Question reference: S5W-36172
- Asked by: Elaine Smith, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 11 March 2021
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Current status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 23 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions it has had with (a) Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd, (b) CalMac Ferries and (c) Serco NorthLink Ferries regarding the decarbonisation of the ferries sector in line with its targets to reach Net Zero by 2045.
Answer
Discussions with all three parties have taken place and are ongoing, and have already yielded results. On the Northern Isles Ferry Service network, the MV Hamnavoe has been fitted with cold ironing equipment that allows the vessel to utilise shore side power rather than having to run off its own engine’s whilst berthed overnight. Once the shore side works have been completed by Orkney Islands Council, an estimated annual generation of over 2,600 tonnes of CO 2 will be prevented.
Working with CMAL and CalMac, our recently announced Small Vessels Replacement Programme for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service network will explore the possibilities for full electrification of the new vessels where possible to do so as well as investigate alternative fuel options and the investigation into improving efficiency and performance via hull design has already begun within the new vessel for Islay project.
As part of the Island Connectivity Plan investigation of the opportunities and technologies available to the maritime sector will take place. Setting out pathways towards the delivery of vessels that will operate with zero or significantly reduced carbon emissions helping Scotland achieve its ambitious target of net zero emissions by 2045.