LONDON: Bigger, faster and more weather-resistant ferries are being planned as the next generation of vessels for CalMac’s west coast network.
Major changes to harbours and approach channels would be required to accommodate them, with dredging, and blasting to clear rocks.
The plans by CalMac fleet owner Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (Cmal) mark a significant change of direction from the past practice of designing ferries to fit ports.
The larger vessels would have greater carrying capacity, higher speeds and more manoeuvring power, and be better able to withstand bad weather.
They promise to cut journey times, make crossings more reliable and pleasant for passengers, and attract extra traffic.
Routes which could benefit include the storm-lashed pass¬age between Mallaig and Lochboisdale in South Uist, and the main links to Arran and Islay.
The first of the new ferries could be in service by the early 2020s, and be up to the size of CalMac’s largest vessel, the 116m-long (387ft) Loch Seaforth, which operates between Ullapool and Stornoway.
They would be larger than the rest of the 32-strong fleet, including the latest two 100m-long (333ft) ferries being built.
Cmal has now launched a three-year study into the project. Chief executive Tom Docherty said: “Demand seems to suggest larger ships, which would mean dredging ports and creating safer channels, such as by blasting rock.
Shipping activity at Port Qasim on February 11
KARACHI: Three ships namely, Glen Canyon, Al-Salam- II and TSM Pollux carrying Containers, Gas oil and Palm oil were arranged...
