Public inquiry required

Sir,

As ferry disruption achieves new records, political infighting regarding the legality of the newly awarded Turkish contract emerges, rather than a public inquiry focusing on the dire state of west coast ferry provision and renewal.

From 1993 until 2007, 12 vessels were brought into service (33,350 tons) - some are now already more than 20 years old.

From 2007, only six with a tonnage of around 17,000. Average output - one vessel every 2.5 years.

In June 2021, a Scottish Government spokesperson intimated that ‘19 new vessels would be brought on stream in 10 years’. Current delayed delivery undermines that boast.

Best ‘guesstimates’ suggest that fleet renewal will take a minimum of 45 years.

After much ‘vessel hunting’ last year, the second-hand monohull MV Utne (now Loch Frisa) was added to the fleet at a cost of £9.5 million - currently in dry dock undergoing a £1.5 million upgrade - although doubts have been expressed regarding capability for the proposed route.

Operational subsidy from 2015 to 2020 was £723 million whilst the repair and maintenance bill for the same period was around £90 million for 31 vessels.

Reassuring to know that the chief boat juggler of CalMac will be a panel speaker at an international maritime conference in Malmo in May.

The subject: Ferry Industry 2025, climate friendly, super digital, customer friendly! There is also a session on industry strategies for ‘Operational efficiency and profitability in the passenger travel market’. I hope he has booked a seat.

Yours,

John Lamont,

Dippen.