New £30 million ferry for North Uist and Harris 15/10/14
Plans to build a new ferry for Harris and North Uist are underway.
The proposed replacement for the MV Hebrides is expected to be fitted with twin LNG
dual-
She would ply the route at 14.5 knots though her top speed would be 16.5 knots.
Hebrides News previously revealed two identical ships will be constructed to handle the long voyages to the Western Isles or the larger Inner Hebrides islands an an estimated cost of around £57 million for the pair.
The present intention is to use one on the Skye -
The other is earmarked to operate on the Arran route.
The MV Hebrides and MV Caledonian Isles would be kept for use on another route.
The contract will go out to tender to construct vessels able to carry 1,000 passengers with a car deck designed to take up to 127 cars or, alternatively, 16 artic lorries.
The ships will be owned by Scottish Government company, CMAL , which will lease them out to Cal Mac Ferries.
A preliminary process to gauge market interest from shipyard builders is being undertaken.
A formal contract to a winning shipyard is expected to be agreed in March.
The successful bidder will undertake detailed design and construction work of two passenger, freight and car ferries of 100 metres length overall, as well as testing, equipping, launch and delivery.
The first vessel is to be delivered by the end of 2017. The second vessel will follow some months later.
Transport minister Keith Brown said: “I am delighted to announce the procurement process to build two new ferries for the CalMac fleet is now underway.
“I have made clear my commitment to supporting ferry users around Scotland by providing safe and reliable services, and this is the latest step to ensuring we have a fleet that continues to deliver for the communities that depend on it.
“Once CMAL have gauged the market, they will issue a formal Invitation To Tender with a view to awarding the contract in the spring of 2015.
“The ferries are being designed to provide a fully flexible year-
“The vessels they replace will be cascaded throughout the network.”
Mr Brown added: “We are now focused on carrying out a competitive and detailed procurement process and look forward to adding the new vessels to the CalMac fleet.”
Tom Docherty, CMAL’s Chief Executive, said: "We're delighted to announce two new additions to our fleet, which demonstrates CMAL's commitment to providing lifeline ferries to communities on the Western Isles and the west coast of Scotland.
"I look forward to the start of a new project and watching the work progress."