First stage of “freight flex” vessels funding announced
Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart has welcomed the Scottish Government’s response today to her written question, lodged on 16th May 2025, in which she asked the Scottish Government to outline when a decision will be made on funding for the two proposed new "Freight Flex" vessels.
The Scottish Government’s response highlights that the funding for a ‘potential contract start’ has been identified within the 2025-26 budget with an anticipated contract signing after a two stage competitive procurement in early 2026.
The Scottish Government’s preferred option is for the construction of two vessels with greater freight capacity, operating speed and space to carry up to 200 passengers.
Speaking after the announcement Ms Wishart said:
“This news is welcome as are the plans for greater capacity on the route for both passengers and freight.
“We are, however, still in the foothills of the process and will continue to face constrained capacity for several years ahead.
“The Scottish Government should have made these plans earlier to ensure a smooth transition and increase in the capacity on the Northern Isles route to meet growing demand.
“What the space for 200 passengers looks like on the new vessels remains to be seen but if it’s 200 pods for an overnight crossing then I expect there will be uproar.”
Ms Wishart’s question can be found here and please find the text of the question below.
Question reference: S6W-37676
Asked by: Beatrice Wishart, MSP for Shetland Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 16 May 2025
Current status: Answer expected on 30 May 2025
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to the Northern Isles Ferry Service between Aberdeen-Kirkwall-Lerwick, when a decision will be made on funding for the two proposed new "Freight Flex" vessels.
The text of the Cabinet Secretary for Transport’s response can be found below:
Fiona Hyslop: Funding has been identified in the 2025-26 budget for a potential contract start on NIFS Freighter replacements. The outline business case work has identified a Freight Flex option as the preferred concept for the two replacement vessels, with higher freight capacity, higher operating speed, and ability to carry up to 200 passengers. CMAL will be progressing a two stage competitive procurement starting soon with a view to signing contracts in early 2026, subject to relevant processes and approval of the final business case.
The delivery of two new vessels for the NIFS routes from Aberdeen to Orkney and Shetland will support the communities and businesses using this service for years to come, providing additional capacity, particularly during the peak summer and livestock movements periods.