Remontowa Shipbuilding laid the keels for the fourth and fifth of seven ferries for Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL) at its yard in Gdańsk, Poland, on Thursday, October 8.
The vessels are being built under Scotland’s small vessel replacement programme (SVRP). The yard said the second ferry, the future Loch Etive, is ready for launch, with the first vessel, Loch Awe, due for delivery towards the end of 2027.
Construction has begun on five of the seven vessels, Remontowa said, with work on successive ferries starting at three-month intervals.
SVRP’s first phase will provide a fleet of seven ferries powered entirely by electricity for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services network. CMAL said the vessels will replace ageing units as they reach the end of their operational lives.
The seven routes are Colintraive–Rhubodach, Lochaline–Fishnish, Tarbert–Portavadie, Iona–Fionnphort, Sconser–Raasay, Tobermory–Kilchoan and Tayinloan–Gigha. Largs–Cumbrae and Oban–Lismore will also benefit through the redeployment of existing vessels, CMAL said.
Shore-power and other port infrastructure works are required to accommodate the new ferries. CMAL’s programme includes improvements at Colintraive, Portavadie, Largs, Tarbert (Loch Fyne), Kilchoan, Lochaline and Tobermory, with some work to be delivered by statutory harbour authorities.
CMAL awarded the shipbuilding contract in March 2025 following a competitive tender. Construction began with steel-cutting in September 2025. The keel of Loch Awe was laid in December 2025, when steel was also cut for Loch Etive.
The yard undertook further keel-laying and steel-cutting work in March 2026. Six of the ferries will accommodate up to 150 passengers and 24 cars, while one will carry 250 passengers and 16 cars.