New ferry services plans unveiled

Ferry operator CalMac has reasserted its commitment to transform west coast ferry services after the firm’s successful bid for the Clyde and Hebrides ferry service.

The finalisation of the legal agreements, signed on Monday August 22, will see the operator take on the contract for a further eight years.

Managing director Martin Dorchester said: ‘The new contract marks the start of a new era in ferry services on the west coast which we are delighted to be introducing.

‘The last nine years have seen significant improvements to ferry services and we look forward to building on this work by taking our services, and the benefits they offer to our customers and the communities we serve, up to a new level.

‘Our bid was based on key themes, including retaining safety at the heart of our operation, a sustainable longterm reduction in subsidy through improving operational efficiency and revenue growth, and enhancing our service to offer even higher levels of customer satisfaction and community engagement.

‘We recognise the importance of ferry services in developing sustainable communities, driving economic growth and enabling island and rural companies to do business with the rest of the world. We also have an enduring commitment to improving environmental sustainability and are a socially responsible employer which values and invests in our staff. We are proud to be a living wage employer and have signed up to the Scottish Governments business pledge.’

Listed among the improvements, most of which will be put in place in the first two years of the contract, are maximising opportunities for local companies; supporting businesses where 30 per cent of staff are disabled or disadvantaged; and supporting social enterprises in tendering for supply contracts.

There will also be the introduction of electronic ticketing and an investment of £6 million in on-board and port and passenger area improvements.

Restaurant counters and retail outlets will be upgraded and a pilot ‘at seat’ drinks trolley service will be introduced.

01_B36calmac01 Ferry operator CalMac Ferries Ltd have signed the contract to operate the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services. Pictured is MV Isle of Arran departing from Brodick.