Case Study
Kennacraig Linkspan
OVERVIEW
Malin was appointed by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) to manufacture a replacement linkspan for Kennacraig Ferry Terminal, a key ferry hub, serving Scotland’s west coast islands.
Rather than developing an entirely new structure, the project required Malin to replicate the existing early-1980s linkspan, maintaining compatibility with the terminal’s established regulatory and safety systems, whilst also incorporating practical improvements identified by CMAL through operational experience.
With the original drawings providing limited detail, Malin’s engineering team initially developed a SolidWorks model using the available information, and then conducted an on-site survey. The existing linkspan was then removed from Kennacraig and transported by barge to Malin’s manufacturing facility at Westway, where it was carefully surveyed during deconstruction. This allowed the team to fully reverse-engineer the structure and agree the final design and improvements with CMAL.
A key challenge was the programme, with the complete design, fabrication and replacement all required within an approximate 14-week terminal outage. To achieve this, we chose to subcontract some aspects of the fabrication; the simpler three main deck panels subcontracted, while Malin manufactured the more complex lift beam, side supports, cylinder beams, toe flaps and deck furniture in house.
Final assembly was completed at Malin’s Westway site before Malin craned the new linkspan onto the client’s barge for transportation back to Kennacraig for installation. The project was successfully delivered on schedule in June 2024, with the replacement linkspan subsequently entering uninterrupted service.
Client: Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL)
Project: Kennacraig Ferry Terminal Linkspan Replacement
Structure: Replacement vehicle ferry linkspan
Route: Kennacraig → Westway → Kennacraig
Transport: Barge transportation
Fabrication: Malin / Carinhill Structures
Programme: Approx. 14-week terminal outage
Services: Reverse engineering, 3D modelling, detailed design, fabrication, assembly, load-out and marine transportation