Outline design for new ferries to Orkney's northern islands

FerryOrkney Islands Council has revealed the outline design for three new ferries to serve the outer North Isles (Westray, Stronsay, Sanday, and Eday) using existing infrastructure, while a dedicated smaller vessel is proposed for the islands of North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray. The proposed monohull conventional ro-pax ferry design has a passenger capacity of 190, a crew of 10, and a car deck capacity for 34 cars.

The 60-metre by 14.5-metre single-ended ferries will have diesel-electric/battery-hybrid machinery comprising five gensets and two Voith Schneider propellers for propulsion. The Danish ship design firm Knud E. Hansen has developed the concept and basic design for the three North Isles ferries.

Phase 2 of the Ferry Replacement Programme will see specifications developed for a large vessel for the South Isles, plus two smaller vessels for Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay, and for Graemsay and North Hoy. Specifications for two medium-sized vessels will also be provided for Rousay, Egilsay, and Wyre, and for Shapinsay, noting the need for increased capacity on those routes.

In November 2023, the Scottish Government made funding available to Orkney Islands Council to develop an agreed business case for ferry replacement, providing the resources required to scope out options and to carry out physical investigative works around Orkney’s pier and harbour infrastructure.

Orkney Ferries, owned by Orkney Islands Council, presently operates three conventional ro-pax ferries with enclosed passenger accommodation on the North Isles routes: EARL SIGURD (built 1989, 771gt), EARL THORFINN (built 1989, 711gt), and VARAGEN (built 1988, 928gt).