A NEW £3.5 million fund to help keep Scotland’s ferries in good working order has been announced by the Scottish Government.
The money will be used to start a programme of “obsolescence upgrades” during the overhaul period this winter and to obtain replacement parts for obsolete equipment. It is hoped the programme will reduce the risk of vessels breaking down and return them to service quicker if they do.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson announced the fund during a visit to Arran for a travelling Cabinet meeting where he also met representatives of the Arran Economic Forum and the Arran Ferry Committee.
He said: “We are very much aware that, as our ferries age, additional resources will be needed to keep the vessels running so our island communities stay connected. The funds will be used to upgrade or replace key systems and equipment on the vessels. This will be tackled on a priority basis to avoid potential vessel breakdowns and delays to the ferry service and customers.
“During the forthcoming overhaul period this winter, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) and CalMac will initiate the obsolescence programme of upgrades and spare part procurement. This will provide future resilience, bringing, in the longer term, increased vessel reliability and availability.”
The money will come from the existing Scottish Government ferry budget and will be made available to CMAL, which leases the ferries to the Scottish Government’s operating company CalMac.
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