Small Vessel Replacement Programme reaches next build milestone
The project to build seven new loch-class vessels has reached another construction milestone this week.
The first vessel (the future MV Loch Awe) has had its keel laid, the base upon which all units are assembled, while the steel has been cut for the second vessel (the future MV Loch Etive).
A ceremony to mark both events took place at Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. shipyard in Gdansk, Poland, on Tuesday (16 December), where the boats are being built for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL).
The Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP) will deliver seven fully electric ferries in the first phase, providing improved reliability and resilience for lifeline ferry services across the Clyde and Hebrides network.
The new ferries will each be able to carry up to 150 passengers and 24 cars, and will serve key routes including Colintraive–Rhubodach, Lochaline–Fishnish, Tarbert–Portavadie, Iona–Fionnphort, Sconser–Raasay, Tobermory–Kilchoan, and Tayinloan–Gigha. Through cascading of existing vessels, the Largs–Cumbrae and Oban–Lismore routes will also benefit.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, said:
“I am pleased that construction on the seven electric small vessels is progressing at pace, reflecting the Scottish Government’s full commitment to investing in our ferry fleet.
“Following last month’s naming competition, two significant construction milestones—the keel laying of MV Loch Awe and steel cutting of MV Loch Etive—have been successfully completed ahead of the planned construction schedule.
“I look forward to further progress on the construction of these vessels, which will serve communities across the Clyde and Hebrides network for years to come.”
Jim Anderson, Director of Vessels at CMAL, added:
“Keel laying is a significant milestone in the ship’s life, as it marks the start of the vessel’s construction.
“With the steel cutting for vessel two also underway, we are confident this means shipyard’s pipeline approach is working well, following many hours of intensive design and development.”
The vessels were named through a public vote in early December and will be called MV Loch Awe, MV Loch Etive, MV Loch Katrine, MV Loch Maree, MV Loch Morar, MV Loch Rannoch, and MV Loch Shiel.
The contract to build the vessels was awarded to Remontowa in March 2025, following a competitive tender process. SVRP phase one represents a £160 million investment from the Scottish Government, with the shipbuilding contract valued at £147.5 million. Delivery of the first vessel is expected in 2027.
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