While we are still waiting for a decision from the new Transport Minister Graeme Dey on Mull’s potential catamaran, plans are proceeding for the longer-term replacement of the MV Isle of Mull. Transport Scotland have begun the long process of planning for the ferry(ies) that will be built to replace our 33-year-old main ferry. It’ll take some years – by the time the new ferries are delivered, the MV Isle of Mull is likely to be close to 40 years old. Over the same period, Craignure pier will be replaced, so by 2027 or thereabouts we could have a completely renewed ferry service to Oban.
The new ferries could be in service through until the 2060s. The decisions made in the next few years will therefore have long-reaching impacts for our islands. Key strategic decisions will be taken very early in the process, and we want to make sure that those decisions are made in the best interests of the users who depend on our lifeline service.
It is essential that users’ needs are paramount in in the process. There is plenty of evidence that the procurement and consultation process for recent new vessels has not delivered the kind of ferries that local users wanted – and we are determined that is not repeated here.
We are therefore working to produce a Specification of User Requirements , which will lay out the priorities and expectations of island users, and guide Transport Scotland toward delivering ferries that truly meet our needs. It is intended to complement the Specification of Operator Requirements that CalMac produce whenever a new ferry is planned. We want to make sure that the users’ voice is heard loud and clear, and the outcome is one that we can have confidence in for the next 30-40 years.
To help us create the Specification of User Requirements, we have set up an online survey. The survey sets out the initial broad principles and objectives we think the new ferries should meet. We need your input to develop, refine and add to it. We want it to reflect the broad community view as fairly as possible. So please go along and complete the survey by clicking on the button below…
Transport Scotland said potential “short-term opportunities” had been “actively explored” to help ease the pressure on the west coast network, including the suitability of using a catamaran ferry called the MV Pentalina, and although she laid up at Hatston Pier awaiting future work, work which may be imminent, hence the Stern Door has been temporarily taken off for modifications. that anyway MV isle of mull will continue on Mull & Iona Ferry Committee.
when MV Pentalina fitted with her new stern ramp to enable her to operate on any Linkspan (taken 6.6.21 I) at this point in time it is being reported here in Orkney that she is destined for fitted with her new stern ramp to enable her to operate on any Linkspan (taken 6.6.21 I) at this point in time it is being reported here in Orkney that she is destined for the West of Scotland ferry routes on hire to Transport Scotland to provide additional freight capacity on the West ferry routes operated by Caledonian Macbrayne.