CMAL takes formal ownership of three ferries under construction in Turkey

Ferries infrastructure body CMAL has taken formal ownership of three vessels being built in Turkey to serve routes on Scotland’s west coast – despite them not yet being completed.

The ferries are being constructed at the Cemre yard to join the CalMac fleet, in a bid to ease pressures caused by its ageing vessels.

While they are still under construction, CMAL – which owns the ferries, ports and harbours needed to run lifeline services in Scotland – has now taken ownership of them as a “precautionary” measure.

It comes as businesses in the Turkish region are struggling amid challenging global circumstances caused by the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, together with ongoing disruption in the Red Sea.

By taking ownership of the MV Loch Indaal, MV Lochmor and MV Claymore, CMAL hopes to protect its investment in them so it can bring them into use as quickly as possible.

Chief executive Kevin Hobbs said: “While we are disappointed by the circumstances that have led to this decision, our priority remains the completion of these vessels for the communities that depend on them.

“Taking ownership of the vessels at this stage is a precautionary move to reduce risk, protect the investment already made, and support our objective of bringing these vessels into service as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

He added that CMAL will “continue to work closely with the shipyard and partners to maintain progress towards delivery”.

Transport secretary Stephen Flynn gave his backing to the move, and said the Scottish Government is “committed to renewing the CalMac fleet for the benefit of our island and coastal communities”.

Flynn said: “Our full focus is on delivering the remaining vessels currently under construction at the Cemre yard, to improve the long-term resilience and reliability of ferry services.

“We fully support the approach CMAL has taken to secure ownership of the vessels ahead of formal handover, helping to ensure their delivery while protecting public investment.

“CMAL are working at pace to set out the next steps to ensure the ships are available in the CalMac fleet as soon as possible.”

CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison said: “I can reassure island communities that this measure has no immediate impact on the service we provide.

“We have two major vessels operating as resilience vessels this summer, in part thanks to the arrival of MV Isle of Islay. She has proven to be a valuable and highly regarded addition to the fleet and we will continue to support CMAL and our partners as we move towards completion of her sister ships.”