Archive News
Stornoway – Ullapool transportation needs in the spotlight
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has today started the tendering process necessary to commission a Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG) appraisal to review ferry options for the Stornoway Ullapool route.
It’s hoped that the contract for consultants to carry out the review of transportation needs between Stornoway and Ullapool will be awarded in the autumn with the findings being presented next year.
Currently the Stornoway –Ullapool route is serviced by two ferries; MV Isle of Lewis - a vehicle and passenger service and MV Muirneag- a freight only service. Both of these ferries are currently operated by CalMac Ferries Ltd who was last year awarded a public service contract to operate the lifeline ferry services until 2013. There is an obligation to provide a twice daily return sailing on this route providing for the carrying of passengers and vehicles, currently served by the MV Isle of Lewis and an overnight goods service provided by MV Muirneag. As a result of its age and the increasing costs of sustaining an ageing vessel the MV Muirneag will no longer be a viable option to provide the overnight service after 2013.
By commissioning a STAG the potential options for the route will be developed in consultation with local communities and stakeholders, bearing in mind the Scottish Government’s objectives for the environment, safety, economy, integration and accessibility.
CMAL will lead this process and will, through the consultants, be engaging fully with local communities who will form an integral part of this appraisal.
CMAL Managing Director Guy Platten said: “Reviewing options for this route through the STAG process will allow us to look at the big picture in terms of costs, benefits and impacts on other facilities and services to ensure best value for the public purse.”
CMAL Director of Vessels Andrew Duncan added:” We will develop a number of options which can be analysed by stakeholders and communities before making a final recommendation on which option should be progressed. We look forward to working with all those concerned.”
Notes to Editors:
• The OJEU notice for suitable consultants to carry out this review was published today, Friday 6th June 2008.
• STAG involves the appraisal of generated options which could potentially address identified problems and opportunities against a range of criteria, including value for money. As such, the STAG Report provides the Strategic Business Case for options taken forward. See Transport Scotland’s website for further details http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/node/3171
• CMAL owns £120m of property at piers and harbours at more than 21 locations throughout Scotland. CMAL are embarking on a programme of investment and improvements which will create better facilities and more opportunities for additional ferry services.
• CMAL own or lease harbour facilities and infrastructure at Armadale, Brodick, Castlebay, Claonaig, Colintraive, Coll, Colonsay, Cumbrae, Fishnish, Gourock, Kennacraig, Kilchoan, Largs, Lochaline, Lochboisdale, Lochranza, Oban, Port Ellen, Portavadie, Rhubodach, Tarbet (Harris), Tiree, Tobermory, Wemyss Bay
• In addition to its pier and harbour facilities CMAL owns 31 ferries which are leased to CalMac Ferries Ltd and Cowal Ferries Ltd. Last November CMAL placed an order for a modern £22m ferry for the route serving Islay from the mainland.
• CMAL is a publicly owned company with Scottish Ministers as the sole shareholder. CMAL has its headquarters in Port Glasgow.
For further information contact Andrew Flockhart, CMAL, on 01475-749920 or email andrew.flockhart@cmassets.co.uk www.cmassets.co.uk
MEDIA
All media enquiries should be made to Andrew Flockhart on 01475 749933
The CMAL team can also be contacted by emailing info@cmassets.co.uk
If you have any other queries please contact the general information number on 01475 749920 between the hours 0900-1700 Monday to Friday.
Or write to us at Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd
Municipal Buildings
Fore Street
Port Glasgow PA14 5EQ
