Millions of pounds are being spent each year to keep vital ferry services afloat as maintenance costs increased by 150% in more than a decade.
Around half of vessels owned by Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) are more than 20 years old, with nine vessels – a quarter of their fleet – operating for more than three decades.
Following the submission of an Freedom of Information request by Scottish Labour, figures revealed the Governments budget for repairs had risen from £7.9m in 2007 to almost £20m by 2018; an increase of more than 150%.
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Scottish Labour’s Transport spokesman Colin Smyth said existing vessels have seen better days.
He said: “The current fleet is simply not fit for purpose. This isn’t just bad value for money for the taxpayer, it’s putting lifeline ferry services at risk. We see on an almost weekly basis cancellations and overcrowding caused because the CalMac ferry fleet just can’t cope.
“We not only need a rethink on investment but a more comprehensive Ferries Plan and a National Shipbuilding Strategy to improve long-term planning and support for our shipbuilding industry.”
Through the allocation of around £59.2m this term, three vessels were purchased by CMAL to add stability to their fleet for passengers in the Northern Isles.
Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands said: “The specific allocation for capital funding for 2018-19 of £59.2 million referenced by Labour reflected the drawdown of funding for the purchase of the three major vessels for the carriage of passengers, freight and vehicles on the Northern Isles services during that particular year. That purchase provides an ongoing double benefit as the vessels are now secured for the long-term and the revenue cost to the Scottish Government is also consequently reduced.”
Now the Scottish Government have announced plans to cut funding to CMAL from £59.2m in 2018/2019 to just £14.2m in 2019/2020; something Mr Smyth has raised concerns about.
He added: “It is deeply worrying that in the budget the Scottish Government plan to slash funding made available to CMAL for new ferries from £59.2m in this year’s budget to just £14.2m next year.”
A CMAL spokeswoman said: “CMAL is working closely with Transport Scotland to develop a major investment programme for both vessels and ports. We are comfortable with the 2019/20 budget allocation, but we would anticipate a substantial increase in 2020/21 and beyond.”
