Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed an order for new life rafts for its small ferry fleet which helps secure the future of a Port Glasgow-based supplier.

Viking Lifesaving, which currently employs five people in Port Glasgow, has won the £250,000 order to supply the new life rafts and also a rolling fixed servicing contract.

Michael Scott, Branch Manager in Port Glasgow, said: “We are delighted to have won this contract as a local company. As an arm of a major organisation we have to be very competitive to survive. This type of contract is vital to us and it secures our future in many ways. We not only have the value of the order for the replacement of the rafts, but also the continuity of work for the next six years. This is tremendous news for us and a significant boost to the local economy in quite difficult times.”

Caledonian MacBrayne will install the new life rafts on their small vessel fleet in the coming months. Tom McNeill, Caledonian MacBrayne Technical Director said: “The new contract will replace all the existing rafts on our small ferry fleet in the coming months as part of our continuing refurbishment and safety programmes. Viking offered us the best deal in terms of value for money and servicing and we are delighted to have them on board. We look forward to working with them through the coming months and years and are delighted that a local firm has the competitive edge to have won such an important contract.”

ends

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Public Affairs Manager, Caledonian MacBrayne.

Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk

Issued:  July 11  , 2003