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Harbour dues are charged to CalMac by the Ardrossan Harbour Company Ltd as per the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service contract and the existing and ongoing cost of harbour dues will be factored into the business case. Neither CalMac or Transport Scotland are party to the financial arrangements between Ardrossan Harbour Company Ltd and their owner Peel Ports Group.

North Ayrshire Council recently provided their updated socio-economic appraisal that will be reviewed by officials and used to inform the business case work. Peel Ports Group (PPG), are currently progressing the structural assessments which will help inform a decision on the expanded project scope and business case review.

Crew commissioning of the vessel is already under way with senior Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) crew present in the shipyard as the vessel is prepared for operational delivery. Following a period of berthing trials and crew familiarisation the MV Glen Sannox, (Hull 801) is set to be operational eight weeks after handover.

The Scottish Government holds regular discussions with Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited on the charter and potential purchase of available and suitable vessels to support and improve services on Scotland’s ferry networks. Discussions also take place with CalMac where appropriate.

The Ardrossan Harbour Task Force has met 15 times since it was set up in 2016, the details of these meetings and the Attendees involved can be found on the Transport Scotland website, . Staff within the Transport Scotland Ferries Directorate support the Task Force work, including the ongoing business case and project cost review.

It is for CalMac as operator of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service in the first instance to determine any actions that need to be taken in response to the closure of the Irish berth, maintaining safe links that the communities rely upon.

We understand and empathise with those affected and continue to impress upon Peel Ports Group and CalMac the urgency of the situation. Transport Scotland will continue to work with CalMac to monitor the ongoing impacts on all affected by the amended services and closure of the Irish Berth at Ardrossan.

The Chief Executive of Ferguson Marine provided the most recent costs for completion of the vessels to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee in September 2023.

The Chief Executive also informed the NZET Committee in January that the estimated total cost to complete both vessels was being reviewed and the outcome would be notified to the Committee and Scottish Government before 23rd February.

Following a period of berthing trials and crew familiarisation the MV Glen Sannox (Hull 801) is set to be operational eight weeks after handover. The handover date is also in the process of being revised by Ferguson Marine and we expect this to be notified with the updated forecast costs.

The number of timetabled sailings CalMac has provided with the charter vessel, MV Alfred since 27 April 2023 until 9 February 2024 is 882.

Transport Scotland were informed on 2 February of Peel Ports decision to close the Irish Berth permanently.

This is an operational matter for ScotRail. The Member may wish to contact ScotRail directly.