Question reference: S6W-23728
- Asked by: Alex Rowley, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 8 December 2023
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Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 8 January 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what process will be used to identify the seven small ferries currently operated by CalMac staff on the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service (CHFS) network that will be replaced by 2026, and when it anticipates that the first of these replacement ferries will be in service on the CHFS network.
Answer
The Small Vessel Replacement Programme is complex. Costs, delivery timescales and funding profiles evolve as details develop through the ongoing outline business case process. The re-profiling of budget from 2023-24 will not impact on the timelines for delivery as set out in recent public engagement events. The first vessel is currently expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2026 with further vessels at four to six month intervals thereafter until 2028.