Transport Scotland Invites Bids for Short-Sea Ferries Transport Scotland has invited bids from a shortlist of four shipyards for the construction of two 140-metre ro-ro freight ferries to serve the overnight Aberdeen-Kirkwall-Lerwick route. The invitation to tender was issued on 23 Oct 2025, with submissions due by early December and a contract award planned for February 2026.
Each vessel will be designed to withstand one of the most storm-prone and roughest crossings in the British Isles, providing a vital lifeline between the Northern Isles and the Scottish mainland. The newbuilds are intended to enhance freight capacity and reliability on the route. Transport Scotland will evaluate bids on technical design, environmental compliance and cost before awarding the contract in early 2026.

Source: https://www.motorship.com/vessels-and-shipyards/robust-ro-ro-for-northern-lifeline/1505638.article