The Small Ferry Project will develop a Strategic Plan for the introduction of a new fleet of ferries on thirteen routes from the mainland to remote island and rural communities in the Programme Area.

This plan will include a common vessel design, changes to the port and harbour infrastructure so that the ferries can operate successfully, training needs to implement the Strategic Plan and issues surrounding the procurement and finance involved in the delivery of the plan. 

In order to be successful, the project will strive to involve consultations with the key stakeholders including island communities and vessel designers and operators to encourage widespread support for the strategic plan.  

The strategic plan will also recognise the key role that transport plays in the vitality of island and isolated rural communities and take into account concerns about climate change and the protection of the environment.

The objectives of the project are to:-

• Estimate the demand for ‘lifeline ferries’ and the needs of isolated island and rural communities in the Programme Area for the lifetime of the next generation of ‘lifeline ferries’

• Develop a new series of vessel designs  for ‘lifeline ferries’ that embrace the higher design standards needed for the effective operation of modern ferries but a design that is flexible and can cater for the needs of different islands and isolated rural communities

• Develop plans for the most appropriate port infrastructure which will support the introduction of these  ferries and allow them to operate effectively

• Develop innovative methods of finance and procurement for the new ferries

This is a long-term plan which focuses very much on future needs and looks at ways of  co-operating on a trans-national basis.. As well as sharing information, skills and best practice, this could also help achieve savings to the public purse without compromising on delivering the best possible service to remote island and rural communities.