Public invited to help name new electric ferries

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has launched a public vote to name seven new fully electric ferries being built under the Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP).

The ships, which will replace ageing “loch-class” vessels on key west coast routes, are due to enter service from 2027.

The shortlist of 17 names, all inspired by Scottish lochs, includes Loch Awe, Loch Etive, Loch Maree, and Loch Shiel. Voters can select their seven favourites at cmal.scot/vote until 28 November. The most popular choices will be assigned to the new vessels, which are currently under construction at Remontowa Shipbuilding in Gdansk.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the naming process allows island and coastal communities to play a role in shaping the fleet that serves them. She described the new electric ferries as part of a wider investment in cleaner, more reliable transport links, designed to increase capacity and resilience across the Clyde and Hebrides network.

CMAL chief executive Kevin Hobbs said the ships would be “a welcome addition” to the fleet and emphasised the importance of community involvement in choosing their names. The ferries will operate on routes including Colintraive–Rhubodach, Tarbert–Portavadie, Iona–Fionnphort, and Sconser–Raasay.

The £160 million programme, funded by the Scottish Government, marks a major step in fleet modernisation. The vessels will operate entirely on electric power, reducing emissions and improving air quality in port communities.

Each ferry will be built to a standardised design and supported by upgrades to harbours across the network. CMAL has also agreed with Remontowa on a set of community benefits, including training placements for Scottish apprentices and matched funding for local charitable initiatives.