Western Ferries (Clyde) Ltd, which operates the commercial vehicle and passenger ferry service between Gourock and Dunoon is to invest a further £4m into upgrading its terminal infrastructure at Hunter’s Quay, Dunoon.

The works include the delivery and installation of a new 30m long linkspan to replace the existing structure as well as enhancements to the berthing facilities and the shore side infrastructure.

Arch Henderson has been appointed as consultant engineers to oversee delivery, whilst Ferguson’s Shipyard in Port Glasgow will fabricate and install the new linkspan. Both appointments reunite the team that successfully delivered upgrade works to Western Ferries’ terminal at McInroy’s Point in 2017.

Ipswich based Red7Marine has been appointed to deliver the shore side infrastructure improvement works and enhancements to the berthing facilities following success in a competitive tender process. Western Ferries has chosen to work with Red7Marine on the project due to their proven track record of successfully delivering high profile marine construction projects throughout the UK. With an in-house engineering and consultancy team Red7Marine is able to support clients throughout the project development phase, as well as delivering on-site activity.

Similar to the works carried out last year at McInroy’s Point, this latest programme of investment will maintain and improve on the operational flexibility of Western Ferries’ services, for the benefit of the 1.3 million passengers who use the service each year. Once completed, the upgraded berthing facilities will be better equipped to accommodate tidal variations and changeable weather conditions, leading to enhanced reliability and overall service resilience.

Work will get underway this month and is scheduled to be completed and fully operational by the end of 2018.

Gordon Ross, Managing Director of Western Ferries (Clyde) Ltd said: “This is an exciting time as we prepare to embark on this £4m phase of improvement works.

“Western Ferries operates more than 32,000 sailings and carries 650,000 vehicles every year. In order to provide the most frequent and reliable service possible for the Cowal and Inverclyde communities, we are fully committed to ensuring that our infrastructure is robust and that our investment programme continues to benefit the thousands of passengers who use and rely on our services for work and leisure.”

Kristen Branford, Managing Director of Red7Marine, said: “We have an excellent track record for delivery and are looking forward to working with Western Ferries to deliver this latest phase of enhancements and we are confident that the new facilities will be completed by the end of December.”

The works have been planned to ensure there will be minimal disruption to services throughout the construction period.