Chinese shipyard ‘privileged’ to sign deal to build £200m freight ferries

THE CONTRACT to build two freight-flex vessels for the Northern Isles has now formally been awarded to a Chinese shipyard.

It had been reported earlier this month that Guangzhou Shipyard International Co., Limited (GSI) was the preferred bidder, with a 10-day standstill period in effect.

Transport Scotland has now announced that the shipyard has signed a contract to build the two ferries, at an estimated cost of around £200 million.

The vessels are expected to be delivered by 2029.

The freight-flex ferries, which will replace the Helliar and Hildasay on the Aberdeen to Kirkwall/Lerwick route, will have improved freight capacity, higher operating speeds and the ability for 200 passengers on each ship to travel in peak times and dry dock periods.

Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop said she was pleased that construction on the new ferries would start soon. “We heard clearly from islanders and stakeholders the need for improved freight and cabin capacity on these ferry services,” she said.

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“The freight-flex vessels will bring additional freight capacity, higher operating speeds and the flexibility to carry up to 200 passengers on each ship at peak times – enhancing the resilience and reliability of the Northern Isles ferry services for years to come.

“I want to thank all parties involved in reaching this key milestone, particularly CMAL and NorthLink, and look forward to following the progress of this important vessel replacement project.”

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) chief Kevin Hobbs said the ferries would “provide a vital boost to freight capacity and provide a more resilient service for passengers”.

“We look forward to working with Guangzhou Shipyard International as detailed design followed by construction is progressed,” he added.

GSI president William Zhou said they were “truly privileged” to be carrying out this “prestigious project”.

“We fully recognise the strategic importance of these new freight flex vessels in delivering reliable, efficient, and sustainable ferry services to Scotland’s island communities,” he said.

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“Leveraging our extensive experience, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of design, engineering, and delivery – providing vessels that are not only reliable and efficient but also environmentally responsible, and built to the highest quality standards.

“We look forward to contributing to Scotland’s maritime infrastructure and supporting the continued prosperity of its communities through world-class, sustainable transport solutions.”

There was concern from Labour election candidate John Erskine about the decision last week, with Erskine saying that Chinese shipyards should not have been in the running for the contract.

However SNP candidate Hannah Mary Goodlad responded by saying that Shetlanders “don’t need lectures from mainland-based Labour candidates – we need ferries”.