The Highland Council has reached another significant milestone in the delivery of a replacement Corran Ferry, with the procurement for a new electric vessel.
Funded through a £58 million investment from the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, including £28 million from the Scottish Government for the new electric vessel, £20 million from the UK Government and £10 million from The Highland Council towards landside infrastructure, the project will deliver a modern replacement ferry service for one of Scotland's busiest single-vessel crossings.
Working in partnership with Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), the Council has developed the tender documentation required and has now formally launched the procurement process through a single-vessel tender. This approach benefits from CMAL's technical expertise and procurement support, while allowing the project to progress within the intended procurement timeframe.
Chair of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “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.
"The Corran crossing is a vital transport link for local communities, businesses and visitors, and procuring a suitably qualified suppliers is a vital step towards securing a modern, reliable and sustainable ferry service.
"Alongside investment in new shoreside infrastructure, the replacement vessel will help strengthen the resilience of the service, support our environmental ambitions and ensure the crossing continues to play a key role in supporting the economy and connectivity of the area for generations to come."
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said:
“We are committed to ensuring Highland communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive – this £28 million investment is a demonstration of that.
“These projects highlight the value of partnership working between the Scottish Government and City-Region Deal partners to strengthen connectivity, drive economic growth and build more resilient communities across the Highlands.”
Subject to the successful completion of the procurement process, the contract for the new vessel is expected to be awarded in March 2027, with the replacement ferry anticipated to enter service in early 2029.
The replacement vessel will operate alongside significant investment in new shoreside infrastructure and will be supported by the MV Corran, which will continue to serve as a relief vessel.
Work on the landside infrastructure is progressing and is currently programmed for completion by June 2027. Installation and commissioning of the charging infrastructure is expected to be completed by September 2028.
The Council remains committed to delivering a modern, low-emission ferry service that meets the needs of local communities while supporting wider environmental objectives and helping secure the long-term resilience of the Corran crossing.
Information on the procurement opportunity is available via Public Contracts Scotland.