David MacBrayne -
Cal Mac owner makes £4.2 million loss
12 November 2016
The shipping operator made a loss of £4.6 million for the year -
According to the company this was driven by planned investment in new technology to improve customer service.
MacBraynes was also hit by the costs of preparing the successful tender to secure the west coast ferry network contract against rivals, Serco.
Drawing up a bid to to run UK Government Marchwood Military Port in Hampshire also contributed to losses but winning the £1 billion deal means a regular income stream for the company over the long term.
Total turnover increased from £172 million to £190 million.
Passenger numbers grew by 2% to 5 million while it carried 9% more vehicles to 1.2 million for 2015/16.
Total numbers employed by the company rose from 1,482 to 1,568 over the course of the year.
David MacBrayne’s chairman, David McGibbon, said:
‘This has been another hugely successful year for David MacBrayne Ltd.
“It has been particularly satisfying for me personally to be at the helm during such transformational and exciting times for the company, we really are going from strength to strength.
“Among a year of highlights, winning the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Service (CHFS) contract is the stand out experience for me. The uncertainty that has surrounded the company since the tender process began has been unsettling for everyone connected to the CalMac family.
‘But our bid was recognised as both compelling and innovative in meeting the needs of communities, customers, stakeholders, our partner agencies and the Scottish Government, while offering best value to the taxpayer. In summary, we were simply the best company for the job.”
