Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 20 October 2021
To ask the Scottish Government what recent discussions Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd has had with (a) CalMac Ferries, (b) shipbrokers and (c) shipowners regarding the charter of vessels to increase carrying capacity on routes in the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services contract.
On 5 October 2021, the Scottish Government was delighted to announce the purchase, by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), of the MV Utne which will provide additional resilience to the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service network.
Regular discussions with CMAL on the charter and potential purchase of available and suitable vessels to support and improve services on Scotland's ferry networks will continue.