Ferry fund

Scotland’s lifeline ferry services are to receive £3.5 million from the Scottish Government to reduce the risk of vessels breaking down and to return them to service quicker if they do.

The move was announced today by transport secretary Michael Matheson.

The aim is to tackle the problem of aging vessels where failure of outdated components risks putting a ferry out of service for an extended period of time.

The fund will be used to start a programme of obsolescence upgrades during the overhaul period this winter.

Mr Matheson said: “We are very much aware that, as our ferries age, additional resources will be needed to keep the vessels running so our island communities stay connected.

“The funds will be used to upgrade or replace key systems and equipment on the vessels.

“This will be tackled on a priority basis to avoid potential vessel breakdowns and delays to the ferry service and customers.

“During the forthcoming overhaul period this winter, CMAL and CalMac will initiate the obsolescence programme of upgrades and spare part procurement.

“This will provide future resilience providing, in the longer term, increased vessel reliability and availability.”

Robbie Drummond, managing director of CalMac Ferries, welcomed the funding: “Upgrading on-board technology to reduce the risk of breakdowns and, at the same time, helping to reducing the time out of service when faults do occur, will improve the resilience of the fleet, and we know this will also be welcomed by the communities who rely on our lifeline ferry services.”

The comhairle tentatively welcomed the announcement.

The council’s transport spokesman Uisdean Robertson, said: “Our discussions with the previous Transport Minister confirmed that Transport Scotland were working with both Caledonian Maritime Assets and CalMac Ferries to identify ways and means to improve the resilience and reliability of what is obviously an ageing fleet. We are pleased to see that some progress is being made.”

He added: “We await details of how this funding is to be spent but we are aware that, not only is an increasing number of vessels in the fleet becoming more expensive and time-consuming to maintain to the necessary standards because of their age, but the availability of parts and, in some cases, the need to manufacture or fabricate them from “scratch,” is proving to be a growing challenge for the operator.”

“Engineering solutions and a more resilient and reliable supply chain for critical parts will likely form part of the wider strategy and, although we do not envisage it to be affordable within the funding announced today, additional spare tonnage for utilisation in the event of disruptions, planned or otherwise, must also form part of the solution for the medium to longer terms.”

New £3.5 million fund to keep ferries shipshape

27 August 2018