Chinese shipyard named 'lead bidder' to build Orkney and Shetland freight ferries for NorthLink
Guangzhou Shipyard International chosen ahead of other Chinese and Turkish yards
A Chinese shipyard has been named as the lead bidder to build two freight vessels for Orkney and Shetland in what’s believed to be the country’s first ferry contract in Scotland.
Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) was among two Chinese yards and two in Turkey to be shortlisted for the NorthLink order for the Aberdeen-Kirkwall-Lerwick route.
Scottish Government ferry-buying firm Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (Cmal) said the 140m-long “freight flex” ferries would replace Helliar and Hildasay, providing extra capacity and and faster crossings on the routes.
It said they would also have the flexibility to carry up to 200 passengers at peak periods.
Cmal said the bids were assessed 70 per cent on technical criteria and 30 per cent on cost.
Transport Secretary 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.
“This will enhance the efficiency and reliability of ferry services to better support the priorities of Northern Isles communities and businesses.
“These replacement vessels will help address demand for car deck and cabin capacity on these routes.”
Cmal chief executive Kevin Hobb 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 ten-day standstill period before finalising the contract on March 24.”
Mr Hobbs said it did not expect the planned deal to cause any security concerns.
He said: “We do not believe so. We have done our due diligence and we’re satisfied.”
Stuart Garrett, managing director at Serco NorthLink Ferries, said: “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.”
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