The David MacBrayne Group, which comprises the principal operators of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services (CHFS) and the Northern Isles ferry services, today (April 2, 2012) published its formal submission to the public consultation on the Government’s draft Ferries Plan.
The submission has been made by DML on behalf of both CalMac and NorthLink.
DML has welcomed the Plan’s desire to prioritise the needs of the communities who depend on ferry services, the commitment to invest in new vessels, port and harbour infrastructures, together with the intention to seek the means of extending the length of the contract and allowing flexibility in how it is delivered.
The company has however highlighted some reservations about plans to reduce or remove some smaller services and sought clarification on the nature of the socio-economic assessments which Transport Scotland intend carrying out before making final decisions for the future. It has also queried how the plans to increase sailings and introduce additional ships fit with the Government’s own ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions.
Although the Plan refers to a separate review of procurement practices, it also remains concerned that “unbundling” some routes from the existing CHFS single package could leave communities with services which lack resilience to breakdown or severe weather.
Copies of the submission, including a covering letter from DML Chairman Peter Timms which summarises the group’s views, is available at www.david–macbrayne.co.uk/reports.
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