Transport / Fair Isle ferry build on schedule but concerns about slipway delays
HANDOVER of the new Fair Isle ferry is expected in October this year, but delays to the new slipway on the island could hold back her launch.
Councillors have been told in a project update about concerns there could be delays to the completion of the new slipway in Fair Isle.
Elected members were briefed on the latest with the Fair Isle ferry project last week, with the new vessel set to replace the ageing Good Shepherd IV.
Contractor BAM Nuttall transported workers, materials and plant by barge to Fair Isle over the weekend.
Their first job will be to remove the existing winch and equipment from the winch house, so that the building can be demolished and replaced.
Work will also begin on the remaining excavation at the noust, the slipway foundations and the installation of rock netting.
Councillors were told that the project team were aware of a potential delay to the completion and commissioning of the new slipway in its place, however.
“This is due to the indicated timescales for fabrication and delivery of the ferry cradle, currently expected on site in October 2026,” the SIC said.
Meanwhile works at Grutness ferry terminal in the South Mainland are now expected to be finished in April, having initially been scheduled to be completed in January.
The SIC said that “steady progress” had been made over the winter, despite “difficult weather conditions”.
Most of the major construction work is now complete, it said, with the final placement of the rock armour around the new breakwater the biggest outstanding task.
“This work has been repeatedly delayed by rough sea conditions, which have prevented the contractor’s barge from reaching the site,” the SIC said.
“A final delivery of rock is still required, and the project team is closely watching for a suitable weather window.
“There has been no damage reported, to the incomplete rock armour breakwater, over the period and following recent bad weather and storms.
“In addition to the delay to placement of the rock armour, fenders have also been delayed getting through customs and then further delayed due to ferry cancellations caused by recent weather conditions “
The SIC added there was the potential for further delays to the April deadline if the current inclement weather continued.
Despite the weather challenges, the Fair Isle ferry service returned to Grutness in December – having spent months travelling to Lerwick instead.
Work on Good Shepherd V is continuing on schedule in the meantime, the SIC said.
“Work on the hull is continuing as planned, with steel work completed from the keel up to main/vehicle deck level except for the bulbous bow, to maintain access to the area for pipework.
“Through February, the shipyard plans to continue welding in the engine room and ballast tanks and to start constructing the top deck.”
“The build remains on schedule, with steel fabrication due to finish in May, outfitting running through to October and sea trials and handover scheduled for late October 2026.”
Project manager Lee Coutts told councillors today (Tuesday) that there will be a period of training and familiarisation with the new ferry once it arrives in Shetland.
The anticipated total cost of the project to replace the vessel and upgrade necessary harbour infrastructure is £45.4 million, funded by £18.6 million from the council and a grant of £26.8 million from the UK Government’s ‘Levelling Up Fund’.
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