Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has presented details of the new vessel which will service the Kennacraig to Islay route from 2010 to the community at a public meeting held on Islay on 22 March 2007.

The basic outline of the new vessel was confirmed after an extensive appraisal of the island route and its facilities. The ship will be some 85m long and capable of 16.5 knots, will be a modern Ro-Ro Euro Class B passenger vessel designed to carry 550 passengers, up to 80 private cars, as well as coaches, and commercial traffic. The new vessel will bring a significant increase in capacity compared to the existing service provision.  The vessel will be capable of the carriage of dangerous goods.  The vessel is expected to cost £20-25 million, which is a major investment in ferry services to Islay.

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 be built in line with DPTAC guidance on facilities for customers whose mobility is impaired.  Facilities on the vessel will include a restaurant/café; children’s play area and specified dog area.

Speaking after the meeting on Islay, CalMac Ferries’ Ltd Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: “It is important that we took this opportunity to explain to the community we serve the type of vessel we have in mind and the facilities she will have. It is fair to say that there has been some speculation about the precise details of the proposed ship.”

“I am delighted that the community took this opportunity to become involved in the process of achieving the desired outcome at this stage, and we can now press ahead knowing that everyone seems to be satisfied with what is being planned. It is hoped that the order will be placed in the autumn following a due tendering process.”

“Building the ship presents its own significant challenges with the worldwide shortage of engines and delivery pressures 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 has also confirmed that due to Port Askaig Pier not being available for the ferry service prior to April 20, adjustments are being made to the timetable of services to and From Islay, including Colonsay. This is attached to the News Release in a separate document. 

CalMac recently introduced an extra sailing on a Monday in response to a request from the Islay whisky industry to address specific capacity issues. For the first time ever, CalMac will operate a two-vessel service to Islay for the whole of the summer period, beginning on April 2.

Fay Harris, Regional Manager, Kintyre and Islay, said: “Obviously there is a measure of inconvenience to customers in all of this which we have highlighted before. Argyll and Bute Council have informed us that the works they are undertaking at Port Askaig are not going to be ready in time. CalMac has therefore to work round the situation and we feel we have come up with the best possible solution in the circumstances. Hopefully, the Council and the contractors will complete the work as quickly as possible and we will keep customers informed as to changes as the picture becomes clearer.”

CalMac Ferries will detail all changes to the timetable as they become available and customers are advised to check the website, calmac.co.uk to confirm their details of travel before departure. Up to date SMS text messaging information is also available and details of this are on the company website.

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.

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

Issued:  Tuesday, March 27, 2007 : 1900.