CMAL TO HOST PUBLIC EVENTS FOR SKYE TRIANGLE PORT PROPOSALS

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) will host a series of public exhibition events to share proposals for construction work at the Skye triangle ports of Tarbert (Harris), Uig and Lochmaddy.

The proposals cover prospective work to improve harbour infrastructure and operations for the arrival of the new 102 metre dual fuel ferry currently being built by CMAL to service the route.

The public exhibitions and consultations are being undertaken as part of the application process for the required marine licences for works at the ports. They will allow local communities and other interested parties to comment on proposals at an early stage, before final applications for the works at each port are submitted. The events are also a follow-up to a series of public meetings held in April this year.

Ruth McIntosh, Principal Planning Engineer at CMAL said:

“We visited each of the communities in April this year to let them know about our initial plans to explore harbour modifications. At those meetings, we undertook to consider the comments received and update communities with developments as they progress. The public exhibitions in September are an opportunity for communities to see how the plans have developed and have their say on the proposals.

“We are now completing what we call the port master plans. Drawings showing the preferred options for work at each harbour will be published online prior to the events in September and discussed at the exhibitions. No final decisions have been made on what work will be carried out, and the works are subject to funding availability. We encourage those with an interest in this prospective work to come along to find out more and ask questions.”

The public exhibitions will take place:

Uig Community Centre, Uig, Skye
Monday 4th September 2017, 16.00-19.00hrs

Harris Hotel, Tarbert, Harris
Tuesday 5th September 2017, 16.00-19.00hrs

Lochmaddy Village Hall, North Uist
Wednesday 6th September 2017, 16.00-19.00hrs

Comments can be provided at the events or afterwards in writing to CMAL or by email to operations@cmassets.co.uk by 29th September 2017. Further information is available on CMAL’s website www.cmassets.co.uk/project/skye-triangle-infrastructure-works/

The two dual fuel vessels are currently being built in Port Glasgow and are earmarked for the Arran and Skye Triangle routes. They will be capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine gas oil (MGO), helping to reduce carbon emissions. The vessels will carry up to 1,000 passengers and provide 646-metre vehicle lane capacity, which is approximately 25% increased carrying of a mix of cars, light vehicles, coaches and heavy goods vehicles.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

  1. Issued by Clark Communications on behalf of Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL). For media enquiries contact Angela Hughes 0141 548 8028 / 07970 184 198 / angela@clarkcommunications.co.uk
  2. CMAL is working in partnership with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and The Highland Council, as owners of the ports at Lochmaddy and Uig, in connection with the proposed upgrades.
  3. CMAL own property at piers and harbours at more than 26 locations throughout Scotland.
  4. CMAL is delivering a programme of investment and improvements, which will create better facilities.
  5. In addition to its pier and harbour facilities, CMAL owns 32 ferries. All 32 vessels are leased to CalMac Ferries Ltd for use on ferry services on the Clyde and Hebrides. In addition, two ferries are currently under construction.
  6. CMAL is a publicly owned company with Scottish Ministers as the sole shareholder.
    For more information about CMAL visit: www.cmassets.co.uk

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