Meeting Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL)

On Thursday at the Scottish Parliament I met with CMAL, primarily to discuss Ardrossan Harbour, the new Cumbrae Ferry Slip and the vessels and routes to and from Arran.

CMAL Ltd, on behalf of the SNP Government, owns the ferries, ports, harbours and key infrastructure necessary for Scotland’s vital lifeline ferry services.

CMAL owns 37 ferries, 32 leased to CalMac on west of Scotland routes and five leased to Serco Northlink for Orkney and Shetland.

The Statutory Harbour Authority and owner of 16 ports and harbours in the Clyde and Hebrides, CMAL owns and leases ports and properties at 10 other locations in these areas.

Speaking to CEO Kevin Hobbs, I was advised that CMAL had a very constructive seven and a half hour meeting on 03 November with Peel Ports regarding its purchase of Ardrossan Harbour for the nation.

Barring some fine details, Heads of Terms and a purchase price have been agreed. Both parties have appointed lawyers to conclude the purchase, the aim being to complete this by the end of 2025.

I also chatted to Phil Sherry, the Civil Engineering Project Manager for Cumbrae.

A £13 million investment will include a new £9.5 million slip 30 metres south of the existing one, with an improved traffic marshalling area, new terminal building an integration with island bus services.

Work will begin on site in January.

Vessels Director Jim Anderson (pictured) and I discussed current and future vessel deployment to Arran from Ardrossan, Claonaig, Tarbert (in winter) and Troon.

The MV Glen Rosa, sister ship to the MV Glen Sannox, is expected to join the fleet between April and June next year.