Northern Isles Ferry Services

Descriptions

Scottish Ministers have executed a new contract for the provision of the Ferry Services in relation to the operation of passenger, vehicle and freight services in the Northern Isles. This will replace the existing public services contract which was extended to 30 June 2020. The Contract will require a mobilisation period prior to operation of replacement services in 30 June 2020 . The duration of the Contract will be for a maximum of 8 years (6 years + 2 years). The Principal Service is a subsidy for the Northern Isles Ferry Services for foot passengers, freight and vehicles. The services will comprise of five vessels (3 RoPax passenger vessels and 2 RoRo freighters) to deliver the Ferry Services. The 5 existing vessels are available on equal commercial terms to participants under a Bareboat Charterparty arrangement. The Scottish Ministers may seek to introduce additional tonnage on the routes and/or additional routes within the geographic area of the Northern Isles, during the period of Contract, to provide additional capacity dependent on future service demand.