Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has announced that CalMac Ferries is the preferred tenderer for the next contract to operate the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services in a deal worth £900m over eight years.
CalMac has promised to invest in port and vessel improvements
The Scottish Government said CalMac’s bid makes nearly 350 commitments to improve the service.
These include a £6m investment in vessel and port improvements, smart and integrated ticketing systems on key routes, the continuation of all existing routes and services, and increases in passenger/vehicle and commercial traffic.
Ms Sturgeon said: 'CalMac have a long and proud tradition of running the Clyde and Hebrides routes, and the company is woven into the fabric of the communities they serve.
‘Their tender offers a good deal for those communities served by these vital transport links and ensures that we can maximise the opportunities to support and nurture our island economies.
‘CalMac will better manage demand to drive an increase in traffic, as well as make the ferry services more attractive with the introduction of smart ticketing on key routes.’
She added: ‘The Scottish Government has made a clear commitment to our ferry services, investing a record £1bn in port infrastructure, vessels and services since 2007.'
Ms Sturgeon said Scottish ministers would retain control of issues, such as fares and timetables, through the public service contract. Vessels and port infrastructure will remain publicly owned.
The Scottish Government said it is its intention to award the contract to CalMac following a standard 10-day standstill period.
The tender price for the contract is around £900m for eight years from 1 October 2016.
