Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne will be visiting Islay in a fortnight’s time to discuss details of the new vessel which will be constructed for the Kennacraig to Islay route from 2010. 

The basic outline of the new vessel was confirmed after an extensive appraisal on the island route and its facilities, which was completed three years ago.
Grenville Johnston, Chairman of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd, owners of the CalMac fleet said: “As part of the renewal programme for the fleet it is always a pleasure to be taking a ship on to the next stage. We all look forward now to feedback on the proposed design and the community’s input. It is hoped that the order will be placed in the autumn following due tendering process. Building the ship presents its own significant challenges with the worldwide shortage of engines and pressure of all sorts on order books everywhere. As ever, we will be looking for the best value arrangements and guarantees for the highest standards of workmanship and delivery on time, within budget.”

CalMac Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair added: “The service to Islay from Kennacraig has been considerably enhanced through the additional 19-weeks of two vessels in operation during the summer. The STAG appraisal which was carried out to make the case for the funding of the new vessel identified clearly the need for enhanced services. The study and the Ministerial announcement that we can go ahead have now led to the situation where the ship’s design can be completed. The basic dimensions of length and capacity are dictated by the infrastructure and facilities available shore-side as well as the financial circumstances. What we will be doing in Islay is discussing with the community what can and cannot be done with respect to facilities and services onboard. There is a finite budget for this project as with any other new vessel and we have to work within that.”
The vessel, which will be 85m long and capable of 16.5knots, will be a modern Ro-Ro Euro Class B passenger vessel designed to carry 450 passengers, private cars, coaches, trucks and road trailers. The vessel will be capable of the carriage of dangerous goods.

The vessel will have two decks suitable for the carriage of vehicles – a main Deck, designed for the carriage of private cars, coaches, trucks and road trailers and a Mezzanine Deck, which will be hoistable and suitable for the carriage of approximately 18 private cars.

Passengers will be accommodated on two well-appointed decks, with access gained at the lower of the two from an enclosed passenger gangway. There will be two lifts, one on each side of the ship, to all decks. The ship will also be built in line with DPTAC guidance on facilities for customers whose mobility is impared.

The air-conditioned lounges will have varied and flexible seating arrangements, incorporating private drivers lounge, shop and cafeteria facilities. Toilets will be arranged at both levels with first aid, disabled and nursing all catered for.

The lower lounge will feature full depth panoramic windows providing a vista aft over and beyond the open part of the vehicle deck.

The meeting to discuss the new vessel for Islay, which is open to the public, will be held in Ionad Cholm Cille at 6pm on Thursday, March 22, 2007.

Ends.

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care, CalMac Ferries Ltd.   Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk or Grenville Johnston, Chairman, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd.

Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Limited.

Issued:  Friday, March 9, 2007 : 1700.