CalMac welcomes small ferry announcement
CalMac has welcomed the Scottish Government's announcement that the first phase to procure new vessels has begun.
The first stage of the competitive tender process will assess if shipyards interested in bidding for the contract meet the financial and technical criteria to take on the project.
Estimated costs for Phase 1 of the Small Vessels Replacement Programme are around £175 million for the seven new vessels, as well as port improvements and shore power upgrades.
The invitation to tender for this contact is expected to issue around September 2024, with a view to awarding the contract in March 2025. While seven small vessels will be built for the CalMac fleet as part of the programme, this will actually benefit nine routes, with existing tonnage being redeployed.
The Scottish Government press release is here.
Diane Burke, Commercial Director of CalMac, said: "Everyone at CalMac is committed to providing the best service possible and the news that even more new vessels will soon join our fleet is a major step towards this.
"With six new major vessels already due to join the fleet by 2026 and significant infrastructure upgrades at numerous ports and harbours underway or planned, I am confident that our communities are set to see welcome improvements to the resilience of their ferry service."