CalMac Services and Fuel Supply Q & A

What is the current position regarding fuel stocks at CalMac?

CalMac is confident that it has sufficient stocks in hand, that with prudent use will ensure that services will be maintained to all islands going forward. At this stage, it is not necessary to introduce any service alterations. Details of any such changes will be made available as soon as possible. In the meantime, customers should be assured that no communities will be left without a reasonable level of lifeline services in any circumstances. The current, published timetables apply until further notice.

How long will these stocks last?

CalMac believes that it can maintain an uninterrupted sequence of services as published to all islands for around a fortnight in the current circumstances. The precise detail depends on how much fuel we can bring in between now and any further critical points in the supply chain sequence, and in particular how long any shut-down lasts at Grangemouth. Even with a speedy resolution, the situation may take some time to return to normality. This will be achieved as soon as is practicable.

Are there any plans to change/cancel services?

Not at this stage, although we continue to make contingency plans for any such eventuality.

If services are reduced, who will get priority in terms of travelling?

CalMac does not believe that capacity will be an issue. These situations will be dealt with on a local basis but there will be a clear understanding that emergency services will have the first priority and lifeline services such as food and mail will be given priority as and when required. Anyone with any issues regarding this should contact the local Regional Manager in the first instance for guidance.

What is CalMac doing to mitigate the effects of possible disruption?

CalMac is investigating every possible avenue to secure further fuel stocks to minimise disruption. This is a rapidly changing situation and we are working with all the relevant agencies to secure as much fuel as possible. If the impact of the current dispute leads to disruption in services, this will be kept to a minimum and introduced for the shortest time possible. While this may mean a degree of disruption and inconvenience which is regrettable, it is much better than enduring longer terms of inactivity or shut-down when it can be avoided.

Has CalMac adequately prepared for this eventuality?

CalMac believes it has taken every possible step to reduce any possible impact of fuel shortages, within the current climate of uncertainty. CalMac has worked very closely with all the relevant agencies such as Scottish Government and suppliers to try and minimise any possible impact. CalMac will ensure that as much information about any possible changes will be brought into the public domain as soon as possible to enable communities and customers to plan for these extraordinary events. CalMac is confident that it has an adequate supply to maintain current levels of service.

Could you not have seen this coming?

The general situation was “seen coming” and as much forward planning as possible has been undertaken. This very uncertain situation could unfold in a number of ways. A number of plans are in place and others are being monitored to make sure any possible impact is minimised.

Why does CalMac not just hire a tanker to fuel the fleet?

This is, in fact, one possibility which is being examined and there are others. There are limitations to what can be taken to the areas we serve as storage facilities are at a premium. Our ships are also designed to carry certain levels of fuel on board which enables them to maximise their load and deadweight. There is a balance to be struck and all avenues are being explored, including using our own or other chartered vessels to bring fuel to our network area.

Have other storage facilities been explored?

A range of opportunities are being actively being explored and advice taken from the best possible sources.

Does CalMac have priority for getting fuel to keep ships going?

CalMac is not classed as a “blue light” front line emergency service in the way the police, fire and ambulance services are. However, we have an assurance from Scottish Government that everything possible will be done to ensure that where fuel allocations are being made, the lifeline needs of the communities we serve will be recognised.

What is CalMac doing to keep people informed about services?

We will continue to use the company website www.calmac.co.uk, notices, announcements and the media to disseminate as much information as we can, whenever we get it and believe that it contributes meaningfully to customers’ planning. It is not helpful to contribute to misleading speculation, but we will do what we can to clarify matters as and when possible.

Can customers carry fuel across on ships?

Dangerous Goods (including flammable substances such as petrol, LPG etc.) are only carried by prior arrangement and in accordance with strict Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) regulations and must be declared at least 24 hours in advance to the port of departure. Spare cans of fuel such as petrol or diesel shall not be carried. Caledonian MacBrayne reserves the right to inspect any vehicle presented for shipment.

This message was last updated at 1600 on Wednesday, April 23, 2008