Contract now signed for seven new ferries for Scotland

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has signed a £147.5 million contract with Polish shipbuilder Remontowa for the construction of seven new loch-class electric ferries, following a mandatory standstill period.

Backed by £160 million in Scottish Government funding, this marks a major milestone in the first phase of the Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP).

The fully electric vessels, set for delivery starting in 2027, will enhance resilience across the Clyde and Hebrides ferry network, particularly for smaller island routes. A second procurement round will follow later this year for three additional vessels.

“CMAL signing the contract to build seven new small vessels for the Clyde and Hebrides fleet is a significant step in our ferries improvement programme,” said Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop. “When added to the six new major vessels joining the fleet in the coming years, these new electric vessels will mean that this Government has invested to renew around a third of CalMac’s entire fleet.”

The SVRP deployment plan includes key routes such as Colintraive–Rhubodach, Lochaline–Fishnish, and Sconser–Raasay. Additional routes including Largs–Cumbrae and Oban–Lismore are expected to benefit from a cascade of vessels as new ferries enter service.

CMAL CEO Kevin Hobbs welcomed the signing, saying: “As we work to rejuvenate the Scottish ferry fleet and accompanying infrastructure, we are replacing up to 16 new vessels in the next six years. Signing this contract for seven of them is a big step forward.”

Remontowa has previous experience building for Scotland’s ferry fleet, having delivered the MV Finlaggan, MV Bute, and MV Argyle. “We have the experience and expertise to supply the modern, highly efficient and environmentally friendly ships on time and on budget,” said Michał Jaguszewski, Director of Commerce at Remontowa.

As part of the contract, two community benefit measures have been agreed: 21 Scottish shipbuilding apprentices will join the new ferries during trials, and Remontowa will match CMAL’s charitable funding for the Clyde and Hebrides region.

Design work is now underway, with delivery of the first vessel expected in 2027.