The Scottish Government has paused the procurement process for the Ardrossan Harbour Redevelopment after a ‘significant’ rise in costs.
Transport Scotland said the delay would allow a refreshed business case after the tender design stage identified that costs have risen significantly since the start of the project, and that the business case will need to be reassessed to take into account significant construction inflation and the expanded scope of the works.
It said the project plans now include technically challenging and costly berth realignment marine works to better accommodate new ferries, allow better vessel interoperability and ultimately improve service reliability and resilience.
Transport Scotland said its officials will begin work to reassess project scope and costs for all funding partners involved.
The CalMac ferry "Caledonian Isles" berthed at Ardrossan harbour
Transport minister Fiona Hyslop said: ‘I fully appreciate this will be disappointing news for the communities in Ardrossan, Arran and Campbeltown, and the frustration it will cause, but it is essential we reassess the cost of the project to ensure we deliver value for the public purse and funding partners.
‘The decision to pause procurement has not been taken lightly, but it is essential we obtain an updated cost estimate and refreshed business case to support this project in light of significant changes to the original plans, which look to improve the resilience of the service and better accommodate new vessels that are due to enter service in the future.’
James McSporran of Peel Ports Group said: ‘Like all the partners, we want to move ahead with this important development as quickly as possible. We’ll continue to work with Transport Scotland and North Ayrshire Council on the procurement of this complex and specialist engineering project.
‘In the meantime, we can reassure the residents and businesses of Arran that the current terminal is very much fit for purpose and able to support their lifeline ferry service.’
The decision represents another blow to the SNP government’s management of crucial ferry services, particularly for the islands on the country's west coast.
Last month David Tydeman, CEO of Ferguson Marine, which was controversially awarded a contract to build two new ferries and has since been nationalised, announced further delays on both vessels, which are both due to be used in the area.
The MV Glen Sannox
In a letter to the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee, Mr Tydeman said that changes to crew accommodation required by the Maritime and Coastguard agency had delayed the sea trials of the first vessel Glen Sannox, which had a knock-on effect on the slipway launch of the second vessel, known as Hull 802.
Ferry operator CalMac subsequently announced that the second vessel would be named Glen Rosa, after a public vote.
Chief executive Robbie Drummond said: ‘We are very much looking forward to MV Glen Rosa and MV Glen Sannox joining our fleet. These vessels will provide much-needed resilience to the Arran community, and to the network as a whole.’
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
