Procurement launched for Northern Isles Freight Vessels

Procurement is underway for two new freight flex vessels to serve the Aberdeen to Kirkwall/Lerwick Route.

The new vessels will replace the Hellier and Hildasay, on the service operated by Serco NorthLink Ferries.

The freight flex ferries will provide extra freight capacity and capability for quicker crossings on the routes. They will also have the flexibility to allow space for up to 200 passengers to travel at peak periods.

The first stage of the competitive tender process will see interested shipyards complete the Single Procurement Document Scotland (SPDS), which will assess their suitability to take on the project against financial and technical criteria. Successful yards will then be invited to tender for the contract.

Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive at CMAL, said:

“This marks an important step forward in strengthening the long-term resilience of the Northern Isles services.

“We look forward to receiving bids that demonstrate innovation, efficiency and the ability to deliver reliable vessels that will support a more adaptable and robust service for years to come.”

The invitation to tender for this contract is expected to be issued around August 2025, with a view to awarding the contract in February 2026.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, said:

“The Scottish Government is fully committed to investing in all of our lifeline ferry services and so, I am pleased to see this progress in procuring two new freight flex vessels to serve the Northern Isles.

“These new vessels will have increased freight capacity, higher operating speeds, and additional capacity for passengers in peak season. This will enhance the efficiency and reliability of ferry services to best meet the needs of the businesses and communities in the Northern Isles for years to come.

“The start of this procurement is an important milestone in our plans to improve ferry services and I look forward to following the progress of this project over the coming months.”

Stuart Garrett, Managing Director at Serco NorthLink Ferries, said:

“We are grateful for the efforts of everyone involved in reaching this first step in the competitive tender process. NorthLink Ferries welcomes the additional capacity that the Freight Flex vessels will provide, enabling us to continue to support the growth of the Northern Isles economies.”