So when Johnson said:
“There are potential contracts, and for reasons of commercial confidentiality and because of the procurement process I can’t go into the things that I would like to see, but I am hopeful.
Is this what he was referring to. A new ferry for the Isles of Scilly?
Ferries: Isles of Scilly
Asked by Lord Berkeley
To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress they
have made in considering the Strategic Outline
Business Case submitted by the Isles of Scilly
Transport Board to the Department for Transport for
improved services and investment in new craft;
and what plans they have to place an early order for
such craft for the Isles of Scilly with the Appledore
Shipyard. [HL7844]
Baroness Vere of Norbiton: The Government’s focus
during the current pandemic has been on ensuring that the
transport providers which serve the Isles of Scilly stay
operational throughout the Covid-19 outbreak and
continue to provide vital services. In April 2020,
Government provided up to £10.5 million for lifeline
ferry and freight service operators to the Isle of Wight and
the Isles of Scilly and continues to work closely with the
operators, local stakeholders and other Departments to
provide clarity over support for autumn, winter and
beyond.
We are aware that the Isles of Scilly Transport Board
are working on proposals to improve transport services.
We look forward to discussing these proposals with the
Isles of Scilly Transport Board in due course.
The procurement of any new craft would be subject to
competitive tender in accordance with the applicable
rules.
https://questions-statements.parliament ... ly-reports
The current ferry is over 40 years old and suffered major mechanical problems last year. It was built by Appledore.