The Highland Council has formally launched the procurement process for a new electric ferry to replace the current vessel on the Corran crossing between Nether Lochaber and Ardgour, one of Scotland’s busiest single-vessel ferry routes.
The tender has been prepared in partnership with Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), which is providing technical expertise and procurement support for the single-vessel tender.
The project is funded through a £58 million package under the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal. The Scottish Government is contributing £28 million towards the new electric vessel, while £20 million from the UK Government and £10 million from The Highland Council will go towards landside infrastructure.
If the procurement proceeds as planned, the shipbuilding contract is expected to be awarded in March 2027, with the new ferry scheduled to enter service in early 2029. Work on the shoreside infrastructure is due for completion by June 2027, while the charging infrastructure is expected to be installed and commissioned by September 2028.
The existing ferry CORRAN will be retained as relief vessel once the new ferry is in service.
“Reaching the procurement stage for a new electric Corran Ferry is a significant milestone and demonstrates the continued progress being made in delivering this major investment for the Highlands.”
Cllr Ken Gowans, Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee.
Source: The Highland Council
