SVRP: Small Vessel Replacement Programme

A project to deliver a new generation of small, electric ferries

SVRP: Small Vessel Replacement Programme

A project to deliver a new generation of small, electric ferries

About this project

The Small Vessel Replacement Programme aims to achieve a substantial renewal of the small vessel fleet and associated port upgrades to accommodate the new vessels. Phase 1 of the programme comprises seven new, small, electric ferries to help support the Clyde and Hebrides ferry network.

Contact us

To get in touch with us about this project, please email:

svrp@cmassets.co.uk

Latest news

SVRP Infrastructure: Investigation works begin

20 August 2025

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd recently began procuring seven new electric ferries to support island communities and enhance the resilience of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry network.

To help prepare our ports to accommodate the new vessels, we are now conducting surveys and performing investigation works. These activities will start on 20 August 2025 and are expected to take at least three weeks.

We’ll be working at the following ports:

Colintraive
Portavadie
Tobermory
Kilchoan

The investigation works will comprise the following operations:

Geophysical surveys
Overwater boreholes by a combination of sonic sampling and rotary coring at Tobermory and Kilchoan from a jack-up barge
Marine sampling
Trial pits on land
Bathymetric, utilities, and topographical surveys

The works are not expected to cause any disruptions to ferry services, and every effort will be made to minimise local disturbance. We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience while we carry out these essential investigation works, which will help inform the port enabling works’ design and licence applications for the new generation of ferries.

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.

SVRP: Contract Signed for Small Vessels

28 March 2025

Following a mandatory 10-day standstill period, the contract for seven new loch-class electric ferries has been awarded.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) and Remontowa Shipbuilding in Poland have signed the contract to build the small vessels, which will support island communities and improve the resilience of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry fleet. It is expected that the first ferry will be delivered in 2027.

The Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP) will see seven fully electric vessels built in this first phase. Three more will be delivered in phase two of the project, which will be procured through a separate competitive tender process later this year.

Phase one of the programme is backed by a £160m investment from Scottish Government. The value of the shipbuilding contract is £147.5m, while the remaining £12.5m includes a 3% budget contingency and ancillary costs associated with the project.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said:

“CMAL signing the contract to build seven new small vessels for the Clyde and Hebrides fleet is a significant step in our ferries improvement programme.

“When added to the six new major vessels joining the fleet in the coming years, these new electric vessels will mean that this Government has invested to renew around a third of CalMac’s entire fleet.

“I would like to thank CMAL for the work involved in reaching this important milestone.”

Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL said:

“As we work to rejuvenate the Scottish ferry fleet and accompanying infrastructure, we are replacing up to 16 new vessels in the next six years. Signing this contract for seven of them is a big step forward in our plans.

“In 2011, Remontowa delivered the MV Finlaggan, and before that, the MV Bute and MV Argyle. We are confident the team will build and deliver high quality ferries which will benefit communities across Scotland with increased resilience and lower emissions.”

Michał Jaguszewski, Director of Commerce at Remontowa, said:

“We are looking forward to working in partnership with LMG Marin [ship design firm] and CMAL to design, build and deliver these new vessels.

“We have the experience and expertise to supply the modern, highly efficient and environmentally friendly ships on time and on budget, with a clear focus on reliability.”

CMAL will now work closely with the yard to progress to the next phase of the contract, which will see detailed designs for the vessels completed.

SVRP: Lead Bidder Identified for Small Vessels Contract

17 March 2025

The lead bidder for a contract to build seven new loch-class electric ferries has been identified.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) intends to award the contract to Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A in Gdansk, Poland, following a 10-day standstill period.

The Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP) will see seven fully electric vessels built in the first phase. Three more will be delivered in phase two of the project, which will be procured through a separate competitive tender process later this year.

The electric ferries will help to support island communities and improve the resilience of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry network, with delivery of the first vessel expected in 2027.

Following an initial exercise to identify suitably qualified and experienced shipyards, six were invited to tender for the contract, with five yards returning responses.

Bids were robustly assessed against technical and financial criteria, with a 65%/35% weighting, respectively. The panel scoring the bids consisted of third party marine specialists and experts from CMAL.

When scores across criteria were combined, Remontowa’s bid achieved the highest score and was identified as the winning yard.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said:

“I welcome this milestone being reached in the procurement to build and deliver seven new small vessels to our ferry network.

“These seven new vessels will help improve connectivity and resilience for island residents, businesses and communities, and their electric operation will contribute to reduced carbon emissions from Scotland’s ferry fleet and make ferry travel more sustainable.

“I appreciate all the work that has gone into getting us to this important stage of the procurement process, particularly by CMAL, and am hopeful that we can look forward to contracts being signed at the end of the required standstill period.”

Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL said:

“It is our responsibility to follow the Public Procurement Strategy for Scotland and appoint a yard capable of producing quality vessels which meet the needs of islanders, but that also deliver the best value for the public purse.

“We are confident in Remontowa’s ability, and have worked with them before, most recently with the delivery of the MV Finlaggan in 2011. We will now enter a 10-day standstill period before finalising the contract.”

Duncan Mackison, CalMac’s Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Confirming the lead bidder is a significant milestone for CalMac, and we’re excited to welcome new, modern small vessels to the fleet from 2027 onwards. Small vessels are an integral part of our operation, and new tonnage will allow us to improve the resilience of our service and the experience customers have on these routes.

“These seven new vessels, when combined with the six major new vessels joining the fleet in 2025 and 2026, will mean a third of our entire fleet has been renewed.”

SVRP: Updated Q&A Document

25 February 2025

An updated Q&A document has now been published:

View Q&A Document ›

SVRP: View the storyboards from the recent events

31 January 2025

The storyboards we exhibited at the recent public events are now available to view online:

View storyboards ›

First public engagement event for SVRP Phase 2

23 December 2024

CMAL is hosting a series of engagement events to kick off the Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP) Phase 2. We are inviting the public to attend the events, which will be held in partnership with Transport Scotland and CalMac, at the following times and locations:

Date	Event Venue	Event Time
Monday 20 January 2025	Leverhulme Community Hub, Leverburgh	16:30–19:30
Tuesday 21 January 2025	Berneray Community Hall, Berneray	15:30–18:30
Wednesday 22 January 2025	Northbay Hall, Barra	15:30–18:30
Thursday 23 January 2025	Eriskay Hall, Eriskay	15:30–18:30

Anyone with an interest in the project is encouraged to drop in at a time and location convenient to them. We will present our updates in storyboard format, and the project team will be on hand to answer any questions.

Following the events, a copy of the materials exhibited and a feedback form will be available at cmassets.co.uk/svrp.

Email your questions and comments regarding the project to svrp@cmassets.co.uk.

SVRP: Phase 2 Commences

15 August 2024

Scope

Following the start of the Phase 1 procurement phase, we are commencing work on Phase 2 of the programme, where we aim to replace three vessels from the existing Clyde & Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) small vessel fleet. The vessels are to be replaced due to them reaching operational life expiry.

As with Phase 1, CMAL will lead the Phase 2 works, supported by Transport Scotland and CalMac in a working group. As Phase 2 will primarily focus on the Berneray–Leverburgh and Barra–Eriskay routes, we will collaborate closely with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES), the harbour authorities for all 4 ports.

Stakeholder and community engagement

We will look to carry out public engagement events in the near future prior to the commencement of design work.

A reference group with key stakeholders, for the programme as a whole, is currently in place to provide updates and to seek views at the network level.

Concept Design and Feasibility Studies

We will expand upon the design work undertaken for Phase 1, carrying lessons learned into Phase 2. We will shortly launch a procurement process to appoint a naval architecture consultant to work with us in developing the Phase 2 concept design.

Funding and Timescales

As per Transport Scotland’s draft Islands Connectivity Plan (ICP), funding for SVRP Phase 2 is expected in Phase 2 of the ICP (i.e. 2026 to 2031).

Contact Us

Questions and comments regarding both SVRP Phase 1 and 2 can be emailed to svrp@cmassets.co.uk.

Learn more about the SVRP ›

SVRP: Procurement launched for small vessel replacement plan

16 July 2024

New ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides

The procurement of seven new electric ferries to help support island communities and improve the resilience of the Clyde and Hebrides ferries network is underway.

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

Estimated costs for Phase 1 of the Small Vessels Replacement Programme are around £175 million, for the seven new vessels as well as port improvements and shore power upgrades.

The invitation to tender for this contact 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 today.

Our intention is that these ferries would be deployed on seven existing routes, but would also bring benefits to two other routes from the redeployment of existing vessels. These nine routes currently serve around 30% of the car and passenger carryings on the Clyde and Hebrides network.

The new vessels will also be electric, helping us to deliver a significant improvement in emissions and local air quality and taking us towards a lower carbon ferry network.

This procurement is a vital step forward in our plans to improve our ferry services and I look forward to following its progress closely over the coming months.

—Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop

We welcome the Scottish Government’s decision to progress the SVRP. 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.

—Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive Officer at CMAL

The initial SVRP Phase 1 vessel deployment plan will see the new vessels serving the following routes:

Colintraive—Rhubodach (Bute)
Lochaline—Fishnish (Mull)
Tarbert (Loch Fyne)—Portavadie (Peninsula)
Iona—Fionnphort (Mull)
Sconser—Raasay (Raasay)
Tobermory—Kilchoan (Mull)
Tayinloan—Gigha (Gigha)

Through cascade of existing vessels and port works, the following two routes will also benefit:

Largs—Cumbrae (Cumbrae)
Oban—Lismore (Lismore)

The deployment plans will be kept under review as we progress towards delivery to ensure the best alignment of vessel replacement, port works, shore power and cascades.

The image has been provided by naValue, who have worked with CMAL to develop the vessel concept design.

Learn more about the SVRP

The Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP) aims to achieve a substantial renewal of the small vessel fleet

View project

SVRP: Q&A from face-to-face public engagement events

11 October 2023

An updated Q&A document has been published following the recent series of SVRP events:

View Q&A Document ›

SVRP: Event presentations and storyboards

15 September 2023

The presentations shown at the recent SVRP events are now available to view below:

Colintraive–Rhubodach ›	Tayinloan–Gigha ›
Tarbert Loch Fyne–Portavadie ›	Sconser–Raasay ›
Tobermory–Kilchoan ›	Mull (General) ›
Iona–Fionnphort ›	Lochaline–Fishnish ›
Largs–Cumbrae ›

SVRP: Additional Kilchoan SVRP event

29 August 2023

An additional event has been added to the series of SVRP public meetings, the details of which can be found below:

Date	Route	Event Venue	Event Time	*Event Notes*
08/09/2023	Tobermory–Kilchoan	Kilchoan Community Centre Pier Road PH36 4LJ	15:30–18:30	This event will be a *Drop-in Session*. People will have the opportunity to drop into the venue at any time between the time stated.

SVRP face-to-face public engagement events

8 August 2023

Further to our two public webinars held in August 2022 and February 2023, we are hosting a series of in-person public engagement events over a two-week period from 28th August to 8th September 2023. Please see below the proposed schedule for the events and their respective locations and timings. The public meetings will provide a further update on the new vessels’ feasibility studies. The format of each public event will vary depending on location. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their views and comments and ask questions during the meetings.

Date	Route	Event Venue	Event Time	*Event Notes*
28/08/2023	Colintraive–Rhubodach	Bank of Ideas 17 High Street Rothesay PA20 9AS	16.00–19.00	This event will be a *Drop-in Session*. People will have the opportunity to drop into the venue at any time between the time stated.
29/08/2023	Tayinloan–Gigha	Gigha Village Hall Isle of Gigha PA41 7AA	18:30–20:00	This event will be a *Presentation followed by a Q&A.* Please arrive at the venue for the start time stated.
30/08/2023	Tarbert Loch Fyne–Portavadie	Tarbert Village Hall Campbelltown Road Tarbert PA29 6TX	15.30–18.30	This event will be a *Drop-in Session*. People will have the opportunity to drop into the venue at any time between the time stated.
31/08/2023	Sconser–Raasay	Raasay Community Hall Isle of Raasay IV40 8PA	18:30–20:00	This event will be a *Presentation followed by a Q&A.* Please arrive at the venue for the start time stated.
04/09/2023	Tobermory–Kilchoan	Tobermory Scout Hall Isle of Mull PA75 6AB	17:30–20:30	This event will be a *Drop-in Session*. People will have the opportunity to drop into the venue at any time between the time stated.
05/09/2023	Mull (General)	Craignure Village Hall Isle of Mull PA65 6AZ	13.00–16.00	This event will be a *Drop-in Session*. People will have the opportunity to drop into the venue at any time between the time stated.
05/09/2023	Iona–Fionnphort	Iona Village Hall Isle of Iona PA76 6SJ	19:00–20:30	This event will be a *Presentation followed by a Q&A.* Please arrive at the venue for the start time stated.
06/09/2023	Lochaline–Fishnish	Lochaline Village Hall Morvern PA34 5XT	15.30–18.30	This event will be a *Drop-in Session*. People will have the opportunity to drop into the venue at any time between the time stated.
07/09/2023	Largs–Cumbrae	Garrison House 2 College Street Millport KA28 0AZ	15.30–18.30	This event will be a *Drop-in Session*. People will have the opportunity to drop into the venue at any time between the time stated.
08/09/2023	Tobermory–Kilchoan	Kilchoan Community Centre Pier Road PH36 4LJ	15:30–18:30	This event will be a *Drop-in Session*. People will have the opportunity to drop into the venue at any time between the time stated.

Following these events, all material presented will be published on our website, and all questions asked will be recorded in our Q&A document. People will also have the ability to share questions via our dedicated mailbox: svrp@cmassets.co.uk

Below you will also find the presentation, recording and Q&A document from our previous webinars.

If you are interested in attending one of the events, we would greatly appreciate you signing up below and selecting your desired location:

https://www.cmassets.co.uk/attend-svrp-event

Please note that signing up is not mandatory to attend the events but it will help give us an indication of expected attendee numbers for each location.

We look forward to seeing you at the events.

SVRP face-to-face public engagement events

8 August 2023

Further to our two public webinars held in August 2022 and February 2023, we are hosting a series of in-person public engagement events over a two-week period from 28th August to 7th September 2023.

View all event locations and times ›

The public meetings will provide a further update on the new vessels’ feasibility studies. The format of each public event will vary depending on location. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their views and comments and ask questions during the meetings.

If you are interested in attending one of the events, we would greatly appreciate you signing up below and selecting your desired location:

https://www.cmassets.co.uk/attend-svrp-event

Please note that signing up is not mandatory to attend the events, but it will help give us an indication of expected attendee numbers for each location.

We look forward to seeing you at the events.

SVRP: Q&A from second public webinar

3 March 2023

A Q&A document has been published following the second public webinar, which was held on 2 February:

Q&A document (PDF)

Face-to-face public engagement events will be arranged in Q2 2023 to provide further updates on the SVRP. Details of events will be provided in due course.

In the meantime, if you have any further questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us by email at our dedicated project mailbox: svrp@cmassets.co.uk

SVRP: Presentation and slides from public webinar

6 February 2023

We held a public webinar on 2 February to share a further update on the SVRP feasibility studies. A recording of the online meeting is available to view:

The meeting slides are available here: SVRP – Public Webinar Presentation – 02 February 2023

A Q&A document will be available in the coming weeks.

If you have any additional queries, please email: svrp@cmassets.co.uk

SVRP: Second public webinar

13 January 2023

We are hosting a second public webinar, on Thursday 2 February 2023 between 18:30 and 20:00, to share a further update on the SVRP feasibility studies.

The webinar will take place on Microsoft Teams, and anyone with an interest in the project is welcome to join. Please sign up for the webinar here.

A link to join the webinar will then be sent to you. Please note, participants will be held in a waiting room until the presentation starts.

The meeting will provide a further update on the new vessels feasibility studies. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their views and comments and ask questions during the meeting. A Q&A session will take place at the end of the presentation.

We will be joined by representatives from CalMac Ferries Limited (CalMac) and Transport Scotland (TS). A copy of the presentation, the recording and an updated Q&A document will be available on this project page after the event. Below you will also find the presentation, recording and Q&A document from the first webinar, held in August 2022.

SVRP: Q&A from virtual public meeting

14 October 2022

A Q&A document has been published following the community meeting on 31 August 2022:

Q&A Document

We received a large volume of questions during and after the meeting, and it took longer than expected to compile the Q&A document. We have given them full consideration to ensure responses are robust, with input from several parties for some responses.

Our intention was to carry out a subsequent virtual public meeting at the end of October 2022; however, this will be moved to later in the year so that a more complete update can be provided to communities.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us by email at our dedicated project mailbox: svrp@cmassets.co.uk

SVRP: Presentation and slides from public webinar

1 September 2022

We held a public webinar on 31 August to share an update on the SVRP feasibility studies. A recording of the online meeting is available to view:

The meeting slides are available here: SVRP – Public Webinar Presentation – 31 August 2022

A Q&A document will be available in the coming weeks.

If you have any additional queries, please email: svrp@cmassets.co.uk

SVRP: Small Vessel Replacement Programme

27 May 2022

The concept design and feasibility studies for the Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP) are progressing well, with a collaborative approach between the programme working group (CMAL, CalMac Ferries Ltd., Transport Scotland), naValue and Mott MacDonald. As part of the programme, CMAL and naValue are also working closely with Highland Council and Wallace Stone for a vessel concept design to replace Highland Council’s existing vessels for the Corran – Ardgour route.

CMAL has held two key stakeholder reference group meetings in the past six months to gain initial feedback on the programme. The reference group consists of representatives from the programme working group, HITRANS, SPT, Ferries Community Board, and local authorities (Argyll and Bute Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Highland Council, and North Ayrshire Council).

The programme working group is close to confirming the routes in scope for the deployment plan for Phase 1. Once this initial deployment plan is in place, CMAL will carry out wider public engagement on the proposed deployment, and gain feedback on the initial vessel concept design. This is expected to take place via an online webinar during Q3 2022. Details will be posted on this project page nearer the time.

As the programme becomes more detailed and breaks into route specific projects for each small vessel introduction, further stakeholder reference groups will be created at a more local level with selected representatives from all levels of stakeholders. These meetings are expected to take place face to face where practical.

Questions and comments regarding the programme can be emailed to SVRP@cmassets.co.uk.

SVRP: Public webinar

9 May 2022

We are hosting a public webinar to share an update on the SVRP feasibility studies on Wednesday 31^st August between 18:30 and 20:00.

The webinar will take place on Microsoft Teams, and anyone with an interest in the project is welcome to join.

A link to join the webinar will then be sent to you. Please note, participants will be held in a waiting room until the presentation starts.

The meeting will provide an update on feasibility studies, which have been ongoing throughout 2022. Key considerations in the extensive range of studies have included:

Emissions and energy efficiency
Passenger and vehicle requirements – including forecast demand
Operational and user requirements
Requirements and arrangements for passengers and crew
Accessibility
Reliability, manoeuvrability, and seakeeping
Port fit, including limitations and improvements
Shore power

Attendees will have the opportunity to share their views and comments and ask questions during the meeting. A Q&A session will take place at the end of the presentation.

Our team will be joined by representatives from ferry operator, CalMac, and Transport Scotland (TS) to discuss details of the project. A copy of the presentation, the recording and the Q&A document will be available on this project page after the event.

CMAL appoints design consultant for Small Vessel Replacement Programme

23 August 2021

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has appointed ferry design consultancy NaValue to lead the concept design of its Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP).

Navalue will provide consultancy services for the concept design stage of the programme, which will see several small vehicle and passenger vessels replaced on the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) network.

CMAL and Navalue will investigate and evaluate the feasibility of designing low-emission ferries to be in line with the Scottish Government’s climate change commitments. The Emissions Reduction Targets (Scotland) Act 2019 states a 2030 target to deliver a reduction of 75% of all harmful emissions, and an ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

Studies and design experience will be drawn on to explore the latest offshore charging technologies and identify onboard electrical energy storage systems capable of being recharged from shore-side electrical power supplies.

Jim Anderson, Director of Vessels of CMAL, said:

“CMAL led the way in low-emission small ferries when we designed the world’s first hybrid sea-going ferries, with 3 hybrid vessels currently in operation on the network.

“Our aim is to ensure the next generation of small vessels is as environmentally friendly as possible by adopting further advances in battery technology and electrifying our fleet. Navalue will provide insight and expert knowledge as we embark on our highly ambitious and much-needed vessel renewal programme.”

Thomas Ritte, Partner at NaValue, said:

“NaValue is strongly committed to providing innovative, reliable and efficient ship design solutions for sustainable shipping. We are pleased to bring our experience in developing zero-emission transportation solutions to the CMAL small vessel replacement programme and look forward to working with CMAL in their goal towards lower-emission vessels.”

The SVRP will include robust engagement with relevant stakeholders and communities to provide updates and ensure the needs of users are reflected where practical and affordable in the design and construction phases. A future phase two of the SVRP will replace vessels to serve the Sound of Barra, Sound of Harris and Sound of Iona routes; however, during phase one, CMAL will investigate a vessel design that complies with changed regulatory requirements for the Sound of Iona.

SVRP: Design consultant appointed

23 August 2021

We have appointed ferry design consultancy Navalue to lead the concept design of the Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP).

Navalue will provide consultancy services for the concept design stage of the programme and will work with us to investigate and evaluate the feasibility of designing low emission ferries to be in line with the Scottish Government climate change commitments.

For more information, read the news release here.

SVRP: Small Vessel Replacement Programme begins

23 February 2021

We are commencing a major programme to replace up to seven small “loch class” vessels serving the Clyde & Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) network due to operational life expiry. The programme aims to achieve a very substantial renewal of the small vessel fleet during the next 10 years. We are leading the programme, supported by Transport Scotland and CalMac, in a working group.

Phase one

The strategic business case for phase 1 of the programme was approved in late 2020 by the Transport Scotland Investment Decision-Making (IDM) Board. The scope of this first phase covers the following vessels. This will require a series of new builds, but some existing vessels may also be redeployed around the network.

Vessel	Current route
MV Loch Striven	Oban-Lismore
MV Loch Riddon	Largs-Cumbrae (second vessel, summer only)
MV Loch Ranza	Tayinloan-Gigha
MV Loch Dunvegan	Colintraive-Rhubodach
MV Loch Fyne	Mallaig-Armadale (summer only)
MV Loch Tarbert	Tobermory-Kilchoan
MV Loch Linnhe	Relief vessel

The number of potential routes and communities in the scope of the programme presents different challenges than for a single route project, at least until a provisional deployment plan has been developed.

Appointing naval architects

We have launched a procurement process to appoint a naval architecture consultant. Timelines are still evolving, but the programme is currently on course to move to procurement of the first tranche of vessels in the next 12 months, subject to the completion and approval of an outline business base.

Stakeholder and community engagement

A communications and engagement plan for the programme is being produced to ensure the needs of users and communities are identified and responded to, and as far as is practical and affordable, met both during the design and construction phases and during operation of the vessels once delivered. Although the potential scope of the first phase of the programme stretches much of the length of the CHFS network, our increasing use of virtual meetings and live webinars should ease some of these challenges.

A Reference Group for the programme as a whole will be established with key stakeholders to provide updates and to seek views at the network level. This is likely to include relevant local authorities, regional transport partnerships (RTPs) and third-party port owners.

Low-emission vessels

In line with Scottish Government climate change commitments, the programme will aim to deliver low-emission vessels utilising the latest proven battery and onshore charging technologies. CMAL and CalMac are in the fortunate position of being able to call upon the experience and knowledge gained from the three diesel electric hybrid vessels that were world-leading when launched.

Feasibility studies will be undertaken to establish which ports within the small vessel network have the ability to install the necessary power and equipment to charge the vessels and or accommodate energy storage systems, and the cost of these upgrades. This factor will influence where new vessels are deployed.

The technical developments of this programme will be available for sharing with other public sector ferry and vessel operators.

Vessel standardisation

In line with the statement in the Scottish Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan (see pg38), the programme will aim to achieve increased standardisation in hull design, propulsion and internal layout as well as improved reliability, resilience, accessibility and capacity.

Best practice and continuous improvement

The programme will take note of lessons learned from other vessel delivery projects, including in particular the hybrid ferries projects, of the 2017 Audit Scotland report into Scottish ferry services, and of the recently published report of the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee inquiry into the procurement and construction of ferries in Scotland.

A first independent assurance review of the project, analogous to a Gateway Zero review, has been undertaken by MacWilliams Consulting Limited. The review team reported a MEDIUM HIGH degree of confidence that the programme will deliver its objectives and meet its requirements in regard to time, cost and quality. Formal Gateway Reviews will be undertaken at key milestones during the course of the programme.

Phase two

Lessons learned from the first phase of the programme will allow us to address the challenges faced from the reclassification of the Sound of Barra, Sound of Harris and Sound of Iona routes. The vessels and/or infrastructure required for these routes will need to meet higher regulatory standards than the current vessels; “Euro B” rather than “Euro C”. During phase one, we will investigate a vessel design that complies with changed regulatory requirements for the Sound of Iona.

Planning for the replacement of the vessels in the scope of phase 2 will need to begin in good time, through the development of a strategic business case, particularly if significant infrastructure solutions or novel vessel designs are going to be considered among the options.

Design consultant appointed

We have appointed ferry design consultancy Navalue to lead the concept design of the programme. Navalue will provide consultancy services for the concept design stage of the programme, which will see several small vehicle and passenger vessels replaced on the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) network. CMAL and Navalue will investigate and evaluate the feasibility of designing low-emission ferries to be in line with the Scottish Government’s climate change commitments.

Contact the project team

Questions and comments regarding the project can be emailed to svrp@cmassets.co.uk.