The new Lismore ferry is expected to arrive at Port Appin this month, weather permitting.
Argyll and Bute Council said the new vessel will be ready to serve the local community once a Passenger Safety Certificate is issued by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Until it is ready for service, the current ferry will remain in operation. The council said that once sea trials and final checks have been completed successfully, the vessel should depart Pembroke on 13 December to begin its 302 nautical mile journey, but stressed that this is ‘heavily dependent on suitable weather conditions at the time’.
The new ferry on sea trials
The authority’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee has endorsed the ferry’s name, the Lady of Lismore, which was chosen by residents and primary school pupils through a poll organised by the Community Council.
Cllr Rory Colville, policy lead for roads and infrastructure services, said: ‘We wish the Lady of Lismore a safe passage to Port Appin and we await her arrival with great excitement.
‘The old ferry sailed the route for more than three decades and we look forward to the new ferry future-proofing this life-line service for decades to come.’
The new all-steel vessel, designed by Keel Marine and built by Mainstay Marine Solutions, will have a crew of two and can accommodate 23 passengers all year round with a cruising speed of eight knots.
The council said it has been designed and built to current exacting specifications defined by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which take account of passenger safety and accessibility requirements.
Funding was provided by Transport Scotland.
A community event will be held in early January to celebrate the arrival of the new ferry.
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