A Scottish Government agency is to take over the operation of the UK's busiest military ports.
Cal Mac Ferries parent company -
The 225 acre facility on Southampton Water in Hampshire, has been used for the movement of troops and equipment since 1943.
It is the base for Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships which supports the Royal Navy as well as vessels from the Royal Logistics Corps (RLC).
The facility is presently operated by the RLC's 17 Port and Maritime Regiment. It is also extensively used by Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships in support of the Royal Navy.
Ferry owner captures UK naval port contract
4 November 2015
The Scottish Government wholly owned David MacBrayne Ltd (DML) set up a new joint venture company, Solent Gateway, with global logistics firm GBA.
The venture has been awarded a Ministry of Defence (MoD) contract to manage the military movements through the port for 35 years.
Minister for Transport and Islands, Derek Mackay, said: “This is an excellent example of a Scottish company with a strong public service ethos succeeding in a competitive marketplace.
“Winning a contract of this type is testament to the company’s expertise, reputation and hard work, and Scottish Ministers are particularly pleased to see DML extend its public service role."
The Solent Gateway joint venture will play to the combined strengths of both companies said David MacBrayne's chief executive, Martin Dorchester.
He said: “We are delighted with this news which reinforces David MacBrayne's credentials as an internationally recognised operation able to compete successfully in the global market place.
“It is an ideal extension of our current skills and experience of running ports across the west coast. While our core service will be managing a port that will continue to meet the military's requirements, we look forward to working with GBA to maximise the commercial potential of Marchwood.”