A vital link between Fair Isle and Shetland
AS SCAN has delivered a complete double-rudder system for the new Fair Isle ferry, which is being built by Parkol Marine Engineering in Whitby, England.
The ferry will replace the existing Good Shepherd, which has served as the transport link between Fair Isle and Shetland since 1986. With the new ferry in operation, passengers, supplies and goods will continue to have an important connection between Shetland and Orkney.
Side profile of the new ferry for Shetland Islands Council.
The 26 metre long and 9.7 metre wide ferry is designed to operate safely and efficiently in the demanding waters around the Scottish islands. At the same time, the vessel will serve as an important part of the local infrastructure for both residents and businesses.
A long-standing cooperation
Parkol Marine Engineering has been a customer of AS SCAN since 2016.
Over the years, AS SCAN has delivered 11 steering system references to the shipyard, and the Fair Isle ferry is the latest project in the relationship. The long-standing cooperation has given both companies solid knowledge of each other’s working processes, technical requirements and expectations for project delivery.
The delivery
For the Fair Isle ferry, AS SCAN has delivered a complete steering system based on the company’s MT2500 Steering Gear.
Rudder arrangement prepared for delivery to Parkol Marine Engineering.
The delivery includes:
- MT2500 Steering Gear
- Double flap rudders
- Electric-hydraulic pump station
- Bridge control system
- Emergency steering
- Rudder angle indication and related steering components
By combining the mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems in one delivery, the shipyard receives an integrated steering solution, where the different subsystems have been developed to work together.
Delivered in components for easier installation
The steering gear is delivered in separate components, making it easier for the shipyard to move the equipment into position inside the steering gear room. On smaller vessels, the space around the steering gear is often limited. Dividing the delivery into components gives the yard more flexibility during installation and makes it easier to position the equipment correctly on board.
Hydraulic power unit and steering components prepared for shipment.
The steering system as part of the complete solution
For a ferry operating all year round between Fair Isle and Shetland, reliable manoeuvring and operational stability are essential.
AS SCAN’s delivery includes the steering gear, hydraulics and control system, which together form the vessel’s steering system. The equipment is assembled and tested at AS SCAN before shipment to England, where the installation continues as part of the vessel’s outfitting.
Double flap rudders with rudder stocks mounted before delivery.
From Hvide Sande to Whitby
After completion of production, the steering system was shipped from Hvide Sande to Parkol Marine Engineering in Whitby.
The project shows how AS SCAN works as a supplier to international shipbuilding projects, where steering gear, hydraulics and control systems are delivered as one complete solution to shipyards and shipowners.
Project facts
Customer: Parkol Marine Engineering, England
Project: Fair Isle Ferry
Vessel type: Passenger and supply ferry (Ro-Ro)
Length: 26 metre
Beam: 9.7 metre
Capacity: Up to 12 passengers and goods/supplies
Delivery: MT2500 Steering Gear, double flap rudders, hydraulic pump station, control system and emergency steering
Pressure test of the rudder to verify that the welded structure is watertight.
Pressure gauge used during the rudder pressure test.
Learn more about AS SCAN’s steering gear systems and twin rudder systems for marine applications.