This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New ferry for Largs-Cumbrae crossing
08/12/2006
Ferry passengers travelling between Largs and Cumbrae will soon be able to better enjoy their journey thanks to the introduction of a new ferry.
The MV Loch Shira, was launched today at Ferguson Shipbuilders Ltd's yard in Port Glasgow by the wife of the Managing Director of CalMac Ferries Ltd, Mrs Elspeth Sinclair.
Tavish Scott, the Minister for Transport said:
"I am delighted that this devolved government has helped add another new vessel to the fleet serving our fragile island communities. This investment is a visible sign of our commitment to the lifeline ferry services in the Clyde and Hebrides.
"Since 2000, we have added seven new vessels at a cost of £58 million to the Clyde and Hebrides fleet. We will continue that investment to ensure improved services to Scotland's ferry users.
"I am grateful to the skill and dedication of the management and staff at Ferguson Shipbuilders Ltd for all their efforts in constructing this new vessel, within time and within budget."
Grenville Johnston, Chairman of CMAL said:
"I am pleased to be part of the launch of the first new vessel for the company. It is important for us to constantly upgrade and improve the fleet to ensure that the Islanders who rely on these lifeline services can be assured of a quality service at all times."
Background:
The new CMAL vessel which was launched at Ferguson's yard in Port Glasgow will be used on the Largs-Cumbrae route and operated by CalMac Ferries Ltd. The vessel can carry up to 250 passengers, 24 cars or a mix of cars and goods vehicles, including those that carry dangerous goods.
The vessel is a modern double ended RO-RO passenger ferry to operate in UK sheltered waters with an open vehicle deck and hinged vehicle access ramps at each end. The 230 tonne vessel is some 54 metres long and almost 14 metres wide and is capable of a speed of 10 knots.
The passenger facilities comprise a lower lounge capable of accommodating 60 persons and a panoramic upper lounge straddling the vehicle deck together with external seating at this upper level. The bridge contains the most modern navigation and communicating equipment and controls for propulsion.
The launch follows only weeks after CalMac was split into a new vessel owning company, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) and an operating company CalMac Ferries Ltd. CMAL will own the new vessel and lease it to the operator of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services.
The funding for the MV Loch Shira was first announced in December 2004 by former Transport Minister Nicol Stephen. The £6.4 million cost of the vessel is being financed through a loan from the Scottish Executive's Transport Budget.
The Executive has funded seven new vessels for the Clyde and Hebrides routes since 2000 at a total cost of some £58 million. They are;
- MV Hebrides £15.5 million
- MV Loch Nevis £5.5 million
- MV Loch Portain £5 million
- MV Coruisk £7.5 million
- MV Bute £8.75 million
- MV Loch Shira that is launched to-day at a cost of £6.4 million
- MV Argyle that will come into service on the Wemyss Bay - Rothesay service in Spring 2007 costing £9 million
Ferguson Shipbuilders Ltd. tendered for the construction of the MV Loch Shira in 2005 and were awarded the contract in November 2005. Ferguson's bid against stiff international competition and submitted a keen price, confirming that a Scottish based company can compete with other EU shipyards and win. Ferguson's has successfully managed the construction of the vessel, controlling both costs and delivering on time. Ferguson Shipbuilders are currently working closely with Scottish Enterprise building a business development strategy which will look at current workloads, potential to bid for future orders and diversification options. There may be opportunities for Ferguson's to tender for further ferry contracts here in Scotland in 2007. The Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency will also be inviting tenders to build a new Minna Type fisheries patrol vessel. A decision on the successful tender will be made around summer 2007.
After the launch the vessel with then be fully fitted out in Ferguson's shipyard over the next couple of months. The vessel will then be handed to the ferry operator CalMac Ferries Ltd. for sea trials before final fitting out by Ferguson. Following that the vessel is expected to formally start on the Largs-Cumbrae route at end-March 2007.
Delivery of the Loch Shira to the Largs - Cumbrae route will allow CalMac Ferries Ltd. to move one of the existing vessels on the Largs - Cumbrae route to another route on the Clyde & Hebrides ferry services network.