CalMac and CMAL detail benefits of Harbour Order revision process

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CalMac and CMAL detail benefits of Harbour Order revision process
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09 March 2007

Ferry operator CalMac Ferries Ltd and the asset owning company Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) have moved to allay concerns that a Harbour Order revision/empowerment programme currently being conducted could have a detrimental affect of potential developments at west coast facilities.

Following the restructuring of Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd and the establishment of CalMac Ferries Ltd as the current operator of Clyde and Hebridean Ferry services, and CMAL as the asset-owning company, a full review of the arrangements for Harbour Orders at west coast facilities was necessary. This has now been under way at slipways and piers previously owned by Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. As new Orders are promoted they are made available for public comment. Where there are powers already available through an existing Order, a Harbour Revision Order is being promoted.

In some cases, however, a Harbour Empowerment Order is being promoted to establish authority. Grenville Johnston, Chairman of CMAL said: “This is a process which was necessary under the restructuring arrangements and it is important that we explain that the driving force is the need to protect the facilities for the provision of lifeline ferry services. When the restructuring took place, it became apparent that, with the passage of time, several Harbour Orders were out-dated or had been overtaken by events, and in some cases could not be traced. This revision programme will enable the Scottish Executive to ensure that we will be able to administer the facilities required for lifeline ferry services efficiently and successfully. There is no question of us preventing future developments. Local input and community involvement into the process is essential. We see this as the establishment of a partnership arrangement with local communities.”

The establishment of Harbour Orders is a statutory process under the Harbours Act (1964) whereby an application is made to the Scottish Executive for the Order, detailing the powers required and extent of the areas covered. This is then published by the Scottish Executive for 42 days for public comment, during which any objections made are subject to negotiation. If these issues cannot be resolved, it is open to Scottish Ministers to intervene, or refer them to a Public Inquiry.

Peter Timms, Chairman of CalMac Ferries Ltd added: “It is not in anyone’s interest that development be delayed or obstructed anywhere. However, it is vital that the communities’ interests in the lifeline ferry operation are protected. We will work with CMAL and the communities we serve to ensure that the appropriate levels of engagement lead us to solutions which are acceptable to everyone and enable as much development within harbour areas as is appropriate.”

A full list of the Harbour Orders being revised is appended for your information: the ports affected are – Brodick, Claonaig, Colintraive, Cumbrae, Fishnish, Kennacraig, Kilchoan, Largs, Lochaline, Lochboisdale, Lochranza, Portavadie, Rhubodach, Tobermory.

Ends.

Background

In preparation for the tendering exercise (Invitation to Tender (ITT)) for Clyde and Hebridean Ferry Services (CHFS), ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd was restructured from 1 October 2006.

To enable Caledonian MacBrayne to participate in the tender process, it was a requirement that there be a clear legal separation between, on the one hand, the company that owning the vessels and ports and, on the other hand, the company actually operating the ferry services. Previously to October 1, 2006, Caledonian MacBrayne Limited both owned the vessels and the ports and ran the ferry service.

A new company, CalMac Ferries Limited (SC 302282), was set up on October 1, 2006. CalMac Ferries Limited is a new subsidiary company of David MacBrayne Limited, registered in the UK. Like Caledonian MacBrayne Limited, CalMac Ferries Limited is ultimately owned by the Scottish Ministers.

With effect from 1 October 2006, the business of running the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services was transferred to CalMac Ferries Limited. The ownership of the vessels and ports was then transferred to a new asset-owning company, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) currently based in Port Glasgow in Victoria House, but moving to Port Glasgow Town Buildings as part of a new development.

All employees of Caledonian MacBrayne Limited, with a few limited exceptions, transferred their employment to CalMac Ferries Limited with effect from 1 October 2006. The transfer had no impact upon employees’ terms and conditions.

This move followed a separate restructure earlier in 2006 when seafaring staff transferred to an offshore crewing company, Caledonian MacBrayne Crewing (Guernsey) Limited.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited now owns all CalMac vessels and land-based assets (ports, harbours, etc) and leases them to the operator while CalMac Ferries Limited will bid to run the services in the open tendering process. Whichever operator is appointed will be bound to use the vessels owned by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited except on the Gourock-Dunoon route where the operator will be free to utilize alternative vessels.

For further information on the contents of this News Release, please contact Hugh Dan MacLennan, Head of Communication and Customer Care, CalMac Ferries Ltd. Tel: 0776 435 4021; e-mail hugh.maclennan@calmac.co.uk or Grenville Johnston, Chairman, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd.

Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Limited.

Issued: Friday, March 9, 2007 1200.

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Caledonian MacBrayne and CalMac are trading names of CalMac Ferries Limited (SC302282)