On 13 June, I met with Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive Officer, and Brian Fulton, Head of Business Support, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) to discuss Scotland’s ferry fleet and the required funding to secure new vessels for our island communities.
Mr Hobbs confirmed that both the Glen Sannox and 802 are on course to join the fleet and serve our island communities next year.
The CalMac fleet will expand from 36 to 39 vessels alongside seven extensive harbour upgrades, with ten small vessels being replaced and eight of the 11 major ferry vessels to aid our island communities’ lifeline services.
CMAL is keen to secure a Small Vessel Replacement Programme for Port Glasgow to support Scotland’s shipbuilding industry, with the intention of the vessels being electric.
I am pleased that CMAL is progressing with their ambitious fleet renewal plans and will meet Kate Forbes MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy to discuss the funding necessary to support the placing of new orders at the earliest possible date.
Design work for the vessels is currently ongoing.
ENDS
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