Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 16 July 2024
To ask the Scottish Government when it will provide an update on the procurement of phase 1 of the Small Vessel Replacement Programme.
The Scottish Government is absolutely committed to improving, decarbonising and modernising the small ferry fleet and better meeting the needs of island residents, businesses and communities. After careful consideration of the SVRP Phase 1 outline business case and procurement options, I can announce that a competitive process will begin today (Tuesday 16 July) to secure delivery of seven new electric vessels for our small vessels fleet. This will be progressed by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited as the procuring authority. It is expected that the relevant processes will be completed in around eight months, at which point a contract can then be awarded. I will provide further updates to Parliament at key stages of the procurement process.