Pressure mounts on council to opt for all-electric Corran Ferry vessels
Pressure is building on Highland Council to opt for all-electric propulsion vessels when it comes to finally choosing replacements for the Corran Ferry service.
The Lochaber Times understands ferry design consultants are currently evaluating the feasibility and design for low emission, all-electric ferries in line with Scottish Government commitments.
At this month’s meeting of Ardgour Community Council, members were updated on progress so far on the ferry replacement project. The meeting was told the current goal is for the new ferries to be in operation by 2026. Vice chairman Michael Foxley noted the importance of safeguarding land for the slipways and any potential future fixed link. He asked that the community council secretary write to Malcolm Macleod, of Highland Council planning services, to seek a mini local plan to safeguard land for planned developments as has been done for the west link area in Inverness.
Councillor Foxley noted thanks to Councillor Allan Henderson - representing the neighbouring Caol and Mallaig Ward - who, he said, had been hugely helpful and supportive over the past few years and provided excellent feedback and updates on what was going on.
The meeting was also informed that although both vessels are not scheduled to be in place until 2026, there is potential to start operation of one new vessel in 2024 to relieve the pressure on the current set-up.
Asked for an update on the project, Highland Council told the Lochaber Times: ‘Discussions are continuing with Transport Scotland and Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited on the Corran Ferry replacement. All technologies are being investigated and the design process remains at an early stage.’
Asked for his view on the possibility the new ferry vessels could be all-electric powered, Fort William and Ardnamurchan ward councillor Andrew Baxter said a priority had to be the question of reliability.
‘No decision has been made. Councillors have asked officers to look at all options including hybrid ferries and all-electric.
‘We need to be certain they seem fit for purpose and provide the reliability we need for this crossing.’
However, Dr Kate Willis, who stood for the Scottish Greens in December’s by-election in the Fort William and Ardnamurchan ward, said there was no reason the Corran Ferry service should not use battery-powered vessels.
‘When replacement ferries are commissioned by Highland Council, they should most definitely be all-electric vessels,’ she told the Lochaber Times. ‘The Corran Narrows is a very short crossing, making it ideal for a zero emissions ferry, and the technology is out there to enable this. If Norway can electrify its ferries, so can Scotland.’
Scottish Greens MSP for the Highlands and Islands Ariane Burgess added: ‘I’m delighted to hear all-electric propulsion vessels are being considered for the Corran Ferry service. This would mark a great step towards achieving zero carbon ferries in Scotland.
‘We need a clean, green, modern ferry fleet to connect communities. I hope this proposal goes forward and the Corran Ferry will become a catalyst for change across the country.’