Newsletter

As we approach the end of 2024, I’m pleased to finally report CMAL has taken ownership of MV Glen Sannox and she will now undergo a familiarisation period with CalMac staff before she enters service. I look forward to her debut on the network early next year. Meanwhile, we continue to work closely with our partners to see MV Glen Rosa progress through the final stages of readiness. It’s encouraging to see both vessels moving forward, despite the challenges we’ve faced.

Unfortunately, there has been a delay in the delivery of MV Isle of Islay due to ongoing supply chain issues beyond the shipyard’s control. Despite successful testing of the vessel’s main engines and generators, as well as the completion of harbour acceptance trials for the bow thrusters and emergency generator, the delivery date has been extended by four months, pushing it beyond December 2024. While it’s disappointing to confirm, we continue to work closely with the shipyard and specialist contractors to manage this delay and are monitoring the situation closely to minimise further impact.

On the Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP), we are pleased to confirm that six shipyards have been selected for the next stage of the process. We aim to appoint a shipyard to build seven fully electric vessels by the end of Q1 2025, reinforcing our commitment to decarbonisation and driving forward a greener future for Scotland’s ferry network. The first of these vessels is anticipated to be delivered in 2027 through to early 2029. Phase two for three more small vessels of a different design, is currently being appraised to appoint concept design partners.

Meanwhile, it’s great to see the Islay Vessel Enabling Works (IVEW) at Kennacraig, Port Askaig, and Colonsay progressing well. These upgrades are not only essential but a testament to our long-term planning. The infrastructure upgrades are crucial to accommodate the new vessels and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers using these routes. We are committed to completing these works on schedule to support the efficient operation of the Islay vessels when they arrive and join our network.

Lastly, the Board recently conducted an extensive network visit to inspect facilities at key ports. During this visit, we met with port and vessel staff to discuss ongoing works and developments. It is important for us to engage directly with the teams who manage these operations daily on board our vessels. Their insight is key to maintaining the smooth running of our services across our network.

News and views

New Project: Northern Isles Freight Vessels

Small Vessel Replacement Programme: Phase 2 Commences

Kennacraig and Port Askaig reach significant milestones in preparation for new Islay vessels

Harbour Spotlight

Kennacraig

Located only five miles from the quaint fishing village of West Loch Tarbert, Kennacraig Harbour provides vital lifeline services for the Islay route.

This year, Kennacraig has undergone significant infrastructure upgrades in preparation for the two new Islay vessels, MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal.

In August, contractors George Leslie Ltd successfully completed work on the south berth of the harbour two weeks ahead of schedule. During this period, the south berth was closed, allowing for the replacement of the previously existing fenders, the construction of new piled walls and dredging works. After being removed for refurbishment, the linkspan was re-installed with the help of the LARA1 crane barge, enabling ferry services to resume.

Construction has now moved over to the north berth, where the team has started on the piling, fendering, and electrical works. November will see the dredging works resume in this area, and most of the pier upgrades are expected to conclude by the end of the year, with some works to continue until spring 2025.

Current facilities:

Staffed location
Pier
Linkspan and fixed ramp landings
Passenger gangways on pier
Vehicle marshalling area
HGV drop trailer area
Weighbridge (not public)
Car parks on site
Bus stop at terminal building

Fast facts:

Kennacraig Harbour is equipped with a Chargeplace Scotland EV charging station
Facilities at this location include a terminal building with a ticket office, waiting room, toilets and vending machines

Behind the Scenes

Community, Collaboration and Communication

—Blair Moglia, Stakeholder Engagement Officer

Connecting with communities is at the core of what we do at CMAL. It’s important for us to recognise that the vessels, ports and harbours we oversee exist to serve these communities. Stakeholder engagement allows us to inform, consult, collaborate and, more importantly, build trust.

From large community events to ongoing project feedback, we interact with communities and stakeholders in a variety of ways. For example, in 2025, we’ll be inviting islanders and ferry users to get a close-up look at MV Isle of Islay. Events like this aren’t just about seeing the ferries—they are about fostering relationships with islanders, encouraging their feedback and ensuring the vessel meets the needs of those it was designed to serve. By inviting them to attend these special occasions, we acknowledge they are as much a part of the process as we are.

It’s important for us to recognise that the vessels, ports and harbours we oversee exist to serve these communities

Our role doesn’t stop with events. Facilitating ongoing consultation is just as important because it allows us to build trust with communities during projects and understand their changing needs. It can be challenging to manage this type of consistent communication, especially in rural and isolated communities where not everyone is online or able to attend formal meetings. That’s why we prioritise face-to-face engagement, where possible. Our project leaders, as well as Board members, are regularly out on the network, visiting communities, listening to concerns and explaining what we’re doing and why.

A key example of community feedback influencing the development of CMAL projects can be seen with the Cumbrae slipway reconstruction. Following a series of constructive public engagement events and feedback surveys, islanders shared their preferences for the slipway, proposed marshalling plans and the landslide facilities. The initial proposal was modified several times based on community input, resulting in a solution that better suits local needs.

CMAL also works alongside CalMac and Transport Scotland to coordinate communication across all key stakeholders. We’re currently developing a master project matrix that will allow us to avoid overlapping communication and ensure the right messages are delivered at the right time. This is just one of the many ways we are working together to strengthen collaboration and provide clear and effective messaging.

As we continue to progress projects and deliver lifeline services to island communities, we will continue to build these relationships.

Water we up to?

In this feature, we delve into some of CMAL’s live projects. The Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP) has progressed as six shipyards have been shortlisted to bid for the contract to build seven new electric vessels. The CMAL Board have also been busy as they ventured on a tour of the ferry network earlier this summer.

SVRP progress

Marking an important step forward for the SVRP, last month it was announced that six shipyards have been invited to bid for the contract to build seven new electric ferries.

Thirteen shipyards completed the Single Procurement Document (SPD), which assessed interested yards against specific criteria including facilities, capacities and capabilities. The six yards which scored the highest have now been invited to tender for the contract.

The programme will see seven fully electric vessels built in the first phase, with a further three in the second phase. They will help to support island communities and improve the resilience of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry network.

Members of the CMAL board visiting Kennacraig whilst works are ongoing

CMAL Ferry Board Network Tour

In July, the CMAL Board took to the seas and toured the ferry network. On their travels, they visited the facilities at Ardrossan, Brodick, Lochranza, Claonaig, Kennacraig, Port Ellen, Port Askaig, Tarbert and Portavadie.

Speaking with port staff at Kennacraig and Port Askaig, the Board got a first-hand report of the progress at both harbours as part of the Islay Vessels Enabling Works (IVEW).

They also met with members of the Islay community, gaining insight into islanders’ needs and how the two new vessels would help them.

Picture this—Seas the day

Check out what our team has been up to over the last few months.

Have you been at one of our community engagement events? Or spotted one of our ferries on the move? Tweet us at @cmassets for a chance to be featured in the next newsletter.