Orkney council awards contract for second phase of ferry replacement

The Orkney Islands Council has awarded a contract to the firm Arch Henderson, in partnership with Leadship Design and Consulting, for phase two of its ferry replacement programme.

Phase two of the program will see specifications developed for five new ferries: one large vessel for the South Isles, two smaller vessels for the Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay routes and the Graemsay and North Hoy routes, and two medium-sized vessels for the Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre, and Shapinsay routes.

As the ferry proposals require associated port upgrades, the contract also includes the design of harbour infrastructure works, such as new Ro-Ro ramps in North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray. Initial community consultation for this phase is expected to begin in August.

The council noted that work on phase one of the program continues. This involves the design of three large ferries for the outer north isles by the Danish consultancy Knud E Hansen, and simulation testing of their designs has been taking place recently in Germany.