Early ownership move on ferries is “precautionary”

CMAL described the move as a "precautionary measure” which was taken “against the backdrop of exceptionally challenging economic circumstances” affecting the Cemre shipyard in Turkey.

The region’s economy has been badly affected through pressures from the impacts of the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, together with disruption in the Red Sea.

The Cemre shipyard, located in the north west of Turkey, close to Istanbul, is currently constructing three ferries for CMAL.

The MV Loch Indaal is due to serve the Islay and Jura routes, while the MV Lochmor and the MV Claymore will share duties on the Tarbert-Uig-Lochmaddy triangle.

Chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Uisdean Robertson, said he had spoken with both CMAL and Transport Scotland following the announcement and expressed his appreciation for the proactive communication.

"I am grateful to both CMAL and Transport Scotland for taking the time to keep the Comhairle informed of this development and for the open dialogue we have had,” he said.

“While this announcement may initially appear unsettling, I think it is important to stress that there is no suggestion that the future of the shipyard itself is in doubt.

“Rather, CMAL has responded sensibly to a changing economic picture in Turkey, together with the wider geopolitical and global trading challenges that have affected the region over the past year.

“In those circumstances, securing ownership of these lifeline vessels at this stage is a prudent and responsible step that protects both the communities they are intended to serve and the significant public investment already made.”

Cllr Robertson added: "CMAL deserves real credit for taking this precautionary action. It demonstrates good management of what is undoubtedly a challenging and evolving set of circumstances, while maintaining focus on delivering these much-needed vessels.

“Our hope remains that Cemre can continue to deliver the vessels as close to programme as possible.

“However, the overriding priority is that they are completed and delivered successfully, and to the same exceptionally high standard that we have already seen with MV Isle of Islay. That vessel has demonstrated the quality that Cemre is capable of producing and gives confidence in what can be achieved with the remaining vessels.”

CMAL chief executive Kevin Hobbs said while they were “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 said.

“We will continue to work closely with the shipyard and partners to maintain progress towards delivery.”