Nautilus pushes for CalMac Clyde and Hebrides ferry services contract award, after 12-month extension is announced

Nautilus International has welcomed a 12-month extension to the current CalMac Clyde and Hebrides ferry services contract, which was due to conclude on 30 September 2024, and is continuing to campaign for a direct award of the contract to CalMac at the end of this period.

In a letter to the Union, Scottish cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop MSP confirmed that such an award is the preferred procurement route, subject to a satisfactory due diligence exercise. The 12-month extension will give the government time to complete this process.

As members will be aware via the press, the government have agreed to the implementation of an extension of up to 12 months on the current CHFS contract, which was due to conclude on 30 September 2024.

Nautilus head of industrial Micky Smyth said: 'On 3 June 2024, I met with officials from the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), RMT union and Unite to discuss the situation and the possible implications of what a direct award could mean for our members. We agreed that we will continue to engage with Transport Scotland Officials to discuss the new contract going forward.

'Further, myself, liaison officer Gary Calderwood and officials from other trade unions met with Duncan Mackison, the interim CEO of CalMac, and company representatives in Gourock. Mr Mackison welcomed the announcement of the 12-month extension and we reiterated our desire to work together to ensure the direct award. We have agreed to meet again in the coming months in the spirit of partnership and cooperation.'