Help Name Scotland’s New Northern Isles Ferries

We’re calling for the public’s help to choose the names of the two new freight-flex ferries being built for Scotland’s Northern Isles, which will operate on the Aberdeen to Kirkwall and Lerwick route.

The 140m-long vessels will replace Helliar and Hildasay on the service operated by Serco NorthLink Ferries. Designed to support island communities and businesses for decades to come, they will provide additional freight capacity, quicker crossings and the flexibility to carry up to 200 passengers during peak periods. These improvements will help strengthen vital links between the Northern Isles and mainland Scotland.

Together, NorthLink and CMAL have drawn up two shortlists of names inspired by the history, heritage and culture of Orkney and Shetland, while reflecting the traditions of the existing Northern Isles fleet.

Now it’s your turn to help decide. Simply choose your favourite name from each shortlist of five options. The most popular choice from each list will become the official name of one of the new vessels.

Vote now
Artist's impression of the Northern Isles Freighter Flex vessel

Previous public vote results

We asked for the public’s help to choose the names of seven new electric ferries being built as part of the Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP).

More than 1000 votes were cast, and the winning names were:

  • MV Loch Awe
  • MV Loch Etive
  • MV Loch Katrine
  • MV Loch Maree
  • MV Loch Morar
  • MV Loch Rannoch
  • MV Loch Shiel
Learn more
SVRP vessel design concept illustration—subject to change

Courtesy of naValue