HROSSEY and its sister vessel HJALTLAND were delivered from Finland in 2002. © Frank Lose

First steps towards further three new NorthLink ferries expected soon

FerryThe process of replacing NorthLink’s three RoPax ferries could realistically take its first steps early next year. Chris Wilcock, Director of Ferries at Transport Scotland, made the statement following a meeting of Shetland Islands Council’s External Transport Forum, according to The Shetland Times.

The meeting heard that the design phase for NorthLink’s two new freight-oriented Freight-Flex RoPax ferries, scheduled for delivery from Guangzhou Shipyard International in China in 2028, is progressing entirely according to plan. According to Wilcock, this now provides an opportunity to turn attention to the three remaining ferries, which will reach their anticipated 30-year service lives in 2032.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), NorthLink’s tonnage provider, contracted the two 140-metre-long and 23.4-metre-wide Freight-Flex newbuildings in March this year. With capacity for 200 passengers and 1,400 lane metres, the two newbuildings will replace NorthLink’s existing freight ferries HELLIAR (1997) and HILDASAY (1999). Both are effectively pure RoRo vessels and consequently have capacity for only up to 12 passengers.

NorthLink’s current RoPax fleet comprises the sister ships HROSSEY and HJALTLAND, each with capacity for 600 passengers and 125 cars, as well as 118 passenger cabins. The fleet also includes the smaller HAMNAVOE, which likewise has capacity for 600 passengers but significantly less overnight accommodation. All three ferries were delivered by the then Aker Finnyards in Finland in 2002.

Read also: Contract signed for freight flex vessels

sep 10 2026