A long-awaited replacement for one of Scotland’s busiest ferry crossings has moved a significant step closer after the contract for a new electric vessel was put out to tender.
Highland Council has formally launched the procurement process for a new electric Corran Ferry as part of a £58 million investment in the crossing across Loch Linnhe.
The project is intended to provide a more reliable service following years of disruption which has caused major problems for communities and businesses in Lochaber.
Subject to the procurement process being completed successfully, the contract for the new vessel is expected to be awarded in March 2027.
The replacement ferry is then expected to enter service in early 2029.
The Corran Ferry provides a short crossing between Nether Lochaber and Ardgour, avoiding a lengthy road journey around Loch Eil for people travelling between parts of the Ardnamurchan peninsula and the Fort William area.
It is described by Highland Council as the busiest single-vessel ferry route in Scotland.
Reliability has become a major issue in recent years, with breakdowns and periods when the main MV Corran has been unavailable leading to significant disruption.
The current infrastructure also limits the ability to bring in alternative ferries when problems occur.
Existing slipways were specifically designed for quarter-point vessels and are incompatible with conventional straight-through roll-on, roll-off ferries used elsewhere in Scotland.
That has meant other vessels in the national ferry fleet can’t be deployed to the Corran crossing when required.
The £58m programme is intended to address both the vessel and infrastructure problems.
The Scottish Government is providing £28m towards the new electric ferry, while the UK Government is contributing £20m and Highland Council £10m towards new shoreside infrastructure through the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal.
Highland Council is working with Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd on procurement of the new ferry, drawing on CMAL’s technical and shipbuilding expertise.
The new roll-on, roll-off vessel will use electric propulsion and is intended to significantly reduce carbon emissions from the crossing. Its design has already been completed.
Major work is also under way on both sides of the Corran Narrows to prepare for its arrival. A new slipway and overnight berthing pier are being constructed at Ardgour.
On the Nether Lochaber side, the project includes a new slipway, breakwater, larger vehicle marshalling area, parking, a shared-use path and improved public facilities.
The new infrastructure is also being designed to accommodate conventional CalMac roll-on, roll-off vessels, providing greater flexibility if the main ferry is unavailable in future.
Councillor Ken Gowans, chairman of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said reaching procurement was a significant milestone.
He said: “The Corran crossing is a vital transport link for local communities, businesses and visitors, and procuring a suitably qualified supplier is a vital step towards securing a modern, reliable and sustainable ferry service.
“Alongside investment in new shoreside infrastructure, the replacement vessel will help strengthen the resilience of the service, support our environmental ambitions and ensure the crossing continues to play a key role in supporting the economy and connectivity of the area for generations to come.”
Economy, Tourism and Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn said the Scottish Government’s £28m investment demonstrated its commitment to providing Highland communities with the infrastructure they need.
Once the electric ferry enters service, the existing MV Corran is expected to remain available as a relief vessel.