Question reference: S4W-26204
- Asked by: Michael Russell, MSP for Argyll and Bute, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 19 June 2015
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Current status: Answered by Derek Mackay on 6 July 2015
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what work (a) Transport Scotland or (b) Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd has undertaken to balance carrying capacity with length in plans for new vessels for the CalMac routes in order to avoid substantial new expenditure on modifications to piers and harbours as a result of the introduction of very long vessels.
Answer
The targeted carrying capacity of the proposed vessels was outlined by CalMac Ferries Limited on the basis of an analysis of forecast demand. Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd’s invitation to tender requires a vessel design that can accommodate these capacities within the length, breadth and draft restrictions on a number of routes.
The various shipyard designs submitted in response are being evaluated.
The vessels specified cannot be described as “very long” when compared to existing CalMac vessels.