Community Drop-in Sessions Planned for SVRP Infrastructure Works at Colintraive and Portavadie

CMAL is inviting local residents, businesses and stakeholders to attend upcoming community drop-in sessions to learn more about planned infrastructure improvement works at Colintraive and Portavadie as part of the Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP).

Background

CMAL is currently progressing the Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP), which will introduce a new fleet of all-electric small vessels serving the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) network as existing vessels reach the end of their operational life.

Port infrastructure improvements and shore power infrastructure are required at several ports to accommodate the new all-electric vessels. CMAL is responsible for delivering the required works at the ports listed below, with the works at other ports to be delivered separately by the relevant statutory harbour authorities.

  • Colintraive
  • Portavadie
  • Largs
  • Tarbert (Loch Fyne)
  • Kilchoan
  • Lochaline
  • Tobermory

George Leslie Limited (GLL) was appointed to the Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP) Civils & Marine Works Framework in April 2026 to deliver the required port infrastructure improvements and shore power enabling works at the above ports across the CHFS network. Construction works are planned to commence at Portavadie in September 2026, with dredging works at Colintraive commencing in October 2026 and the construction works following on in November 2026.

The remaining five ports are currently progressing through the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase during which the Contractor is working collaboratively with CMAL and the design team to develop the designs, identify opportunities and refine construction methodologies. This will be followed by completion of the detailed design, with construction works planned to commence in 2027.

Colintraive

GLL has been awarded the construction contract to deliver the port infrastructure improvements and shore power enabling works at Colintraive under the SVRP Civils & Marine Framework.

Dredging works are currently planned to commence in October 2026, with the shore power enabling works being completed in November 2026. Installation of the shore power infrastructure is currently planned to begin in February 2027 under a separate contract.

The proposed works include:

  • Provision of shore power infrastructure to support the operation of the new all-electric SVRP vessels.
  • Dredging around the slipway toe and overnight berth to achieve the required under-keel clearance.

During dredging activities, the Colintraive–Rhubodach service will operate from the temporary slipway located approximately 50m south of the existing slipway. Temporary traffic management measures will also be in place during the landside works.

CalMac will keep customers informed of any disruption via the CalMac website service status and route information pages.

There may be periods of increased construction activity and associated noise around the harbour area. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption and complete the works safely and efficiently.

Portavadie

GLL has also been awarded the construction contract to deliver the port infrastructure improvements at Portavadie under the SVRP Civils & Marine Framework.

Construction is planned to commence in September 2026 and is expected to take approximately 20 weeks to complete.

The proposed works include:

  • Dredging works to achieve the required under-keel clearance for the new vessels.
  • Widening of the existing slipway by approximately three metres to accommodate the new vessels.
  • Widening of the marshalling area to provide an additional lane, increasing capacity, and improving traffic flow.
  • Provision of a new pedestrian footway between the terminal building and slipway.
  • Construction of a new embankment structure to facilitate the marshalling area improvements.
  • Installation of new street lighting and associated electrical infrastructure around the port.

Given the nature of the dredging works and slipway improvements, there will be some disruption to the Portavadie–Tarbert ferry service. The slipway will need to be closed for approximately four weeks from Monday 19 October 2026 to Monday 16 November to allow the works to be completed safely and efficiently.

During this period, CalMac Ferries Limited will operate a passenger-only service between Portavadie Marina and Tarbert Marina. CalMac will keep customers informed of any disruption via the CalMac website service status and route information pages.

Traffic management measures will also be implemented while works to the marshalling area are undertaken. There may be periods where construction-related noise is noticeable in and around the harbour area.

Further to the procurement of seven new electric ferries to support island communities and improve resilience across the Clyde and Hebrides ferry network, these harbour improvements will play a vital role in enabling the introduction of the new vessels and supporting more sustainable ferry services for years to come.

Community Drop-in Sessions

CMAL is currently planning community drop-in sessions to provide local residents and stakeholders with an opportunity to meet the project team and learn more about the planned works.

Colintraive

Date: 23 September 2026
Time: 3pm–7pm
Location: Colintraive Village Hall, Colintraive, PA22 3AS

Portavadie

Date: 3 September 2026
Time: 3pm–7pm
Location: Kames Hall, Tighnafionan, Tighnabruich, PA21 2EB

The sessions will provide information on:

  • The planned port infrastructure improvements.
  • Construction timescales and programme.
  • Temporary operational and ferry service arrangements.
  • Traffic management measures.
  • The wider Small Vessel Replacement Programme.

Representatives from CMAL, CalMac Ferries Limited, Transport Scotland, George Leslie Limited, and Haskonings will be available throughout the sessions to answer questions and discuss the projects in more detail.

Our project team is on hand to answer any questions you may have about these works or the broader Small Vessel Replacement Programme. Please do not hesitate to email svrp@cmassets.co.uk with any queries, or visit cmassets.co.uk/svrp for more information.

Categories: Cidheachan is Calaidhean, Naidheachdan, Prògram Ionadachaidh Shoithichean Beaga, Pròiseactan, SVRP Infrastructure Works
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