Troubled Fergusons shipyard given £14m – but no ferry contract

CalMac’s ageing small vessels fleet includes a ferry which is now almost 50 years old.

Phase one of the SVRP is expected to deliver the first replacement vessel in the autumn of 2026.

The first phase also includes associated work on ports and shore power upgrades on various routes.

The second phase will look to procure up to three new small vessels of a different design.

The programme was pushed back last year, saving the government £41m, with spending delayed to the 2024-25 financial year.

At the time Finance Secretary Shona Robison said that the programme remained “on track”.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said said the government intended for the new vessels to be deployed on seven existing routes, but said they would be expected to “bring benefits” to two other routes from the redeployment of existing boats.

“These nine routes currently serve around 30% of the car and passenger carryings on the Clyde and Hebrides network,” she said.

“The new vessels will also be electric, helping us to deliver a significant improvement in emissions and local air quality and taking us towards a lower carbon ferry network.”

CMAL CEO Kevin Hobbs said the tendering process was “great news for island communities”.

He added: “We look forward to delivering the all-electric lifeline vessels over the coming years.”