CALMAC will be awarded west coast ferry contracts without having to compete in a tendering process - if transport minister Humza Yousaf has his way.
Mr Yousaf told MSPs he intends to award ferry contracts directly to public sector operators, as a Scottish Government policy review continues on the arrangements required for a publicly-owned company to receive a direct award.
If the plan gets the go-ahead it will mean that CalMac will continue to operate Clyde and Hebrides ferry services until 2024.