Newsletter

From the helm

Vessel or infrastructure: What comes first for Scotland’s ferry network?

—Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL

The question of connectivity has long been part of Scotland’s maritime discussions. With a fleet in need of renewal, and an urgency for sustainable transport solutions, the challenge is clear: should investment prioritise new vessels, or should the supporting infrastructure be in place first? In an ideal world, both would develop in tandem, but that’s not always possible.

Programmes like the Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP) follow a structured approach to delivering new vessels while ensuring infrastructure development progresses alongside.

The SVRP vessels will be electric, an important step towards meeting the Scottish Government’s Net Zero targets. However, the islands being served by these new ferries require significant investment in their electricity grids, to ensure there is enough shore power for vessels to “charge” overnight. There is no quick fix to ensure each harbour has the right level of power, however we are working closely with all stakeholders including SSEN, CalMac and Transport Scotland to implement solutions. The reality is, however, that when the vessels are delivered in 2027, there may be a period of time that some have to run on their back up fuel supply, until all port upgrades are completed. We are naturally working hard with all stakeholders to avoid this situation.

The SVRP is only part of our plans to rejuvenate the Scottish ferry network. We are on track to replace 50% of the Clyde and Hebrides vessels by the end of the decade, ensuring a more modern and sustainable service. These major assets will be in operation for 30 years or more, and while it is not the ideal situation, if they are in service for a year or so before harbour works are completed, that represents only a small fraction of its operational life – around 5% of a 30-year lifespan. In my opinion, this short-term delay is a reasonable trade-off if it means securing modern, zero-emission ferries that will enhance connectivity for decades to come.

But that doesn’t mean infrastructure is an afterthought, it just requires extensive planning. With less complex harbour upgrade projects, we are often able to have both port and ferry ready at the same time. Take the new Islay vessels, due to come into service this year. Upgrade work at Kennacraig, Colonsay and Port Askaig are all nearing completion and will be ready before the vessels arrive. A considerable improvement project is planned at Port Ellen on Islay later this year, which will provide a more modern, fit-for-purpose and resilient service for passengers. During this time, vessels will use Port Askaig, meaning project timelines had to be carefully considered to ensure work at Port Askaig was completed before commencing the project at Port Ellen, or there would be no way to get on and off the island.

This type of long-term planning and collaboration is vital when it comes to harbour upgrades, and there are many moving parts to be considered. One of the key challenges we face involves external factors that require coordination with multiple stakeholders. Marine consenting, dredging approvals, regulatory requirements, environmental considerations, funding timelines, and logistical constraints all contribute to extended project timelines. We engage with third parties at the earliest opportunity, sometimes before funding is even secured, to give ourselves the best chance of aligning everything while delivering on time and on budget.

Climate change projections influence port designs, ensuring resilience against rising sea levels and increasingly severe storms. Vessel designs also anticipate technological advancements. Ferries commissioned in the last few years, namely the vessels for Islay, the Little Minch, and the freighter flex ferries for the Northern Isles, have been designed with the ability to be retrofitted should a lower emissions fuel source become available.

So, what comes first, the vessel or the infrastructure? The reality is that while both must be considered in parallel, the vessels often lead. Without them, there’s no network to upgrade in the first place. The key is pre-emptive collaboration, ensuring infrastructure development moves as swiftly as possible while allowing the fleet to modernise. If Scotland wants a reliable, sustainable ferry network, there is no time to wait.