This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Tender shortlist for Campbeltown-Ballycastle ferry service
20/09/2005
The prospect of a Campbeltown-Ballycastle ferry service moved a stage closer today with the announcement of the issue of tenders to operate a ferry service to link Argyll and Moyle.
The tender is the next stage of a fresh joint Scottish Executive and Northern Ireland Administration initiative to attract an operator to the route.
Four companies - Harrison's (Clyde) Limited, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Serco Denholm and Western Ferries - have been invited to tender for the service.
A maximum £1 million annual subsidy over a five year contract period is available. The service specification requires an 11 month per year service for passengers and vehicles. Bidding companies may also add routes around the subsidised service.
Transport Minister Tavish Scott said:
"We believe that a ferry operation can become a catalyst for economic benefit for the Kintyre peninsula and provide new opportunities for trade and tourism.
"I am pleased that we can now move to the next stage of the tendering exercise.
"There is an encouraging level of interest in the route. We will continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland administration and the local business communities involved in making every effort to attract an operator."
Northern Ireland Enterprise Minister Angela Smith said:
"I am pleased that the new tender process has resulted in an improved level of interest in re-establishing the ferry link between Argyll and Moyle. I hope this will result in a successful operator being found to restore the service."
The Executive and Northern Ireland Office announced a joint decision to pursue a further tendering exercise in March 2005. Both parties agreed to proceed subject to the following conditions:
- The tender will be based on the same or very similar terms to the 2002-03 competition
- The maximum amount of subsidy to be made available for support of the services will be £1 million per year over the five year contract period
The tendering exercise is being led by the Executive. The timescale for the present exercise allows for tenders from the companies to be submitted within 15 weeks. The procurement is following the general principles of the EU Procurement Directives and the requirements of the Maritime Cabotage Regulation and State Aid Guidelines.