Question reference: S4W-25870
- 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 require Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd to develop a standard specification for the procurement of two new ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services that could permit the building of further ferries for use on all existing services and capable of using all pier and harbour infrastructure without major modification.
Answer
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has developed a ferry design specification that is capable of utilising a number of existing pier and harbour facilities. Restricting the ferry design to fit with all existing pier and harbour facilities would limit the carrying capacities in terms of passengers, cars and freight and would not make best use of emerging technologies and deeper water ports. This would also restrict the changes that could be made to ferry designs that would otherwise reduce fuel consumption, minimise emissions and lower operating costs.
Future development of pier and harbour facilities to ensure maximum flexibility and fit with vessel design and deployment is a key priority for CMAL moving forward.