Caledonian Maritime Property Restricted (CMAL) has launched a public vote to call seven new absolutely electrical ferries being constructed underneath the Small Vessel Substitute Programme (SVRP).
The ships, which is able to substitute ageing “loch-class” vessels on key west coast routes, are on account of enter service from 2027.
The shortlist of 17 names, all impressed by Scottish lochs, consists of Loch Awe, Loch Etive, Loch Maree, and Loch Shiel. Voters can choose their seven favourites at cmal.scot/vote till 28 November. The most well-liked selections might be assigned to the brand new vessels, that are presently underneath building at Remontowa Shipbuilding in Gdansk.
Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop stated the naming course of permits island and coastal communities to play a task in shaping the fleet that serves them. She described the brand new electrical ferries as a part of a wider funding in cleaner, extra dependable transport hyperlinks, designed to extend capability and resilience throughout the Clyde and Hebrides community.
CMAL chief govt Kevin Hobbs stated the ships can be “a welcome addition” to the fleet and emphasised the significance of group involvement in selecting their names. The ferries will function on routes together with Colintraive–Rhubodach, Tarbert–Portavadie, Iona–Fionnphort, and Sconser–Raasay.
The £160 million programme, funded by the Scottish Authorities, marks a significant step in fleet modernisation. The vessels will function fully on electrical energy, decreasing emissions and bettering air high quality in port communities.
Every ferry might be constructed to a standardised design and supported by upgrades to harbours throughout the community. CMAL has additionally agreed with Remontowa on a set of group advantages, together with coaching placements for Scottish apprentices and matched funding for native charitable initiatives.