BOOST For Greenock Yard As Four-Year Ferry Maintenance And Upgrade Contract Is Secured

A GREENOCK ship repair yard is to take on more workers as part of a major deal awarded by ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne.

The four-year contract secured by Dales Marine Services Ltd will cover upgrades and afloat maintenance for 19 CalMac vessels.

Most of the work will being carried out at the Dales Marine dry dock facilities at Garvel, Greenock which will provide a 24-hour service and berth space.

Dales have invested more than £1million at the yard over the past eight months making significant improvements to facilities.

To support the new contract, Dales Marine Services will expand its apprenticeship programme, which so far stands at 46 apprentices across the group; a further four will be taken on for every year of the CalMac contract.

Michael Milne, managing director, said: “The contract represents a commitment from CalMac to Dales Marine Services, providing stability in workflow and even further investment and employment at our Greenock site. Our other yards in Aberdeen, Leith and Troon will also see additional work as a result of the contract.”