CMAL has awarded the contract to Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. in Gdansk, Poland as part of an international competitive tender in which six shipyards have been invited to offer. The first of the seven ferries is scheduled for delivery in 2027. These vessels are provisionally planned to operate on the following routes:

• Route 1: Colintraive – Rhubadoch
• Route 2: Sconser – Raasay
• Route 3: Tarbert – Portavadie
• Route 4: Iona – Fionnphort
• Route 5: Tobermory – Kilchoan
• Route 6: Lochaline – Fishnish
• Route 7: Tayinloan – Gigha

“Confirming the lead bidder is a significant milestone for CalMac, and we’re excited to welcome new, modern small vessels to the fleet from 2027 onwards,” said Duncan Mackison, CalMac’s Chief Executive Officer. “Small vessels are an integral part of our operation, and new tonnage will allow us to improve the resilience of our service, and the experience customers have on these routes. These seven new vessels, when combined with the six major new vessels joining the fleet in 2025 and 2026, will mean a third of our entire fleet has been renewed.”

The new standardized vessels will enhance resilience, accessibility, and route interchangeability. Their fully electric operation will significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, providing cleaner local air quality across the network. Infrastructure upgrades across Scotland’s west coast are planned ahead of the vessels’ entry into service.

LMG Marin has been entrusted with the basic design for these vessels. With headquarters in Norway and a strong global presence, LMG Marin has designed over 100 ferries in its 80-year history, including nearly 50 in the last 15 years. We have extensive experience in zero-emission vessel designs, having developed more than 20 battery- and hydrogen-powered ferries. The LMG Marin ferries successfully serve in Norway, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Canada, Scotland, England, Italy, Canada and Croatia.