New passenger vessels

CMAL is leading a project to build new passenger ferries to replace the vessels currently operating on routes between Gourock, Dunoon and Kilcreggan.

Gourock-Dunoon-Kilcreggan vessel update

7 February 2023

CMAL’s vessels team continues to progress the Dunoon and Kilcreggan vessel variants, Outline Business Case (OBC) and tender specification. Transport Scotland is currently undertaking a needs and market based assessment of all routes as part of the Islands Connectivity Plan, with the Gourock-Dunoon-Kilcreggan routes being assessed as a priority.

Once the outcome of the assessment is known, the final stages of the concept vessel designs will be completed. Local stakeholders and communities will also be able to have their say as a consultation will be undertaken before the vessel designs are finalised. All of this will allow for a long-term investment decision to be taken regarding vessel provision, and the OBC will be presented to Transport Scotland’s Investment Decision Making Board.

Contract awarded for concept ferry design

7 January 2021

We have awarded a £155,000 contract to international design and engineering firm BMT to provide consultancy services for the concept design of a new passenger ferry for the Gourock, Dunoon and Kilcreggan routes.

With a strong focus on reducing the environmental footprint, BMT and CMAL will investigate and evaluate the application of energy efficiency solutions to make the new vessel design more sustainable while still offering the high level of safety and reliability expected from a lifeline ferry service.

Read the contract award news release here.