Transport / Four tunnels recommended for further consideration as first connectivity report released
However it is recommended that the idea of a tunnel between Yell and Fetlar is not taken any further at this stage
A SIGNIFICANT report on Shetland’s future inter-island transport needs has recommended that the idea of tunnels to Yell, Unst, Bressay and Whalsay is taken forward for further consideration.
However the report led by transport consultants Stantec for Shetland Islands Council advises that a tunnel between Yell and Fetlar should not be taken forward.
It also highlights it could take between seven and ten years from 2025 for the opening of a first tunnel. There are no cost estimates at this stage.
Meanwhile the draft strategic outline case report – which will go in front of councillors on Wednesday next week – also recommends taking forward enhancing ferry services for further consideration.
This includes, for example, more vessels serving ferry routes such as Yell Sound and Whalsay, and new boats for Papa Stour and Foula.
Councillors will be asked to approve the draft report and agree the recommendations provided for the options to take forward to a future outline business case, which will look at options in greater detail.
If elected members support the recommendations then the only proposed options which would not be taken forward for further consideration would be a tunnel from Yell to Fetlar, and doing nothing on Bluemull Sound.
The report said a tunnel between Yell and Fetlar would require a “long and very expensive crossing” to serve a population with less than 100 people.
“This would present very obvious affordability and value for money challenges to the council and other potential funders, compounded by the limited economic activity on Fetlar,” it said.
“Any fixed link would be several decades in the future and may detract from the more urgent need to provide a sustainable and reliable ferry service.”
However the report does not rule out a Fetlar fixed link being revisited in the future, if a tunnel to Unst is built and is successful.
Councillors will also be asked to approve a spend of up to £900,000 from Crown Estate revenue which would go towards examining the tunnel possibilities included in the report.
This work will include design work, “buildability” and financial models.
A key part of the so-called “fixed link model” (FLM) exploration will be to look at Faroe’s experience of transitioning from ferries to tunnels.
A report to councillors added: “The deliverability of fixed link tunnels will ultimately depend on market appetite – both from contractors willing to undertake the works and, in all probability, investors prepared to support financing.
“The FLM will therefore include the development of a credible commercial framework, exploring viable delivery models, contractual structures and risk-sharing arrangements.”
The work will also explore the estimated capital cost of delivering fixed links, and forecast usage toll levels and future operating costs, and maintenance and renewals.
A report to councillors continued: “The final stage of the FLM will involve market testing with potential investors to assess the appetite for financing fixed link infrastructure in Shetland.
“This engagement will be critical in identifying perceived risks, required conditions, and investment preferences.
“By the conclusion of the work, the council should be equipped to answer the fundamental question: can fixed link tunnels be delivered in Shetland – and if so, through what route, structure, and under what funding and governance model.”
The long-awaited draft strategic outline case report explores all of Shetland’s inter-island transport routes, apart from Fair Isle, which has been covered by the island’s ongoing ferry replacement project. It also does not cover air services.
It establishes the case for investment, the transport planning/spending objectives and the options longlist at an island level.
It highlights that several island communities have long expressed a desire for fixed links, like tunnels, to be considered as a ferry replacement.
The report says following the completion of the previous Shetland Inter-Island Transport Study in 2016, now is the right time to consider fixed links in more detail.
As part of the project – which will follow a business case process – communities were consulted about the transport provision to and from their island.
The report notes that the delivery of “high quality, reliable, resilient and frequent connectivity” is vital in promoting the continued development of islands and addressing challenges in areas such as demographics and economy.
It also highlights challenges in the age of Shetland Islands Council’s internal ferries, the resilience of the fleet and crewing availability.
Dissatisfaction was also expressed by islanders in terms of cost, capacity and the limited timetable of ferries.
The report warns against doing nothing, while highlighting that a number of ferries will need replaced in the next 10 to 15 years.
There are a series of options presented for each ferry route in Shetland, from doing nothing to expanding ferry services – and in some cases tunnels.
It highlights that it is unlikely the proposals in the programme would be achievable if “relying exclusively on public sector funding due to the limitations given the extent of costs potentially under consideration, and therefore private finance is likely to be a feature”.
A covering report also says that “early and sustained engagement with funding bodies will be essential to the programme’s viability”.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
