Question reference: S4W-25868
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for Argyll and Bute, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 1 June 2015
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Current status: Answered by Derek Mackay on 10 June 2015
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ask Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd to reconsider the length specification for two new ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services, as this would restrict their usage on a number routes, including those to Islay and Mull.
Answer
The length of a vessel directly affects its capacity to carry vehicles. Following a detailed demand led analysis, carrying capacity is seen as the primary constraint on a large number of routes, and has thus informed the proposed specification for the new vessels. Shorter vessels would severely restrict the available carrying capacity, particularly for freight traffic.
For any new vessel procurement exercise, the length of vessels will be fully considered, either in terms of vessel design or for any necessary port modification requirements.