Chinese shipyard the preferred bidder for Northern Isles freight ferries

A CHINESE shipyard looks set to have won the race to deliver two new Northern Isles freight-flex ferries.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has identified Guangzhou Shipyard International Co, Ltd (GSI) as the lead bidder for a contract to build two new vessels to serve Aberdeen, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

The 140m long freight-flex ferries would replace the Helliar and Hildasay, with additional passenger capacity for 200 people during peak periods.

The contract award remains subject to a 10-day standstill period, with the contract expected to be finalised on 24 March.

Four shipyards had been in the running to carry out the work, with Labour election candidate John Erskine calling last year for the two Chinese shipyards to be ruled out of the running.

Labour candidate wants Chinese shipyards ruled out of running for ferry contract

Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop welcomed the “important milestone” in the delivery of the two new ferries.

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“These replacement freight vessels will bring additional freight capacity, higher operating speeds and the ability to carry up to 200 passengers on each vessel during peak times – helping address demand for car deck and cabin capacity on these routes,” she said.

“This will enhance the efficiency and reliability of ferry services to better support the priorities of Northern Isles communities and businesses for years to come.

“I appreciate all the work, particularly by CMAL and NorthLink, that has gone into getting us to this vital stage of the procurement process, and I am hopeful that we can look forward to contracts being signed at the end of the standstill period.”

CMAL chief executive Kevin Hobbs said GSI’s bid demonstrated a “commitment to innovation and efficiency”.

“We are confident they will deliver a reliable, robust pair of vessels to support the Northern Isles Ferry Service for years to come,” he said.

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NorthLink Ferries managing director Stuart Garrett added that they were “delighted” that the contract had reached this key milestone in the project.

“We look forward to working together with all parties as we move to the next stage in delivering this design and build project which will be a game changer for the Northern Isles.”