Lead bidder identified for small vessels contract to serve islands

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, added: "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." 

• The five yards which returned tender responses were:
  • Cammell Laird (England),
  • Cemre Marin Endustri A.S (Turkey),
  • Damen Offshore and Specialized Vessels B.V (Netherlands),
  • Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow (Scotland) and
  • Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A (Poland).
    
    
• 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.

• CMAL owns 26 harbours on the west coast of Scotland which support the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service (CHFS). 
• CMAL owns 37 ferries. Thirty-two vessels are leased to CalMac Ferries Ltd on routes to the islands and peninsulas of the west of Scotland. Five vessels are leased to Serco Northlink Ferries for Orkney and Shetland routes.