Ferry procurement panel gives project green light

THE first report from the Independent Procurement Reference Panel has said that the first stage of the tender process for the contract to operate the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) was fair, open and transparent.

The panel was set up to provide assurances that nothing was being done in the procurement that could be perceived as discriminating against either of the bidders, Serco and Caledonian MacBrayne.

The panel consists of representatives from the following organisations: Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, Argyll and Bute Council, North Ayrshire Council Highland Council, Scottish Council for Development and Industry, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Ullapool Harbour Trust, Scottish Trades Union Congress, National Farmers Union Scotland, Mobility Access Committee Scotland, Tiree Community Council, Islay and Jura Ferry Committee, Isle of Mull and Iona Ferry Committee, and Arran Ferry Committee.

CalMac is currently the operator of the UK’s largest ferry network and last year the network carried 4.65 million passengers.