New Islay Ferry and extended peak timetable
Wednesday, December 27 2006
A lot has been written lately about Calmac and the Islay Ferries. There are several things going on at the moment, first of all the Clyde and Hebrides (Islay) ferry routes are put out to tender. Second are the current possible disruptions of the Islay ferry due to major reconstruction works at Port Askaig, third the extended Islay ferry summer timetable which means that there will be more sailings throughout the summer season and last but not least the construction of a new Ferry for Islay. In the following article, which appeared in the christmas edition of the Ileach, you will find more information regarding the tender, extended peak timetable and the construction of the new Islay ferry.
Minister for Transport, Tavish Scott has announced the next stage of the tendering exercise for an improved and expanded ferry service to the Clyde and Hebrides. He said: “More sailings, a new ship and better timetables to meet local needs are improvements that will happen as a result of this tender. “I would encourage the two companies (CalMac Ferries Ltd and V-Ships) invited to tender to come forward with their ideas for running efficient and reliable services that meet the transport needs of all the local communities involved.”
From winter 2007 the double vessel service to Islay that currently operates during the peak summer season will be extended to cover the whole summer timetable period. Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd will be asked to order a new £20 million vessel for Islay, which will provide much-needed additional capacity on the routes from Kennacraig to Islay and improve services to local residents, businesses and tourists.... read more here.....
CalMac Chairman Peter Timms said: “We are all delighted that the process has reached the final straight of the Invitation To tender process. The enhancements to services are most welcome, as are the confirmation of the new vessel to Islay and the timescale. We firmly believe that CalMac Ferries is well placed to win this bid and we are confident that we can launch a robust and innovative bid for the services. This will be based on our record of accomplishment and our strengths of having years of experience operating lifeline services, with a dedicated set of seagoing and shore-based staff. The last few weeks have been hugely demanding and we believe we have come into our own when tackling the worst weather for 25 years. We will now set about the challenge of mounting a winning bid and that effort has already started.”
CalMac has also confirmed that an early meeting will be held in the New Year in Islay to discuss the new vessel with customers and community representatives. It is anticipated that this vessel will be brought into the CalMac fleet in 2009. In his announcement the Minister also confirmed that from winter 2007 an additional daily return sailing will be added to the winter timetable for Ardossan – Brodick on Arran and there will also be an additional Friday evening return between Oban – Craignure on Mull. An additional winter Sunday sailing will also operate from Oban to Coll and Tiree. Cllr Robin Currie said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Executive has taken on board the case that I and others made that the two ferry summer timetable should run from Easter time till end of October and put this in the contract that is now out to tender. I will continue to press the Executive that this service shouldn’t be dependant on the new contract but should be introduced for next summer. I also welcome the news that the new vessel for Islay is to be ordered.”
George Lyon MSP said: “The improved services in the contract will be welcomed by local communities on the islands who have been campaigning for them. “The announcement of a new vessel for Islay along with improvements to the summer timetable will provide a big boost to the local economy with more opportunities to extend the summer tourist season whilst providing a better service to local people.” Bids are to be returned by 11th May 2007 with selection with appointment of winner due in summer 2007 with a view to commencing the contract in Autumn 2007.
What's Related |
Story Options |