Transport Minister, Derek Macky, provided on Wednesday 10th June 2015 written answers to the written parliamentary questions lodged on 1st June by Argyll and Bute MSP, Michael Russell.
Michael Russell asked 1:
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ensure that Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd does not proceed to final tender decision for two new ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services without agreement from the communities served by these routes that the specifications are (a) suitable for existing piers and harbours and (b) capable of replication over a number of years.
Derek Mackay answered 1:
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) will ensure that prior to any contract award it will ascertain that the new vessels will be suitable for the existing piers and harbours on the routes identified for the initial deployment of these vessels.
If this proves not to be possible, CMAL will identify what modifications may be required to the piers and harbours (or the vessels’ preliminary designs) to allow the vessels to operate from these ports.
There are potentially 15 piers and harbours on the Clyde and Hebrides network that these vessels can serve.
CMAL will be capable of procuring similar vessels in the future.
Michael Russell asked 2:
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ask Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd to reconsider the length specification for two new ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services, as this would restrict their usage on a number routes, including those to Islay and Mull.
Derek Mackay answered 2:
The length of a vessel directly affects its capacity to carry vehicles. Following a detailed demand led analysis, carrying capacity is seen as the primary constraint on a large number of routes, and has thus informed the proposed specification for the new vessels. Shorter vessels would severely restrict the available carrying capacity, particularly for freight traffic.
For any new vessel procurement exercise, the length of vessels will be fully considered, either in terms of vessel design or for any necessary port modification requirements.
Michael Russell asked 3:
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will ask Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd to ensure that the final specification for two new ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services will allow their operation on all routes without modifications to piers or harbours.
Derek Mackay Answered 3:
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd aim to have two vessels that can operate at a number of identified ports without modifications or with only minimal modifications. There are potentially 15 piers and harbours on the Clyde and Hebrides network that these vessels can serve.
Michael Russell asked 4:
Scottish National Party): To ask the Scottish Government whether it will require Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd to develop a standard specification for the procurement of two new ferries for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services that could permit the building of further ferries for use on all existing services and capable of using all pier and harbour infrastructure without major modification.
Derek Mackay answered 4:
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has developed a ferry design specification that is capable of utilising a number of existing pier and harbour facilities. Restricting the ferry design to fit with all existing pier and harbour facilities would limit the carrying capacities in terms of passengers, cars and freight and would not make best use of emerging technologies and deeper water ports. This would also restrict the changes that could be made to ferry designs that would otherwise reduce fuel consumption, minimise emissions and lower operating costs.
Future development of pier and harbour facilities to ensure maximum flexibility and fit with vessel design and deployment is a key priority for CMAL moving forward.
