The Scottish government has shortlisted four overseas shipyards to compete for a $270 million contract to build two new RoRo/passenger ferries, as part of the fleet renewal for operator Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL). Announced on September 22, the contenders are Turkish companies Cemre and Tersan, China’s GSI, and Stena UK in partnership with CMJL (Weihai). The ferries, designed to serve the Aberdeen to Kirkwall/Lerwick route, will replace the aging Helliar and Hildasay vessels. Each new ferry will be 140 meters in length, capable of carrying up to 200 passengers during peak months, with a 1,400 lane meter freight capacity—40 percent more than the current vessels. The contract is expected to be awarded in February 2025, with the new ships entering service in 2029. The decision to shortlist only overseas yards has drawn scrutiny, but Transport Scotland confirmed that no British yards applied. The new vessels will be owned by CMAL and operated by Serco NorthLink.