A £2.5m new linkspan at Gourock is being closed for ‘preventative’ work – less than six months after it was completed.
The announcement today by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) means that both the Kilcreggan and Dunoon ferries will again have temporary timetables later this month.
CMAL, which owns Gourock Ferry Terminal, says engineers have found debris affecting the hydraulic lifting cylinders.
The issue is said not to pose any immediate operational or health and safety concerns, but remedial works is planned ahead of the winter months.
CMAL is also one of four public authorities currently involved in £20m plans for new ferries to serve Kilcreggan and Dunoon – public consultation on was due to start in early June but has still not begun, while an outline business case for the new vessels has also been delayed.
The state-owned company says contractors have been told to replace both cylinders and to clean and paint the suspension beams.
Head of engineering Morven Bridges said: “This is a preventative measure to avoid future disruption.
“The issue isn’t causing any current problems, but if left unchecked it could impact operation of the linkspan.
“We’re investing in the work to support a resilient service during winter, when the linkspan will be relied on to act as the main berth for Gourock to Dunoon services, as well as the alternative mainland port for Arran and Bute.”
The linkspan will be closed from August 25 to September 2, when the Dunoon ferry service will operate from the Gourock Boat Steps, alongside the Kilcreggan service.
CalMac will operated a temporary amended timetable.
‘Masterplan’ consultation delayed
A CMAL spokesperson said earlier this month that the public engagement originally scheduled for June was for the Gourock Masterplan and Dunoon concept vessels, saying the delay was because ‘further development of the outline options has been required’ but that it would go ahead this month (August).
She added: “Argyll and Bute Council will take forward further design work after the Gourock Masterplan public consultation has been completed.
“Then their reference group and public engagement sessions for both Dunoon and Kilcreggan will follow on.”
It seems clear though that the Gourock masterplan will affect what happens at Kilcreggan – notes from a steering group meeting last year say of berthing arrangements: “The outcome of the Gourock progress will then inform design work for both Dunoon and Kilcreggan.”
The outline business case for the new vessels was scheduled for spring of this year, with the tendering process starting 12 months later.
The CMAL spokesperson said: “The timeline for this has been revised to reflect the additional project information gathering and scoping work undertaken.”
CMAL, Argyll and Bute Council, CalMac and Transport Scotland have all been involved in a £20m project for three new ferries plus ‘shoreside infrastructure – linkspans or pontoons – to serve Dunoon and Kilcreggan.
Leave a Reply