Accessibility, environment and low carbon

The consultation paper noted that community feedback suggests that some equality groups face additional challenges when traveling on NIFS. Equality groups include those who have protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010; age, gender reassignment, married or in a civil partnership, pregnant or maternity, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Improving accessibility

Around 460 respondents answered Question 11, with the most frequently made comment that the current services seem to work well or that the current situation is OK. Residents of Orkney were more likely to take this view than residents of Shetland. A ‘Freight company or their representative body’ respondent commented that the current operator does very well with what they have to work with, going on to note that continued modernisation of terminals and replacement vessels will make a significant difference.

Moving forward, a ‘Local authority and transport partnership’ respondent was amongst those highlighting the importance of ensuring that vessels and terminals have accessibility as a priority and are fully complaint with the Equality Act 2010, while a ‘Public body’ respondent noted that they would be supportive of the introduction of an Accessibility Standard, as proposed by Transport Scotland within the ‘Islands Connectivity Plan: Strategic Approach’.

A ‘Local authority or transport partnership’ respondent suggested that any new NIFS contract should ensure all passengers are treated equally and with respect and include a commitment to making any reasonable adjustments to the ferries and ferry terminals. There was also reference to reaching out to equality groups to understand the challenges they face and hearing the ideas they have to help resolve these issues. A ‘Trade union’ respondent commented that the establishment of a working group comprised of the operator, the recognised unions and the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland would also be in line with the Islands Connectivity Plan's strategic approach.

‘Individual’ respondents highlighted a number of current issues or made specific suggestions for how services could be improved going forward. These are set out in turn below.

Embarkation and disembarkation

Comments and suggestions in relation to making the embarkation and disembarkation process more accessible included:

• having more, bigger and better lifts on vessels, and especially having a lift to the lower car deck.
• prioritising the use of lifts for those who need them.
• ensuring that the onboard parking for disabled passengers allows for easy access to the lifts, and leaving more space between vehicles.
• priority boarding for passengers who need to use the lift due to disabilities, and introducing quiet times for boarding for those travelling with dementia for example.

There were also calls for the NIFS operator to work collaboratively with Lerwick Port Authority, Orkney Harbours, and Aberdeen Harbour Board to ensure:

• continuous step-free access, accessible waiting areas, and suitable toilets/changing facilities.
• boarding and disembarkation processes that are safe, dignified, and do not disadvantage cyclists and passengers with mobility aids, prams, or luggage.

Event Feedback

Feedback provided by attendees at the Lerwick event included:

“Lifts are not big enough for people in power wheelchairs or bigger wheelchairs.”

“Better signage and visual, like raised bumps or yellow lines showing the way to the ship.”

Cabins and pods

Respondents were most likely to raise issues relating to the onboard accommodation including that the pods are not suitable for disabled, older or pregnant passengers, and those travelling with children. There were calls for:

• an increased supply of accessible cabins.
• those cabins having better space and general accessibility standards.
• accessible cabins to be reserved for disabled passengers only.
• secure, female only sleeping spaces.

Event Feedback

Feedback provided by attendees at the Lerwick event included:

“Need more accessible cabins – it is an all-inclusive service but that does not let it to be accessible for ppl who need it the most (e.g. wheelchair users).”

“Only four accessible cabins which makes it difficult to book – needs to be booked well in advance.”

Vessel design and facilities

Other vessel design or facilities related suggestions included:

• improving handrails, for example having more rails that are connected and without gaps in between.
• corridors and doorways being wider.
• doors being easier to open, and specifically less heavy.
• wheelchair friendly spaces and, specifically, accessible tables and more space between tables in the cafeteria.
• quiet spaces and facilities/assistance for people with hidden disabilities.
• more accessible information display screens and BSL interpretation of announcements.

A ‘Local authority or transport partnership’ respondent made suggestions relating to collaborative work with Transport Scotland and CMAL including to:

• ensure future vessels are designed inclusively from the outset.
• collect passenger feedback and feed evidence back to CMAL and the Scottish Government to shape vessel procurement so that accessibility lessons are embedded in newbuilds.
• use available flexibility (within the contract) to make modest modifications and retrofits to improve accessibility.

Event Feedback

Feedback provided by attendees at the Lerwick event included:

“Changing places – ceiling is not high enough for power wheelchair – works for other wheelchairs but not all.”

“In the eating area no place for ppl with wheelchair to sit without getting in the way of others.”

“Thresholds are big – not accessible for people in a wheelchair.”

“Using screens to display the ship announcements for those with hearing loss.”

“Better info/access to accessibility facilities as passengers are getting on board? (at reception).”

Service-related improvements

Respondents noted the importance of staff being trained on equality and diversity issues, including in relation to all disabilities. There was an associated suggestion that staff should be encouraged to take a proactive approach, offering help rather than waiting to be asked

Other comments focused primarily on information provision and the booking system, and included that:

• websites, apps, and printed materials should be fully accessible (screen-reader compatibility, plain language, multiple languages, large-print formats).
• there should be improved clarity around the availability and booking of accessible cabins and seating.
• an opportunity to flag additional needs or request assistance should be provided during the booking process.

Event Feedback

Feedback provided by attendees at the Lerwick event included:

“Can an easy read leaflet and an accessible app be created so can get information about using ferry in an easy way?”

Feedback provided by attendees at the Stromness event included:

“No one on the boat to ask for help on the overnight sail.”

Reducing overall environmental impact

Around 470 respondents answered Question 12.

A frequently made point, particularly among Shetland residents, was that the approach being taken currently seems sufficient or OK. Some respondents commented that either this is not an issue that they care about or that it is not a priority for them.

However, other respondents noted their commitment to reducing the overall environmental impact of NIFS. For example, a ‘Port/harbour authority’ respondent commented that they are committed to supporting the transition to lower-carbon operations, including facilitating shore power, improved waste management, and vessel efficiency upgrades.

A ‘Trade union’ respondent suggested that consideration should be given to the appointment of ‘green reps’ to work with managers to increase recycling rates, water and energy conservation and other environmental impacts from NIFS contracted operations. ‘Individual’ respondents also made specific suggestions. These are set out in turn below.

Vessel-related suggestions

The most frequently raised issue was that ferry services should be moving away from the use of diesel, and that there should be a focus on the use of alternative fuels, and in particular electrification and hybrid designs. There were also references to engines being upgraded, but also to not using untried technologies.

A ‘Local authority or transport partnership’ respondent commented that, while responsibility for vessel design and propulsion lies with the Scottish Government and CMAL, any exploration of alternative fuels and hybrid propulsion should be done in close consultation with the ports to ensure all needs are met.

Other vessel-related comments, particularly from Shetland residents, included that having a new or newer fleet will be of benefit and that there should be a focus on ensuring that the next generation of ferries are as low environmental impact as possible. This was sometimes linked to having more efficient vessels, or to suggestions that:

• alternative hull designs should be explored.
• vessels should be either bigger or smaller and faster.

Linked to the suggestion of bigger ferries was the suggestion that having more cabins or more shared cabins would encourage more people to use the ferries and, by extension, would reduce the use of air travel.

In relation to the fleet in general, it was noted that regular servicing and maintenance should help optimise efficiency, including around minimising environmental impact.

Event Feedback

Feedback provided by attendees at the Kirkwall community event included:

“Make sure you have anticipated that you will have low carbon fuel/ferries during the life of the contract.”

“Need to operate fuel efficient ferries - especially on the Scrabster/Stromness route - Pentland ferries run catamarans very successfully…”

Feedback provided by attendees at the Stromness event included:

“Appreciate lower carbon use through boat going a bit slower. Leaving as soon as loaded makes this possible.”

“Change to shore power helpful.”

Operation-related suggestions

The other frequently made suggestion was about the use of mains electricity when vessels are berthed, with calls for vessels to be connected to shore power while in port. There was also reference to delivering shore power in a sustainable and planned manner, with the full engagement of the recognised trade unions.

Other operation-related suggestions included:

• reducing speed, which was connected to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
• improving recycling and waste management processes, including onboard recycling and the use of recycled and recyclable materials where feasible.
• noise and light management, including quiet operating procedures in sensitive areas and reducing unnecessary lighting at night.
• encouraging freight consolidation.
• environmental culture and reporting, including training staff in best practice and monitoring environmental performance.

The importance of protecting biodiversity through careful planning of port development and operations was also highlighted. In terms of matters that are Scottish Government and CMAL responsibilities, there was reference to liaison with the operator in relation to: procurement of vessels designed to meet future climate and air quality standards; decisions on propulsion technologies; provision of shore power and supporting grid capacity; waste reception and recycling facilities at terminals; and port estate design.