2011/98/EC: Commission Decision of 28 October 2009 on the State aid C 16/08 (ex NN 105/05 and NN 35/07) implemented by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland — Subsidies to CalMac and NorthLink for maritime transport services in Scotland (notified under document C(2009) 8117) Text with EEA relevance

The existing State aid granted to CalMac Ferries Ltd under the public service contract for the provision of ferry services in the Scottish western islands (excluding the Gourock-Dunoon route) is compatible with Article 86(2) of the Treaty.

The existing State aid granted to Cowal Ferries Ltd with regard to the operation of the Gourock-Dunoon route is compatible with Article 86(2) of the Treaty, subject to the acceptance, by the United Kingdom, to implement the appropriate measures in accordance with Article 19 of Regulation (EC) No 659/1999. In particular, the United Kingdom shall initiate the procedures required for launching a public tender for the Gourock-Dunoon route before 31 December 2009. The subsequent public service contract must commence before 30 June 2011.

The United Kingdom shall promptly inform the Commission about the steps taken to implement its commitments with regard to the financing of the Gourock-Dunoon route.

The State aid granted to NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Ltd and to NorthLink Ferries Ltd under the respective public service contracts for the provision of ferry services in the Scottish northern islands is compatible with Article 86(2) of the Treaty.

This Decision is addressed to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.