Caledonian MacBrayne commissioned an external review, at the end of 2024, to determine crew and passenger exposure to toxic substances on the enclosed vehicle deck. This involved extensive testing and reporting of exhaust fumes.  

The review found that elemental carbon (soot) levels are very high within the vehicle decks on some of our vessels: “Levels of elemental carbon (soot) were found to be of high significance and given the carcinogenic nature of the substance, efforts to reduce levels as far below the exposure standard as reasonably practicable must be made.”  

Given this context, we are asking for your drivers’ help and assistance to reduce vehicle emissions on our vessels. Specifically, we are asking that drivers do not start engines until the stern ramp/bow visor has started to open.  

We understand that there will be a need to build air pressure for some vehicles. Given passage time lengths, most lorries should only require a few minutes to build up to their maximum pressure.  

Often drivers will start engines upon return to their vehicle cab which can be around 10-15 minutes prior to arrival, and so we want this to be avoided. Each individual action will help us reduce the levels of toxic fumes, which is so important for our crew and passengers.  

Furthermore, we have received recent customer complaints from the general public regarding the negative impact of excess exhaust fumes. We therefore seek your help and assistance and ask that commercial vehicle drivers refrain from starting their vehicle engines prematurely and await clear instruction from crew as to when their vehicles can be safely started.  

Failure to comply with these instructions can have a serious effect on the health and safety of all crew members and passengers on the car deck. It is essential that everyone follows crew instructions diligently to ensure a safe environment for all.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to safety.

Caledonian MacBrayne