According to Transport Scotland, the pre-qualification of CMJL (China Merchants Jinling Shipyard) takes place in cooperation with Stena UK, but Transport Scotland does not provide further details about this cooperation. It is worth noting here that it is CMJL, Weihai, that is building Stena RoRo’s E-Flexer series, three 214.5-metres versions of which are currently operated by Stena Line on the UK market. Stena RoRo has launched a 140-metre version of the E-Flexer concept, which can be delivered in a more or less freight-oriented configuration.

Tender returns for the newbuilding project with an estimated cost of GBP 200 million are expected by late November 2025, with a view to awarding the contract in February 2026.

The Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: “The Scottish Government is committed to investing in our ferry fleet to better meet the needs of island communities, so I’m very pleased to see the second stage of procurement process for two new freight flex vessels get underway. “These new vessels will have increased freight capacity, higher operating speeds, and additional capacity for passengers in peak season. This will enhance the efficiency and reliability of ferry services to better support the needs of businesses and communities in the Northern Isles for years to come.”

Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive at CMAL, said: “These new vessels will bring a huge increase in capacity for freight and passengers. “The desire for an increased freight provision was regularly mentioned throughout our public engagement sessions, but so too was additional passenger accommodation to add resilience to the fleet. The freighter-flex design allows us to meet both needs: accommodating up to 200 passengers during peak months or alternatively reverting to freight mode to maximise commercial vehicle capacity.”

Stuart Garrett, Managing Director at Serco NorthLink, the current operator, said: "We are really pleased that the Freight Flex project has now moved to the ITT phase and look forward to continuing to work closely with all relevant parties, particularly with a view to ensuring key Contract award dates can be met."

Serco NorthLink currently operates the RoPax sister ferries HJALTLAND and HROSSEY on the Aberdeen–Kirkwall–Lerwick route. The two ferries, each of 11,720 GT, have capacity for 600 passengers, of which 354 have access to cabins. Their lanemetre capacity is 450. In addition, Serco NorthLink also operates the two RoRo vessels HILDASAY and HELLIAR on the route. It is these two vessels, built in 1999 and 1997 respectively, with a capacity of just over 1,000 lanemetres and a maximum of 12 passengers/drivers, that are to be replaced by the two newbuildings.

© Shippax