Transport / Inter-island transport strategy to cover next 30 years
A STUDY on Shetland’s inter-island transport network will result in a “comprehensive” strategy for the next 30 years.
Behind the work are a consortium of consultants featuring Stantec, COWI and Mott MacDonald.
The project, commissioned last year by Shetland Islands Council (SIC) at a cost of around £700,000, aims to explore the potential benefits and challenges of different transport options, including both improved ferry services and fixed links.
It comes as first minister John Swinney said during a visit to Lerwick on Monday that he was keen for the Scottish Government to explore all options for the future of Shetland’s local transport.
The project is particularly significant given it will consider tunnels as potential ferry replacements to islands like Yell, Unst and Whalsay.
It comes against a backdrop of ageing ferries – the Whalsay vessel Hendra, for example, is 42 years old, while the Fivla is 39.
COWI said it is bringing “extensive experience in fixed link projects” to the study project having delivered numerous bridge and tunnel designs worldwide.
Stantec is said to have expertise in business cases while Mott MacDonald is known for its marine civil engineering work.
The study will set out the comparative merits of different ferry and fixed link options for island communities.
COWI’s role is specifically focused on the fixed link element.
This will include geological assessments, environmental impact considerations, engineering challenges and economic analyses.
The aim of COWI’s work is to provide the SIC with a “comprehensive understanding” of the technical and financial implications of establishing fixed links, which can be fed into the wider options appraisal within the business case.
Its UK managing director Andy Sloan said: “We are delighted to partner with Stantec and Mott MacDonald on this important project.
“Our combined expertise and global experience will enable us to deliver a thorough analysis of the feasibility and potential benefits of fixed connections in Shetland.
“We are committed to supporting Shetland Islands Council in their vision for enhanced connectivity and sustainable development.”
Stephen Canning, director of transport planning at Stantec, added: “The ability to access employment, services, and leisure opportunities on Shetland Mainland; move high value goods; and facilitate travel to and service delivery in the islands requires a high-quality and resilient inter-island transport network.
“By working closely with island residents and other stakeholders, we will develop a strategy that, through promoting greater connectivity, will support improved wellbeing, resilience, and prosperity.”
The findings and recommendations of the study will provide SIC with “vital information” to guide future infrastructure investments and establish a robust transportation network, according to the consultants.
Tunnel action groups in Yell and Unst have been fundraising themselves for studies for possible fixed links to the North Isles, but the results of this work would be shared with the council.
Transport is a devolved matter to Scotland and historically the SIC did not receive any funding for running Shetland’s internal ferry service, which it operates.
However following a ‘fair ferry funding’ campaign the Scottish Government has in recent years began funding the SIC’s deficit in running the service – which this year amounts to around £23 million.
But this is only revenue funding and does not cover capital expenditure.
Speaking to the media on Monday during a break in a meeting of the Convention of the Highlands and Islands, first minister Swinney said SIC leader Emma Macdonald has been clear that this ferry funding is “welcome and beneficial”.
“It’s important that we do that, and I’m glad that is working well,” the SNP leader said.
“I acknowledge obviously the age of the fleet and the interest that there is in other connections and the possibility of fixed links.
“I’m keen to make sure we properly explore all of these issues.
“We have a process underway of engagement between the government and Shetland Islands Council on the future of the ferry fleet and to look at the renewal of the fleet, and that work will be taken forward as part of the government’s programme”
Meanwhile deputy first minster and economy secretary Kate Forbes – up in Shetland for the convention meeting – also told the media that a key point around potential tunnels is the budget.
The SIC has also engaged the UK Government – which has pledged around £27 million towards a new Fair Isle ferry – in talks about possible tunnels.
Forbes said the nature of conversations the Scottish Government has had so far with the SIC on the topic includes “where they could start doing this, where we can start proving how it works, the form that the money will take, how we work together”.
“All of that is being actively discussed and I would like to think that we are making progress when it comes to a final proposal or a solution,” Forbes added.
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