We heard views that this leads to the regular dry dock maintenance being missed.xivThis view was expressed on a visit. We also heard that, as vessel maintenance programmes often take place in winter, this can leave vessels less capable in the seasonal conditions to operate the service, leading to more breakdowns or disruptions.xvWritten Submission from the Tartan Road Ltd
The Committee heard of the urgent need for investment in the ferry serviceiiNet Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, Official Report, 31 January 2023, Col 2 and of failure over a prolonged period to dedicate adequate funding required to maintain Scotland's ferry fleet to an acceptable standard.iiNet Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, Official Report, 31 January 2023, Col 2, written submissions from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Robert Trythall (Jan 23) We were also told where funding had been made available, it was badly managed and failed to secure maximum benefit for passengers.iiNet Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, Official Report, 28 June 2023, Col 6 and 15, Official Report, 31 January 2023, Col 4
We heard views that operators should be looking to buy or lease existing vessels as a short-cut to increasing capacity.iiWritten submissions from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and HITRANS CMAL and the Scottish Government both told us this was an option they had explored but that it was not easy to buy or lease the right type of vessel in a competitive market.iiNet Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, Official Report, 28 February 2023, Col 25 and 35 Kevin Hobbs of CMAL said the organisation had looked at 650 ships over a 5-year period in a quest to secure additional second hand tonnage.iiNet Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, Official Report, 28 February 2023, Col 26 The Scottish Government has since leased the MV Alfred from Pentland Ferries, although its transfer and entry into service was delayed.xxiiBBC.