Low emission ferries information: FOI release

Information requested

1. How many ferries does the Scottish Government currently own?
2. How many ferries does the Scottish Government currently own that are low emission?
3. How many ferries does the Scottish Government expect to purchase that are low emission in the next (a) five years and (b) ten years, and how much is this anticipated to cost.

Response

How many ferries does the Scottish Government currently own?

This information is available from: https://www.transport.gov.scot/publication/draft-for-consultation-longterm- plan-for-vessels-and-ports-on-the-clyde-hebrides-and-northern-isles-networks-2023-2045-islandsconnectivity- plan/introduction/. 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 again and I will send you a paper copy.

How many ferries does the Scottish Government currently own that are low emission?

Currently there are currently 3 vessels in the government owned ferry fleet which are considered as low emission vessels.

How many ferries does the Scottish Government expect to purchase that are low emission in the next (a) five years?

Five low emission vessels are expected to be procured in the next 5 years, however this is based on current planning dates which are subject to change.

How many ferries does the Scottish Government expect to purchase that are low emission in the next (b) ten years?

10 low emission vessel are expected to be procured in the next 10 years, however this is based on current planning dates and funding availability which are subject to change.

How much is this anticipated to cost?

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide the information you have requested because an exemption under section s.33(Commercial interests and the economy of FOISA applies to that information. This is because the tendering stage of this project is yet to begin and disclosing this information risks compromising the Scottish Governments purchasing power.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because the public want to know how taxpayers money is being spent. However, this is outweighed by the public interest in the government getting a competitive price for the procurement of the new vessels.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.