship repair, upgrade, conversion and shipbuilding. 

Cammell Laird's project director Andy Askham said the company believes its innovative environmentally ground-breaking design will prove attractive to an 'underserved market' 

"The ferry industry is crying out for innovation and green-friendly solutions. Our new Ro-Pax design will be in the segment of the market where there'll be a lot of demand for the next decade. From our discussions with various owners we have seen real interest in our design that thrusts environmental innovation, fuel efficiency and comfort to the forefront of the future ferry market."

Mr Askham said Cammell Laird will be marketing the Ro-Pax design based on its extensive experience and pedigree in the ferry market dating back decades.

"Owners have a degree of confidence in Cammell Laird following a series of new build jobs we have undertaken for the likes of Red Funnel and Western Ferries. The Red Kestrel freight ferry we built this year for Red Funnel is a strong example of how Cammel Laird can build to a bespoke design. In addition, we are currently buildng the RSS Sir David Attenborough Polar Research ship, one of the most advanced vessels of its kind ever built."

Askham said Cammell Laird is working on the design now with an international design house ahead of the formal launch planned for later this year.