The Scottish Government has announced the start of a tender process to incorporate seven new electric ferries to serve the Clyde and Hebrides network. This initial process will determine whether the candidate shipyards have the financial and technical capacity to carry out the project, reported Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited(CMAL), the entity that manages ferries, ports and infrastructure on the west coast of Scotland and the Northern Isles.
New electric ferries will support the routes
The first phase of the Small Vessel Replacement Program (SVRP) is estimated to cost around £175 million. This budget will cover both the construction of the seven new vessels as well as the necessary necessary port improvements and shore power and upgrades to the onshore power infrastructure. According to CMAL, invitations for bids are expected to be issued in September 2024, with plans to award the contract in March 2025.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the Scottish Government’s commitment to improving the ferry fleet to more effectively meet the needs of island communities.“I am very pleased to see the procurement process begin today for the seven new small vessels,” Hyslop said.
He also mentioned that, although the new ferries will operate on seven existing routes, their implementation will additionally benefit two more routes through the redistribution of current vessels, affecting approximately 30% of vehicle and passenger transportation on the network.
“We are delighted to be able to continue with our plans to upgrade the fleet with new vessels. This is excellent news for island communities and we eagerly anticipate the delivery of all-electric ferries in the coming years.”
Kevin Hobbs, Executive Director of CMAL.
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Source and photo: CMAL
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