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Fife firm’s £50m ferry deal
The Woolwich Ferry Service will be operated by Burntisland-based Briggs Marine and Environmental Services from April this year. Photo: � Transport for London.
A BURNTISLAND-BASED company is set to make its mark in the capital this year after securing a seven-year contract worth over £50m with Transport for London (TfL).
Briggs Marine and Environmental Services, one of the UK’s leading marine contractors, will undertake operation and maintenance of the Woolwich Ferry service from April 1.
Collieson Briggs, managing director of Briggs Marine, said: “Transport for London conducted a rigorous competition before awarding this contract.
“We are delighted they have chosen to work with Briggs Marine, which is testament to the specialist skills and expertise that we possess and continue to develop.
“We are looking forward to working closely with London River Services and the Woolwich Ferry’s existing team both to deliver a seamless transition and also to continue to improve on the safety, reliability and efficiency of this vital transport link.”
Under the agreement, which was confirmed last month, Briggs Marine will work with London River Services Limited, a subsidiary of TfL, and will be responsible for daily operation of the ferry service, which links Woolwich and North Woolwich and the north and south circular roads across the River Thames.
It will also maintain the TfL owned vessels, as well as the associated landside infrastructure, and will take on the Woolwich Ferry’s existing workforce, taking the company’s staff to over 600.
The Woolwich Ferry has operated across the River Thames since 1889. Today, the ferry carries around 20,000 vehicles and 50,000 passengers weekly.
Andy Thompson, general manager for London River Services, said: “We look forward to working with Briggs Marine and securing the future of the Woolwich Ferry for the next seven years.
“Briggs Marine bring with them a wealth of experience which I am sure will help the Woolwich Ferry to continue its important service for many years to come.”
Councillor Kay Carrington, Fife Council’s executive member for business, enterprise, economy and planning, welcomed the announcement of the new contract.
She said: “This is excellent news for Briggs Marine and for Fife’s economy. Securing this massive, long term contract with Woolwich Ferry against stiff competition shows the confidence that the industry has in the competence of Briggs Marine and its workforce.”
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Sunday 19 May 2013
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