COMMUNITY ENCOURAGED TO JOIN ISLAY VESSEL VIRTUAL MEETING
Island communities in Islay and Jura are being reminded to sign-up for an online community consultation meeting to discuss the design and planning process for the new vessel to serve the islands.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), in partnership with CalMac and Transport Scotland, will hold the virtual community meeting on Thursday 14 January 2021, 6.30pm to 8.30pm. The event is open to everyone with an interest in the new vessel.
To participate, those interested must register in advance via Eventbrite at www.islayvessel.eventbrite.co.uk The virtual event will be hosted on Microsoft Teams, which is free to download online.
The meeting will provide communities with an update on the new vessel feasibility studies, which have been ongoing throughout 2020. Key considerations in the extensive range of studies have included: passenger and vehicle requirements; maximising vehicle capacities – particularly for freight; forecast demand; operational requirements; requirements and arrangements for passengers and crew; accessibility; vessel operating speed and timetable; port fits, limitations and improvements; emission and fuel consumption analysis; air quality; reliability, manoeuvrability and seakeeping; shore power and overnight noise; benefits and disbenefits, and costs (capital and operational). Options for vessel capacities will be presented based on the outcomes of the feasibility studies.
Jim Anderson, director of vessels at CMAL said:
“Community engagement is an important part of the vessel concept design and planning process and the virtual meeting is an opportunity for islanders and others with an interest to hear more about our planning work to date, to contribute to discussion and to ask questions. We urge everyone who can make it to register now.”
Presentations and an updated project Q&A will be available on the CMAL website after the meeting.
Questions, or any other queries, regarding the project can be emailed to islayvessel@cmassets.co.uk Alternatively, write to Jim Anderson at CMAL, Municipal Buildings, Fore Street, Port Glasgow, PA14 5EQ.
The new Islay ferry is the next major vessel to be ordered for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service. It will complement the service provided by MV Finlaggan.
Categories: Press
Tags: