Chamber and committees

The yards which CalMac Ferries Ltd use to undertake dry dock maintenance work for the vessels in the fleet is an operational matter for them to determine.

CalMac Ferries Ltd procure their contracts in a fair and open competition manner, allowing an award to the bidder that offers the best value for money. CalMac Ferries Ltd publish details pertaining to the contracts on the Public Contracts Scotland website.

CalMac Ferries Ltd awarded contracts to Cammell Laird Shiprepairers & Shipbuilders Ltd, Dales Marine Services and Ardmaleish Boatbuilding Co Ltd.

Contract details are available by following the links: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=DEC401718 and https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=DEC401701 .

Under current legislation, a public sector operator could bid to run rail services in Scotland in any future franchise competition.

The Scottish Government has, on a number of occasions, requested the further devolution of rail powers, which has been denied. This includes through our engagement with the UK Rail Review. Further devolution would enable us to consider the widest range of options possible for delivering rail services.

We were not consulted on the detailed proposals within the Williams-Shapps Plan prior to its publication, and we are currently seeking clarity from the UK Government in a range of areas.

Provision of services by a Scottish Government owned company, called ScotRail Trains Ltd, in line with our Operator of Last Resort duty will ensure the continuity of rail services in Scotland and also provide stability to staff, suppliers and passengers over this period.

Abellio ScotRail staff with their terms and conditions will transfer to the new entity.

We will work with all key stakeholders, including the trade unions, to ensure the most efficient and best value arrangement to deliver our key lifeline ferry services. An independent review analysing the existing governance structure is already underway and our consultants will be engaging with stakeholders shortly. The provisional outcomes of the review will be published around the end of the year when further engagement on potential options will take place.

Under the Emergency Measures Agreements (EMAs) in place, (a) Abellio ScotRail and (b) Serco Caledonian Sleepers Limited are not entitled to indemnification in the event of industrial action although the net difference between revenue and costs in any EMA period pass through to Scottish Ministers.

To the extent that industrial action increases the net cost to the Scottish Government it increases the need for further efficiencies and cost reductions given that funding, in the context of Covid, is severely constrained.

The Scottish Government have had no discussions with Seatruck Ferries regarding the time charter of additional tonnage for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) network. All discussions have been undertaken by CalMac Ferries Ltd.

CMAL are regularly contacted by 7 core shipbrokers who bring to their attention vessels that may be suitable for Scottish routes. This is due to the international standard that the broker takes a fee from the seller should a vessel be purchased.

CMAL have frequent and regular engagement with 7 core shipbrokers who assist with the identification of vessels that may be suitable for Scottish ferry routes.

When considering a vessel, CMAL review a number of elements to assess suitability for Scottish ferry routes including vessel dimensions, speed and displacement, as well as the vehicle deck garage heights, loading system (ramps), shore side interfaces, compliance with the Maritime Coastguard Agency Regulations and the vessel’s suitability for Scottish waters.

CMAL do not disclose the names of either the vessels it assesses or their ownership. This is due to the possible impact upon the market value of the vessel should it become apparent that a government body is considering their purchase, which could result in the price going up and making it harder to achieve Value for Money for the Scottish tax payer.

The resources referred to in the previous answer related to staffing resources within Transport Scotland.

Those officials who had been asked to respond to the challenges presented by the pandemic to our transport network and the impacts on Islands communities are now returning to normal duties, and has been made clear, a priority has been restarting the work taking forward identifying potential options for reducing fares on ferry services across the Pentland Firth.

The MV Coruisk resumed normal timetabled services on the afternoon of Friday 16 July 2021 on the Oban – Craignure route.