Ferry board members frustrated by construction delays

Disappointment and frustration was the overriding feeling at a recent meeting of the CalMac community board in Mallaig as members expressed concerns over the continuing delays in the delivery of two vessels under construction.

The meeting follows the news last month that technical challenges in building a duel-fuel ferry that can use liquified natural gas (LNG) fuel had led to a further delay.

One of the boats is for the Uig-Lochmaddy-Tarbert triangle, while the first, the MV Glen Sannox, is for the Ardrossan to Arran route.

Chairman of the board Angus Campbell said members were keen to work positively with all parties concerned to bring about a more robust process in future.

He said: ‘The board recognises that all parties need to work together to bring the necessary improvements and are committed to inform and positively contribute to that process but stress the need for action now.’

Ferguson Marine on the Clyde won the £97 million Scottish Government contract to build the vessels but notified CalMac’s parent company, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), in August of the delay. The shipbuilder said that construction was expected to be completed by next summer, a full year behind schedule.

CMAL and Transport Scotland both made presentations at the meeting on how they plan and prioritise vessel and port improvements and renewals. This was followed by a presentation from the community board’s operational sub group which recommended a number of action points, including better communication of incidents, a review of the dry docking programme and schedule, and a move to on-going timetable discussions, not just twice a year. The subgroup also suggested a new ferries plan process to include a five, 10 and 15-year build programme.

The CalMac community board’s primary purpose is to be the voice of the communities to CalMac.