Plan to scrap tendering process for ferry routes

Scotland’s transport minister has outlined plans to award Clyde and Hebrides ferry contracts to current operator Calmac without a tendering process.

Humza Yousaf said the plan is subject to satisfying European Union rules on state aid and a legal exemption allowing public contracts to be awarded to inhouse companies subject to strict regulations.

Government-contracted ferries are currently tendered under European law, and public and private firms can bid, but unions representing ferry workers claim this pits the interests of staff and passengers against private firms looking for profit from vital routes.

Mr Yousaf said: “It would be my intention to scrap future tendering processes and appoint the contract to Calmac directly.”

He said the decision on whethertodirectlyappoint or tender the Northern Isles ferry contract will be made by the spring to allow 18 months for a tendering process under the current contract operated by Serco Northlink, if required.

He said the paused tendering exercise on the Gourock-dunoon service will now restart as soon as practical, since appointing it directly is not considered a “viable option” when considering future transport of vehicles on the route.