The Ministry of Defence (MoD) will assess whether it can provide a temporary replacement service to the stricken Corran Ferry after a request from the Scottish Government.
There is currently only a foot passenger service from Corran to the Ardnamurchan peninsula after the relief vessel broke down.
A reduced service has been running on the five-minute crossing of Loch Linnhe since January as the main ferry on the Highland Council service, the MV Corran, was taken off for repairs.
There is no current car service on what is the busiest single-vessel route in Scotland, carrying more than 270,000 cars a year.
The MV Corran will have been out of service for six months by the time it is expected to return to the area.
Highland Council, which owns and operates the Corran Ferry, previously said it had requested help from the MoD.
The Scottish Government assisted the council in making the approach.
Transport minister Kevin Stewart previously said: “The Highland Council has made contact with the Scottish Government regarding military support.
“The Scottish Government will liaise with the Highland Council to consider how this is taken forward.
“There is a structured process to follow for military assistance and any final decision will be for MoD.”
The MoD has now confirmed an assessment team will “explore the feasibility” of providing a replacement.
A spokesperson said: “We have accepted a request from the Scottish Government for an assessment team to explore the feasibility of providing a temporary replacement for the Corran Ferry service.”
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