The Scottish Government is insisting on larger vessels for the Gourock-Dunoon Clyde crossing when it awards a new 12 year contract for the subsidised passenger route starting in June 2017. Tender documents specify that ferries of 40 metres in length will have to be provided with the successful bidder also being encouraged to offer an unsubsidised service for vehicles.
Current operator Argyll Ferries uses the 29.9m/244-passenger craft Argyll Flyer with support from the 20 metre Ali Cat which can carry 246 passengers, although in recent winters car ferry Coruisk (2003/1,599gt) has been brought in to help out.
Scotland’s Minister for Transport Humza Yousaf said: ‘We have specified that bidders will have to provide vessels of 40 metres in length. This will help address the current issue of reliability on the service and offer greater resilience during periods of adverse weather.’
