Newsletter
Spring 2025
Contents
From the helm
Hear how CMAL is charting a new course in vessel innovation from our Chief Executive, Kevin Hobbs.
News and views
Catch up with the latest CMAL news you might have missed.
Meet the board
Meet one of our most recent additions to our board—non-executive director, Mark Tarry.
Behind the scenes
Learn more about our recent project at Kennacraig and take a look back at Brodick’s major redevelopment. This is how we build resilient ports for Scotland’s future.
From the helm
Charting a new course in vessel innovation
—Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL
The maritime industry is navigating a period of rapid change with the decarbonisation of vessels, sustainability of ports, and advances in technology all high on the agenda.
Investment in innovation is at the forefront of delivering efficient and environmentally sustainable ferry services to the communities we serve. Our vessels must be capable of operating under tough conditions while meeting the evolving needs of both passengers and the environment. This requires looking beyond conventional solutions and embracing new technologies.
Shipping is responsible for around 5% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the UK and 3.5% globally; therefore, as an island nation, futureproofing our fleet with innovative solutions is an important part of our long-term decarbonisation strategy. While research is ongoing into hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia as fuel sources, there is currently no zero-emissions solution to power large ferries, so we are future-proofing our designs. All of our new vessels, including those for Islay, the Little Minch and our freight-flex ferries for the Northern Isles, are designed with the ability to be retrofitted, should a zero-emissions fuel source become available. They will also be able to “plug in” while they are alongside (berthed), using the electricity supply to vastly reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution.
While many of our vessels are well on their way to integrating new technologies, MV Isle of Islay is a great example of the innovation we aim to deploy across the network. In addition to her capacity for retrofitting, she also features a new propulsion system. Using Voith Schneider eVSP stern propulsors on a vessel of this size is a first for us. Unlike traditional controlled pitch propellers, which are used by much of our current fleet, these advanced propulsors offer improved efficiency and manoeuvrability. Their vertical blades enable more precise turning, quicker stopping, and even sideways movement. This is particularly useful for challenging port conditions, where agility is key.
To improve vessel dependability, the Isle of Islay is the first major ferry in our fleet to use a diesel-electric powertrain—a system that produces power and delivers it to the vessel’s propulsion. Supported by four main engines and generators, this system boosts operational flexibility and resilience. So, if one engine were to require maintenance, the ferry could still operate with the remaining three. This powertrain also delivers quicker response times during docking and departures, ensuring a smoother and safer journey from port to open water.
Our commitment to innovation goes beyond improving efficiency. We also employ new technology to reduce the environmental impact of our vessels. For example, the engines and fans fitted on our newer vessels, including the MV Glen Sannox, are fitted with enhanced noise reduction silencers. Alongside reducing underwater noise and minimising disruption to sensitive marine ecosystems, this improves onboard comfort for passengers. Quieter vessels also cause less disruption in ports and coastal areas, supporting the coexistence of our vessels with the island communities they serve.
With the smaller vessels, it’s easier to find Net Zero solutions. Our latest contract, the Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP), will utilise battery power for seven loch-class electric vessels. In March, the contract was awarded to Remontowa Shipyard in Poland, which previously built the MV Finlaggan, MV Bute, and MV Argyle. These new vessels will leverage cutting-edge battery technology to further reduce emissions and operating costs and will use shore power to charge overnight. Should charging not be available, for any reason, they will have the ability to run on their backup traditional fuel supply using generators. I explained the complexities of this project in our previous newsletter, but rest assured that we are working with all stakeholders to minimise any delays we can. I am pleased to report that good progress is being made.
Ultimately, innovation at CMAL is about more than just improving efficiency and cutting costs. It’s about setting a new standard for environmental stewardship in the maritime industry. As we continue to invest in these forward-looking technologies, we reaffirm our commitment to providing safe, reliable and sustainable lifeline services for generations to come.
News and views
Meet the board
Mark Tarry
One of the CMAL Board’s most recent additions, Mark Tarry, was appointed as a non-executive director in November 2024. Mark draws on his extensive experience from his career in the rail industry, which he now puts to use as a seasoned non-executive director with a broad background in the public sector. This expertise is especially valuable for his role as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, where he provides strong oversight and governance as CMAL delivers reliable and sustainable lifeline services.
When asked what drew him to join CMAL’s Board after a long career in rail and the public sector, Mark highlights an important connection between the two industries:
“I understand transport networks through and through—importantly, what they do for people. It’s about helping people connect and get on with their lives, which is exactly what the ferry network does for so many communities in Scotland.”
In his current role, Mark has been able to utilise his skills in managing large-scale infrastructure projects on the railway to advise CMAL’s port infrastructure projects. Reflecting on this, he says:
“It’s about finding the best ways to shape projects, tackle complex challenges and maximise every investment, while remembering that behind every asset, there’s a real person relying on a lifeline service.”
As part of the team that supports Scotland’s ferry network, Mark finds it particularly rewarding to work alongside talented colleagues:
“It’s fulfilling to work with other skilled non-executive directors who bring diverse experience to the table, allowing us to complement each other’s strengths and make a real difference through our work.”
Choosing a favourite port or vessel on the network isn’t easy for Mark. However, having recently completed the Five Ferries tour, he notes that experiencing both newer and older vessels, as well as the variety of ports and how they overcome unique challenges, has reaffirmed his appreciation of the network and its critical role in connecting island communities.
Behind the scenes
Building resilient ports for Scotland’s future
—Ramsay Muirhead, Director of Port Infrastructure and Planning
When managing port infrastructure projects, proactive operational management is paramount. Any delay can be costly, not just in pounds, but in reliability, safety, and public trust. With limited budgets and infrastructure that supports lifeline ferry services, we simply can’t afford to wait for things to go wrong.
Our goal is simple—to ensure CMAL’s ports are resilient, efficient and ready for whatever comes next. That’s why we focus on anticipating future demands, whether that’s from changing vessel sizes, new technology or the changing climate.
One of our key considerations for delivering major projects in busy harbours is how to plan and phase the works to minimise operational disruption and optimise the available funding. This typically involves several discrete sections of work being undertaken around harbour operations, but can also involve multiple phased works being delivered over several years. For example, we completed a project at Kennacraig in March, which was the third phase of major works undertaken at the harbour since 2010. The recent project was delivered in three distinct sections to minimise the impact on operations.
1
Section one focused on the north berth of the pier and included upgrades to the fixed ramp.
2
Section two saw the closure of the south berth to replace existing fenders, build new piled walls, undertake dredging and remove and refurbish the linkspan.
3
Finally, section three involved switching the works back to the north berth for completion.
The three sections of the project were delivered with the ferry services continuing to operate from the harbour throughout, which illustrates how we adapt project delivery to suit operations and funding streams while still moving towards a long-term vision.
When redeveloping the Brodick ferry terminal between 2016 and 2018, we originally explored phasing the construction over several years, but logistically, it didn’t work. The new terminal was essentially being built on much of the old one’s footprint, so a phased approach would have caused significant disruption.
Instead, just like at Kennacraig, our project teams, comprising designers, contractors, and representatives from CalMac and Transport Scotland, collaborated with many other key stakeholders. This time, they presented a case for completing the works in a single 18-month phase.
This single phase of construction, like the recent project at Kennacraig, was delivered in a number of distinct sections, allowing harbour operations to continue throughout. Through a collaborative effort and with careful consideration of the port’s unique requirements, we delivered a brand-new terminal with minimal disruption to ferry services.
Every project we deliver is part of a living network of communities that are ferry and harbour users. Our stakeholders range from island residents and local businesses to tourists and the crews of fishing vessels. We must engage with those who use our ports, as it helps us understand how we can make our infrastructure meet the needs of all users.
We strive to exceed our obligations in stakeholder engagement by ensuring that we consult with people early in the process, allowing their opinions to genuinely inform the design of projects.
One project that stands out is the Cumbrae slipway reconstruction, for which we have held several public engagement events over the past couple of years. Originally, the plan was to rebuild only the slipway, but after listening to feedback, we’ve added a building and marshalling area to the project design. This kind of community input not only builds trust, but it also results in infrastructure that better serves the people who use it.
Ensuring our infrastructure is built for future generations also means considering how our ports are constructed with sustainability in mind, from the initial planning stage to everyday operations. For us, it starts with climate adaptation and responsible design. That’s why we use the latest sea-level and storm data to inform everything from pier height to drainage systems.
We also consider the full lifecycle of materials and assets. We work with contractors to source local, lower-carbon materials, designing with eventual demolition in mind and not just construction. At Brodick, we installed a biomass boiler, photovoltaic panels, and a smart building management system. At Tarbert, we’ve implemented air-source heat pumps. These are just two examples of how we’re cutting long-term emissions and costs through smarter energy use and new technologies.
New technology has not only been integrated into our approach to sustainable building practices, but also into improving navigational safety in our harbours. At many of our harbours, we now have live tidal data, weather information and webcams, all accessible on our website. This data provides vessel masters and all harbour users with the information they need for safer navigation within our harbours, and it enables the public to check on harbour conditions and plan ahead for their journeys.
Futureproofing our infrastructure is about designing facilities that don’t become a constraint on operations and use. We aim to build for, but not with, future vessels in mind, meaning that we design and plan for today’s needs while allowing for tomorrow’s expansion where possible. That requires managing with foresight, listening with intention and building with purpose.
Live Harbour Webcams
Keep an eye on harbour conditions with our live webcams streaming from across the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Network of Scotland.