Procurement underway for Northern Isles Freight Vessels
The Cabinet Secretary for Transport has today announced that procurement is progressing for two new freight flex vessels to serve the Aberdeen to Kirkwall/Lerwick route.
Funding has been identified in the 2025-26 budget for a potential contract start on the freighter replacements. The freight flex option will bring improved freight capacity, higher operating speed and the flexibility to provide space for up to 200 passengers to travel at peak times.
CMAL will progress a competitive tender process to replace the Helliar and Hildasay, on the routes operated by Serco NorthLink, with a view to awarding the contract in February 2026.
The Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop confirmed the launch of the procurement process when responding to a Parliamentary Question earlier today.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop 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.”
CMAL Chief Executive Kevin Hobbs 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.”
Serco NorthLink Managing Director Stuart Garrett 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.”