Images of designs for the new Dunoon ferry – which will determine the design of the Kilcreggan Harbour project – has been made public for the first time.
A 40-metre catamaran or monohull design is proposed by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), which has started a consultation today after ruling out several other designs.
An online survey form is available at www.cmassets.co.uk/project/gourock/
CMAL has also delivered hard copies of the presentation to Dunoon Library and views and opinions can be shared in writing to CMAL, Dunoon Concept Vessel, Municipal Buildings, Fore Street, Port Glasgow PA14 5EQ.
No hard copies have been made available on the Rosneath Peninsula, although the decision will determine the design of Kilcreggan’s lifeline ferry service, and the future of its historic pier.
The vessel design and build project is part of a wider programme of work, involving CMAL, CalMac, Transport Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council, to improve infrastructure at harbours at Gourock, Dunoon and Kilcreggan, and to build new passenger vessels for routes between the three ports.
A CMAL statement today said: “Regular engagement with the community has been delivered through a project reference group, which is attended by councillors and community council members from each area.
“Reference group members have represented community interests at early meetings, and the online survey has been launched to consult more widely on work carried out to date and shortlisted options for the future concept vessel.”
Read more: Cowal to have two members on key ferry body – while Rosneath Peninsula still has none
CMAL’s ship designers and naval architects have been working with engineering firm BMT since January this year to develop concept designs.
They aim to provide a resilient and reliable service while reducing carbon emissions. Work is ongoing on the evaluation of energy efficiency solutions.
Andy Crossan, senior technical manager and projects director at CMAL, said: “We are still very much in the concept assessment stage of this project.
“Lots of work has been done on scoping out various options that meet passenger and operator requirements, as well as safety, maritime regulations and environmental factors.
“Now is a good time for us to update the community on work to date and to seek their views on the direction of the project. Community feedback will be considered when making a decision on the final preferred option and in the subsequent development of that option.”
CMAL says a range of vessel options were considered and analysed, with two options emerging as front runners based on an appraisal against a range of criteria, including safety, reliability, speed, capacity and sustainability.
The preferred option will be announced in January 2022.
The current consultation is for design and options for the passenger vessel only. Community consultation exercises for the harbour upgrades at Dunoon and Kilcreggan will be conducted separately by Argyll and Bute Council in early 2022.
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