Motion 27
Vessel Replacement on Shetland and Orkney Ferry Routes
“That this Congress observes that:
- the ferry services connecting the Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands are vital lifeline for the social and economic well-being of the isolated communities they serve;
- some vessels currently in service are over 40 years old;
- increasing breakdowns and escalating maintenance costs are severely impacting service reliability and resilience;
- this situation presents a rapidly closing window of opportunity for a managed renewal of the fleet;
- the Scottish Government must learn from the disastrous consequences of its delayed vessel replacement programme on the Western Isles and Clyde routes; and
- hesitation and inaction have created a crisis situation there, with severe disruption to island communities and a significant financial burden on taxpayers.
“Congress resolves that the STUC:
- expresses serious concern over the deteriorating state of the ferry fleet serving Shetland and Orkney;
- urges the Scottish Government to prioritise the immediate replacement of ageing vessels;
- calls on the Scottish Government to support investment in a modern, fit-for-purpose fleet that can provide reliable and resilient services; and
- demands that the Scottish Government avoid repeating the mistakes made on the Western Isles and commit to a timely and effective vessel replacement programme.”
Mover: Nautilus International
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