The 140m long freight flex ferries will replace the HELLIAR and HILDASAY on the service operated by Serco NorthLink Ferries. They will provide extra freight capacity and capability for quicker crossings on the routes, and will have the flexibility to allow space for up to 200 passengers to travel at peak periods.
Following an initial exercise to identify suitably qualified and experienced shipyards, four were invited to tender for the contract. 

Bids were robustly assessed against technical and financial criteria, with a 70% / 30% weighting, respectively. The panel scoring the bids consisted of third-party specialists and experts from CMAL.

When scores across criteria were combined, GSI’s bid achieved the highest score and was identified as the winning yard.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said: “I welcome this important milestone being reached in the procurement to build and deliver two freight flex vessels to serve the Northern Isles network.

“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. 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.”

Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL said: “GSI’s bid demonstrated a commitment to innovation and efficiency, and we are confident they will deliver a reliable, robust pair of vessels to support the Northern Isles Ferry Service for years to come. This commitment is underpinned by strong workforce policies and internationally recognised environmental and safety management standards.

“We will now enter a 10-day standstill period before finalising the contract on the 24^th March.”

Stuart Garrett, Managing Director at Serco NorthLink Ferries, said: “We are delighted that the Freight Flex contract has reached this key milestone with lead bidder selection. 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.”

© Shippax