Two Scottish ferry operators have placed orders for Rolls-Royce engines as they look to improve capacity and speed up their services.
Western Ferries is building two vessels for its Dunoon to Gourock route across the Firth of Clyde.
The 50-metre, double-ended car ferries will each be equipped with a pair of Rolls-Royce thrusters, which aid quick turn-round operations because they can be rotated 360 degrees.
The ferries are being built by the Cammell Laird yard in Birkenhead and promise to be larger, faster and more fuel efficient than the vessels they replace.
Orkney Ferries is also buying Rolls thrusters for its ship the Hoy Head, as part of a major refit also taking place at the Cammell Laird yard. The work will involve updating and lengthening the ship to increase vehicle capacity and the installation of a new propulsion system.
James Stockan, chair of Orkney Islands Council’s development and infrastructure committee, said the authority wanted to meet increasing demand for its South Isles ferry service.
“This is excellent news for the communities served by the Hoy Head.”
The Hoy Head will return to service next year on its usual route between the Orkney mainland and the islands of Hoy and Flotta.