A £10million passenger and vehicle ferry was the latest launching on the Clyde.

The MV Lochinvar, one of only two roll-on, roll-off ferries in the world to use a low-carbon hybrid system of diesel-electric and battery power, took to the water at Ferguson's shipyard in Port Glasgow.

She is the second of two vessels, along with the MV Hallaig, to be built after the Scottish Government put up more than £20m.

The vessel was launched by Patricia Platten, wife of Guy Platten, the chief executive of ferry owner Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd.

Grenville Johnston, chairman of Caledonian Maritime Assets, said: "The ferries' technology will be cleaner, quieter and cheaper to operate and maintain than ever before.

"We are very proud that the design and construction of this new class of ferry, using world class technology, was carried out in Scotland, continuing a proud tradition of shipbuilding on the Clyde."

The ferry is nearly 150ft long and can take 150 passengers, 23 cars or two HGVs.

It is expected to come into service on the Tarbert-Portavadie route towards the end of this year, following fitting out, testing and certification.

Scottish Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "I'm delighted MV Lochinvar has successfully followed in her sister's wake Doon The Watter and look forward to seeing her take her place among the fleet when she comes into service on Loch Fyne."

The vessels will be operated by CalMac Ferries, which runs the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services.

MV Hallaig was launched last December and is nearing completion at Ferguson Shipbuilders. She will enter service this summer on the Sconser-Raasay route.

ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk