The construction of two new ferries for Islay is officially underway, after the first piece of steel was cut yesterday.
The ceremony took place at Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Turkey, where the two vessels are being built for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL).
The 94.8 metre vehicle passenger ferries will each have capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars, or 14 commercial vehicles, providing a combined 40% increase in vehicle and freight capacity on the Islay routes. The new ferries are also expected to deliver a significant reduction in emissions.
Kevin Hobbs, chief executive at CMAL said: “This initial stage of the build will see the construction of the first blocks being carried out under cover, before being relocated to the slipway to be assembled in a process called keel laying.
“Work at the shipyard is progressing well; the team at Cemre is delivering each stage within the agreed timeline.”
The £91m contract to build the two ferries was awarded by CMAL to Cemre Marin Endustri in Turkey in March, after a competitive procurement process which was notable for its lack of shortlisted Scottish bidders.
The first vessel is expected to be delivered by October 2024 and will enter service following sea trials and crew familiarisation. The second vessel will follow in early 2025.
The Islay vessels form part of a 10-year programme of investment by CMAL, backed by £580m from the Scottish Government for five years from 2021 to 2026.
Plans will deliver 21 new vessels for the fleet and multi-million pound upgrades of harbour infrastructure over the next decade. Further investment will be needed to fund plans from 2026 onwards.
CMAL owns 26 harbours on the west coast of Scotland which support the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service.
It also owns 37 ferries, 32 of which are leased to CalMac on routes to the islands and peninsulas of the west coast, with five leased to Serco Northlink Ferries for Orkney and Shetland routes.
Don't miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter - sign up here for free.
