Friday 6 June 2025
 8.7°C   SW Light Air
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

Transport / ‘Great news’ as procurement process starts for two new freight ferries

A new freight vessel concept design from Leadship. The design is currently in development and not final.

A PROCUREMENT process is officially underway for two new freight-flex vessels to serve the Northern Isles ferry route.

The Scottish Government confirmed in Holyrood today (Wednesday) that funding has been identified in the 2025/26 budget for the freight ferry 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.

A competitive tender process to replace both the Helliar and Hildasay will now get underway, with hopes to award the contract in February 2026.

Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop confirmed the news and said the Scottish Government is “fully committed” to investing in all of its lifeline ferry services.

She said the new ferries “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,” Hyslop added.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) chief executive Kevin Hobbs called the news “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,” he added.

Shetland’s MSP Beatrice Wishart said the news was “welcome”, but added islanders would “continue to face constrained capacity for several years” while the work progressed.

“The Scottish Government should have made these plans earlier to ensure a smooth transition and increase in the capacity on the Northern Isles route to meet growing demand,” the Liberal Democrat politician said.

“What the space for 200 passengers looks like on the new vessels remains to be seen but if it’s 200 pods for an overnight crossing then I expect there will be uproar.”

Become a member of Shetland News

 

SNP MSPfor the Highlands and Islands  Emma Roddick said today’s announcement was “great news”.

“This will make such a difference to capacity on the route and promote resilience even when there are issues with weather or other disruption.

“This news shows that the Scottish Government continues to listen to and invest in the future of our island communities.”

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:

  • Removal of third-party ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Audience Survey for Shetland News

Tell us what you think and win £100!

This survey is run by a UK charity, the Public Interest News Foundation. We exist to support independent news providers.

Your answers will power important research. We will share aggregated and anonymous answers with your news provider. And we will produce an overarching UK-wide report, which will be available on our website.

To enter the £100 prize draw, complete the survey and enter your email at the end.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.