The Scottish government is considering awarding the contract for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services to existing operators CalMac without a competitive tendering process. Due diligence is being carried out to assess the award from financial, operational and legal perspectives, with a decision expected to be taken next summer. If awarded the contract, CalMac would need to ensure network improvements while the status quo would be altered to view ferries as a public service rather than a commercial entity.
Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop said the move would require a “more efficient, flexible model in the delivery of this important public service.” The announcement follows a tough period for the CalMac ferry network, with spells of significant disruption. Delays to the completion of two new ferries have caused further complications, with the vessels running six years behind schedule and three times over budget.
Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Graham Simpson MSP criticised the move, saying it was difficult to see how it differed from the status quo and that Scotland’s ferries system was “not working”. However, the general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union welcomed the news, stating that a long-term direct award would bring much-needed stability to CalMac-operated routes and protect public investment.
CalMac chief executive Robbie Drummond said: “Taking the uncertainty out of the contract would allow us to focus all our efforts on improving service delivery, without the distraction of a highly resource-intensive procurement process.” Critics argue that the ferry system is bust and requires significant reform to ensure CalMac, Transport Scotland, and the ferries procurement agency CMAL are no longer at loggerheads
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