Dales Marine Services Ltd, a leading ship repair and maintenance company based in Scotland, has announced a new 4-year contract with Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) for 19 vessels.

Utilising the best in dry docking services, engineering and management capabilities, Dales Marine’s certified technicians will be undertaking vessel upgrades and afloat maintenance across the 19 CalMac vessels with the majority of the work being carried out at the Dales Marine Greenock dry dock facilities.

Greenock will provide a 24-hour service and berth space for the afloat maintenance and repair work.

The last eight months have seen significant improvements in Dale’s Greenock facilities by way of over a £1m investment in the yard.

To support the new contract, Dales Marine Services has pledged to expand its current apprenticeship programme, which to-date stands at 46 apprentices across the group, undertaking to employ a further four apprentices, for every year of the CalMac contract.

Michael Milne, Dales Marine 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.”

ICC Chief Executive, George McKay said:

“This is fantastic news and the Chamber welcomes this increased investment into Inverclyde, on top of what has already been invested by Dales into their site at Garvel Point.

“We are delighted to see two vital Inverclyde business collaborating in this manner and will ensure further maritime growth for the area as well as local employment opportunities.”