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Proposal to replace ferries with new-build ships   6/6/14

 

The ferries running across the Sound of Harris and the Sound of Barra are earmarked to be replaced in about ten years.

 

Maritime architects would be commissioned to design a blueprint for two ships replace Loch Portain and Loch Bhrusda which ply the Western Isles’ inter-island voyages, under a west coast ferry replacement strategy.

 

One option is to order two sister vessels of identical design.

 

The 35-metre Loch Bhrusda which sails between Ardmhor in Barra and Eriskay is currently 18 years old and can carry 150 passengers with space for 18 cars on deck.

 

Operating between Leverburgh and Berneray is the 11-year-old MV Loch Portain which takes up to 195 passengers and 31.

 

Two larger vessels for the Mich voyages to the Western Isles or the larger Inner Hebrides islands would be ordered in 2020 at an estimated total cost of £57 million, according to  a strategy agreed by the board of  Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL).

 

Candidates for replacement, The MV Lord of the Isles, MV Isle of Arran, MV Hebridean Isles or the MV Isle of Mull, will be between 30 and nearly 40 years old by the time the new-builds are ready.

 

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) - the Scottish Government company which owns the fleet of ships leased to the contracted ferry operator - at present Cal Mac Ferries - is to seek Transport Scotland approval for its long-term fleet replacement programme.

 

CMAL said its “strategic priority is to provide reliable and innovative environmentally friendly new ferries to all Scotland’s island and rural communities.”

 

We will achieve this by implementing a long term fleet management plan for the existing fleet of 31 ferries while implementing a replacement programme that will meet the existing and future needs of the remote and island communities of Scotland.