The Addleshaw Goddard team advising CMAL on the transaction was led by Partners Anna Brown, Carrie Armstrong, supported by Jodie Duncan, Lucy Nock and Ed Watt. The team advised on all aspects of the acquisition, including the corporate and real estate acquisition arrangements and related commercial contracts.
Anna Brown said: “We are very proud to have supported CMAL on the purchase of Ardrossan Harbour. This acquisition by CMAL on behalf of the Scottish Government is a strategically important transaction. It represents a major step in securing the harbour’s future and for Ardrossan as the principal mainland port for ferry services to Arran. It also provides a strong foundation for essential investment in the harbour and clarity for the communities which rely on the lifeline ferry services to Arran."
“Our ports and terminals team is pleased to have brought our sector expertise to bear throughout this complex process, working collaboratively with all stakeholders to help deliver a positive outcome that paves the way for future improvements in harbour infrastructure.”
Addleshaw Goddard’s market-leading ports and terminals team brings together specialist lawyers from across the firm’s international offices, including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, with extensive experience providing practical and pragmatic advice to port operators, their customers and governments.
Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL said: “It’s been a long process to get to this point, and we’d like to extend our thanks to all stakeholders for their patience. The purchase of Ardrossan Harbour marks an important step in securing it as the principal mainland port for ferry services to Arran. We will begin community consultation shortly, and look forward to hearing from ferry users on the future of the port.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “The Scottish Government has been clear that we want Ardrossan to be the primary mainland port for CalMac ferry services to Arran, so I am pleased that CMAL has today successfully completed the purchase of Ardrossan harbour.
“I appreciate all the work, particularly by the CMAL and Peel Ports teams, that has gone into getting us to this point and look forward to delivering a more resilient and reliable ferry service for communities in both Arran and Ardrossan.”
Full redevelopment plans for the port will be confirmed following planning and stakeholder engagement.
