The new ferries will serve key routes including Colintraive - Rhubodach, Lochaline -Fishnish, Tarbert - Portavadie, Iona- Fionnphort, Sconser - Raasay, Tobermory - Kilchoan, and Tayinloan - Gigha. Through cascading of existing vessels, the Largs - Cumbrae and Oban - Lismore routes will also benefit.

The contract to build the vessels was awarded to Remontowa in March 2025, following a competitive tender process. SVRP phase one represents a GBP 160 million investment from Scottish Government, with the shipbuilding contract valued at GBP  147.5 million. Delivery of the first vessel is expected in 2027.

Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL, said: “The steel cutting process marks the start of construction for our new fleet of small vessels. These ferries will bring increased capacity and the benefits of clean, fully electric propulsion to island and rural communities.

“Work at the shipyard is progressing well, building on our strong working relationship with Remontowa, who have already successfully delivered ferries for the Scottish network. Today’s milestone demonstrates progress in our ambitious plans to renew the fleet and future-proof lifeline services.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop, said: “The Scottish Government is fully committed to improving our ferry fleet, so I am pleased that construction has officially begun on the first of the seven new small vessels to serve the Clyde and Hebrides network.

"Alongside our significant investment in six new major vessels, these seven smaller vessels will further enhance the resilience and reliability of the fleet. Their innovative fully electric propulsion will also deliver key improvements in emissions and local air quality, contributing towards a lower carbon ferry network.

"The steel-cutting ceremony marks a key milestone in our plans to improve ferry services, and I look forward to further progress on this and other projects over the coming months.”

Michal Jaguszewski, Director of Commerce of Rementowa Shipbuilding said: “We have worked closely with CMAL and our skilled design teams to ensure production follows a strict timeline. We are very satisfied with the progress made so far and look forward to continuing at pace."

The SVRP forms part of CMAL’s wider programme of investment, backed by Scottish Government funding, which will see the new vessels delivered alongside major harbour upgrades across the network.