Ferries - 801, 802 ports: FOI release

Information requested

1. How many of the ports will not be able to accommodate hull 802 and the Glen Sannox until they are adapted? And which ones will be able to receive them? List of which ones can and which ones can’t for both ships.
2. How much is it estimated the works to adapt the ports will cost if there are plans to adapt them and which ones will be adapted and which ones will be left?
3. When is this work expected to commence/finish?

Response

1. Some of the information you have requested is already available and Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you. If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website(s) listed, then please contact me and I will send you a paper copy.
   
   Currently there are several ports on the network that require adaption to accommodate the two new 100m vessels; some of the ports requiring adaption are owned by third parties. We have, as part of our Infrastructure Investment plan, plans to invest in ports and harbours to support the delivery of new vessels, including 801 and 802.
   
   For the purpose of this response we have excluded the smaller ports and slipways that would never be in scope for a major vessel.
   
   Ports and harbours which can accommodate the two new 100m vessels (801/802) when deployed are: Ullapool, Stornoway, Uig, Tarbert (Harris), Lochmaddy, Brodick and Troon.
   
   The planned future port developments to accommodate the new vessels are :-Ardrossan and Gourock. To enable works to be undertaken at Ardrossan, alternative arrangements will be in place at Troon harbour as set out below.
   
   Campbeltown, Oban and Lochboisdale will be considered on a case by case basis as plans for these ports are developed.
   
   Ports that may not be developed to accommodate these vessel types (given practicalities, costs and the likelihood of deployment of these vessels) are:- Armadale, Craignure and Mallaig.
   
   Ports that the new vessels currently can’t operate to with no plans to develop these ports at present for this purpose are:- Coll, Tiree, Colonsay, Kennacraig, Port Askaig, Port Ellen & Castlebay.
    
2. In regards to the cost and details of the port development plans I would direct you to the Scottish Government Infrastructure Investment Plan. This outlines costs of projects such as Ardrossan and Skye Triangle as these are the planned ports which 801/802 will be deployed to – link as provided.
   
   A National Mission with Local Impact: Infrastructure Investment Plan for Scotland 2021-22 to 2025-26 - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
   
   The costs for future port developments will be determined and agreed as these projects are developed.
    
3. Skye Triangle ports expected completion dates: outlined within TS webpage link (public domain): Infrastructure projects | Skye Triangle Infrastructure Programme | Transport Scotland
   
   Works at Ardrossan will commence once the tender stage has been completed; subject to agreement of commercial terms with Peel Ports Group, funding approval and contract award. There are specific procurement and project governance steps that must be fulfilled before work can begin.
   
   Works at Troon will be completed in advance of the delivery of 801 to allow the vessel to operate from this port to Arran, while works at Ardrossan to be undertaken. until upgrades are complete, but also to allow Troon to be used as a port of refuge during inclement weather by a wide range of Calmac vessels. The cost of the works at Troon amount to £3 million.

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