CalMac accounts show record maintenance spend and reliability improvements

CalMac’s determination to provide a reliable ferry service to Scotland’s west coast communities has been demonstrated through its latest annual accounts, which show spending on maintenance has almost doubled in six years.

The latest annual report for David MacBrayne Ltd, and a separate report for its main operating subsidiary, CalMac, were lodged this week.

In the financial year ending March 2023, the annual report from DML shows that CalMac spent £36.5m on maintenance and its annual overhaul programme for the fleet during the financial year. With one third of vessels now over 30 years old and operating beyond their life expectancy, the spend has been essential to provide a lifeline service to island communities and is up from £20m in 2017. Transport Scotland and Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd also contributed funding to support maintaining the fleet. Actual reliability was at 95%, up from 93% the previous year.

Overall, CalMac recorded an operating loss of £4.9m. However, there was a net profit of £18.6m due to DML’s decision to sell its 50% in Solent Gateway Ltd to Associated British Ports, which raised £22.4m.

Duncan Mackison, CalMac’s Interim CEO, said: “CalMac has been operating in extremely challenging conditions in recent years. However, we have been doing everything in our power to provide a lifeline service to the communities we serve and that is why we are investing in maintenance at record levels.

“DML’s decision to sell its stake in Solent Gateway Ltd is an example of our entrepreneurial spirit and has supported our balance sheet this financial year.”