THE project to build seven small ferries for Caledonian MacBrayne routes has reached another construction milestone.
The first new Loch-class vessel has had its keel laid while the steel has been cut for the second vessel.
A ceremony to mark both events took place at Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. shipyard in Gdansk, Poland, last week.
The Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP) will deliver seven fully electric ferries in the first phase, providing improved reliability and resilience for lifeline ferry services across the Clyde and Hebrides network.
The ferries will each be able to carry up to 150 passengers and 24 cars, and will serve key routes including Colintraive to Rhubodach, Lochaline to Fishnish, Tarbert to Portavadie, Iona to Fionnphort, Sconser to Raasay, Tobermory to Kilchoan, and Tayinloan to Gigha. Through cascading of existing vessels, the Largs to Cumbrae and Oban to Lismore routes will also benefit.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I am pleased that construction on the seven electric small vessels is progressing at pace, reflecting the Scottish Government’s full commitment to investing in our ferry fleet.
“Following last month’s naming competition two significant construction milestones, the keel laying of MV Loch Awe and steel cutting of MV Loch Etive, have been successfully completed ahead of the planned construction schedule.”
Jim Anderson, director of vessels at Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd, said: “Keel laying is a significant milestone in the ship’s life, as it marks the start of the vessel’s construction.
“With the steel cutting for vessel two also underway, we are confident this means the shipyard’s pipeline approach is working well, following many hours of intensive design and development.”
The vessels were named through a public vote in early December, and will be called MV Loch Awe, MV Loch Etive, MV Loch Katrine, MV Loch Maree, MV Loch Morar, MV Loch Rannoch, and MV Loch Shiel.
The contract to build the vessels was awarded to Remontowa in March 2025, following a competitive tender process. SVRP phase one represents a £160 million investment from Scottish Government, with the shipbuilding contract valued at £147.5 million. Delivery of the first vessel is expected in 2027.
