![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/115m-ferry-contract-for-two-calmac-ships-for-western-isles/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/127341580_islayferry.jpg&description=Image caption, The new ships will be based on the specification for two vessels being built for the Islay routeTwo new ferries are to be ordered to help relieve pressures on west coast services operated by CalMac.Transport Scotland said £115m had been allocated to build both ships similar to ones currently under construction for the Islay service. The plan is to deploy the ships on the Skye triangle route and award the contract by the end of the year.One of two other ships already being built at Ferguson shipyard in Port Glasgow will now be deployed elsewhere. Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth said the ship known as Hull 802, which was previously planned for the Skye triangle, could potentially be used on the Arran route in the summer season.The delayed Hull 802 would operate alongside Glen Sannox, which is also still under construction at the yard and due for delivery next year. Scotland's ageing west coast ferry fleet, operated by state-owned CalMac, has faced increasing reliability problems and maintenance costs with several of the largest ships now beyond their expected service life. Ms Gilruth said deploying two new ships on the Skye routes to Lochmaddy on North Uist and Tarbert on Harris would provide the island communities with "dedicated services" in the peak season. "This will create the opportunity for significantly increased capacity and resilience for the communities of the Western Isles," she said."It will also allow consideration of all options to deploy Vessel 802 on an alternative route, including potentially alongside her sister ship, the MV Glen Sannox, to provide additional capacity to and from Arran in the peak season. "All the options will be discussed with island communities at the appropriate time."The failure to renew the West Coast fleet has been compounded by delays to Glen Sannox and Hull 802 at the Ferguson shipyard, which was nationalised in 2019 after a bitter dispute between its former owner Jim McColl and ferries agency CMAL. The ships){kind=link}
Two new ferries are to be ordered to help relieve pressures on west coast services operated by CalMac.
Transport Scotland said £115m had been allocated to build both ships similar to ones currently under construction for the Islay service.
The plan is to deploy the ships on the Skye triangle route and award the contract by the end of the year.
One of two other ships already being built at Ferguson shipyard in Port Glasgow will now be deployed elsewhere.
Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth said the ship known as Hull 802, which was previously planned for the Skye triangle, could potentially be used on the Arran route in the summer season.