Next Northern Isles operator will also have access to a third newbuild RoPax

FerryTransport Scotland has announced the public tender for the routes between the Scottish mainland (Aberdeen) and the Orkney and Shetland Islands (Northern Isles Ferry Services – NIFS4). The new contract, valued at GBP 850 million, will run for 10 years and, following a pre-qualification process, will be awarded to the new operator on 30 June 2028.

It has already been confirmed that, from the beginning of 2029, the new operator will be required to operate the two new “freight-flex” RoPax ferries between Aberdeen and Kirkwall/Lerwick that Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) ordered from Guangzhou Shipyard International Co., Ltd (GSI) in March this year. Transport Scotland also expects that a third newbuilt, more conventional RoPax will be made available to the new operator during the contract period, according to the announcement issued by Transport Scotland.

jun 09 2026