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About MacBrayne Ltd

History

The roots of the company stretch back to 1851 with the formation of the steamer company David Hutcheson & Co of which David MacBrayne was a partner. In 1969 the Caledonian Steam Packet Company Ltd, operating Clyde services, and David MacBrayne, operating Western Isles services, became subsidiaries of the state-owned Scottish Transport Group. In 1973, the Caledonian Steam Packet Company Ltd. was renamed Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. and took over responsibility for both the Clyde and Western Isles ferry operations. In 1990, the ownership of Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. was transferred to the Secretary of State for Scotland (now the Scottish Government). Since 2006, David MacBrayne Ltd has been the holding company for ferry operators CalMac Ferries Ltd (CFL) and Argyll Ferries Ltd (AFL.) David MacBrayne Ltd is a publicly-owned private limited company with its sole shareholder being the Scottish Government.

The other main players in the provision of ferry services on the west coast of Scotland are the Scottish Government agency Transport Scotland and its subsidiary, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL,) which owns the vessels operated by CalMac Ferries Ltd and 24 ports across the network. In addition to the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services contract (CHFS) which dictates every aspect of the ferry services provided by CFL, CFL also operates CMAL’s harbours under contract.

Recent Achievements

Recent successes include securing the £1 billion, 8 year, Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services contract from the Scottish Government, and a £1 billion, 35 year, concession to run Marchwood Military Port, the UK's busiest military port on Southampton Water.

Vision, Mission & Key Strategic Goals

The company’s mission is: “To provide transport and infrastructure services to communities, supporting the aims of the Scottish Government to provide a Wealthier and Fairer, Smarter, Healthier, Safer and Stronger and Greener Scotland, and to make a commercial return to our shareholder, the Scottish Ministers."

“The vision of DML is to continue to grow as a recognised leading outsourced, international transport infrastructure and logistics services group.”

The Scottish Ministers have defined the overall aims of David MacBrayne Ltd as contributing to the Government’s purpose and national performance framework by, in particular:

In addition to delivering a safe and profitable service, stakeholder management and community engagement are important. DML is also very active in social responsibility programmes and supports several local and national events which all add to the community benefits being delivered by the company.

The Challenge

DML is at an exciting point in its distinguished history. Its success in winning and delivering the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services (CHFS) and Marchwood contracts has opened up new commercial opportunities for DML and it is keen to pursue potential bid opportunities both within Scotland and Europe. This ambition fits with Ministers aspirations to grow the revenue base of Scotland plc.

Having successfully delivered the first CHFS contract, DML must focus its operating company on delivery of the new contract which includes a number of challenging commitments set within an increasingly tight financial envelope. In addition, significant pledges covering investments in ports and vessels, require to be delivered against the backdrop of government financial constraints.

Business development opportunities and commercial activities will be significant moving forward and the new CEO will be expected to look to potential diversification and new income streams to advance the growth agenda. A key part of the CEO's role will be continuing to develop and deepen stakeholder relationships.

The Board of David MacBrayne Limited

The main functions of the Board are to provide strategic direction to its operating subsidiaries and to maintain high standards of corporate governance and financial probity in the delivery of the services that each subsidiary provides.

David MacBrayne Group Structure

David MacBrayne is the parent company of three major subsidiary businesses; CalMac Ferries Ltd, Argyll Ferries Ltd and Solent Gateway Ltd.

CalMac Ferries Ltd currently provides passenger, vehicle and shipping services to the islands off the West Coast of Scotland and in the Clyde estuary.  In terms of routes and vessels, CalMac is the UK’s largest ferry operator. With a 33 strong fleet it operates lifeline ferry services on 50 routes. The routes which range from Campbeltown and the Isle of Arran in the south, to the Isle of Lewis in the north, provide lifeline services to remote mainland destinations and 24 islands.

Argyll Ferries Ltd operate a frequent daily passenger service between Gourock and Dunoon with over 60 return sailings Monday to Saturday and 30 on a Sunday.  It provides a vital service in keeping the Cowal Peninsula connected with the rest of the country.

Solent Gateway Ltd (SGL) is the newest addition to the DML stable of companies.  A joint venture between DML and logistics experts GBA (Holdings) Ltd it operates Marchwood Military Port in Hampshire.  Marchwood is one of the busiest military ports in the country and SGL were chosen as harbour operator by the Ministry of Defence on a 35 year contract in 2016.  As well as managing military movements in and out of the port, the company is also exploring the potential for a variety of commercial opportunities on the site.

DML also operates 24 harbours on behalf of owner Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd.

The DML Group comprises several companies and divisions including:

The Board operates three main Committees: the Audit and Risk Committee: the Safety Committee; and the Remuneration Committee.