Ferry tendering process must demonstrate ‘real ambition for future of ferry links’ says Halcro Johnston

Commenting on the recent announcement that the Scottish Government has issued the contract for the next tendering process for the Northern Isles Ferry Service, Scottish Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has said the Scottish Goverment must use the opportunity to deliver an “open and positive” tendering process as well as provide clarity over the delivery of RET on Orkney routes.

He said: “It is positive that the initial steps are being taken to re-tender the Northlink contract when it comes to an end in October next year.

“The Scottish Government has had to listen not only to the concerns of people in the islands who supported a new tendering process and opposed attempts to bring the contract in-house, but also the European Commission that told them that the SNP’s suggested alternatives would be unworkable.

“I hope that what we see is an open and positive tendering process that demonstrates real ambition for the future of our vital ferry links. There will also need to be clarity, after the missed deadline this summer, over how reduced ferry fares can be rolled out across the Northern Isles and what impact that will have on the service.

“This is also an opportunity for the Scottish Government to set out its aspirations for real improvements for the service into the 2020s. People on the islands will be looking to see how they intend to address the demands for freight as well as meeting passenger needs in terms of on-board accommodation and internet connectivity. We must also ensure the service is resilient and that suitable vessels are available when necessarily refits and maintenance are taking place.”