CMAL issues electric ferry tender

The first phase of the Small Vessels Replacement Programme (SVRP) is estimated at around £175 million and will encompass the new ferries plus port improvements and shore power upgrades.

“We welcome the Scottish government’s decision to progress the SVRP,” said Kevin Hobbs, chief executive at CMAL.

“What matters for us is being able to move forward with our plans to improve the fleet with new vessels. This is great news for island communities, and we look forward to delivering the all-electric lifeline vessels over the coming years.”

The first stage of the process will assess if shipyards interested in bidding for the contract meet the financial and technical criteria to take on the project.

The invitation to tender is expected to issue around September 2024, with a view to awarding the contract in March 2025.

“The Scottish government is absolutely committed to improving our ferry fleet to better meet the needs of island communities, so I’m very pleased to see the procurement process for seven new small vessels get underway,” said Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop.

The ferries will be deployed on seven existing routes and a further two routes will also benefit from the redeployment of existing vessels. These nine routes currently represent around 30% of the car and passenger carryings on the Clyde and Hebrides network.