CMAL buys ferries as NorthLink contract extended

Three passenger ferries serving Scotland’s northern isles will be bought outright by Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL) under a loan deal agreed with the Scottish Government.

Minister for Transport and the Islands Humza Yousaf said Hamnavoe, Hrossey and Hjaltland, which have been leased from Royal Bank of Scotland, will be taken into CMAL ownership.

CMAL Chief Executive Kevin Hobbs said the vessels were built specifically for the Orkney and Shetland routes.

“Their position in Scottish waters is now secure, protecting lifeline ferry services for the islands,” Mr Hobbs said.

An extension to the Northern Isles Ferry Services contract until October 31, 2019 was also agreed to allow progress to be made with the review of procurement policy.

Serco NorthLink Ferries will continue to operate the services.