Scotland's CMAL purchases trio of ferries under construction at Cemre to ensure builds complete

CMAL has taken ownership of three ferries still under construction at Cemre Shipyard in Turkey as a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring their completion and securing delivery.

The vessels, MV Loch Indaal, MV Lochmor and MV Claymore, are now owned by CMAL ahead of their formal handover, the wholly Scottish government-owned business said.

CMAL said the decision had been taken in response to "exceptionally challenging economic conditions affecting Cemre and many businesses across the region". It cited global economic pressures, including the impacts of wars in Ukraine and Iran, as well as disruption to shipping in the Red Sea.

By taking ownership of the vessels ahead of formal handover, CMAL is acting in the interests of protecting the project and ensuring the continued delivery of much-needed vessels for Scotland’s island communities.

Isle of Islay, the first of four ferries constructed at the yard, now serves Islay and Jura and will be joined by its sister vessel, Loch Indaal, later this year. The latter vessel has successfully completed its sea trials, according to CMAL. 

CMAL chief executive Kevin Hobbs said the organisation was disappointed by the circumstances but remained focused on completing the vessels. He said taking ownership at this stage was a precautionary step to reduce risk, protect the investment already made and support the objective of bringing the ferries into service as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said the Scottish Government remained committed to renewing the CalMac fleet for island and coastal communities. He said ministers fully supported CMAL’s decision to secure ownership of the vessels ahead of formal handover while work continued to complete the ships.

CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison said the measure would have no immediate impact on ferry services. He noted that two major vessels were operating as resilience vessels this summer, helped by the arrival of Isle of Islay, and said CalMac would continue supporting CMAL and its partners as work progressed on the remaining sister ships.

The three ferries form part of a wider programme to renew Scotland’s ferry fleet and strengthen network resilience.