The second phase of the ferry replacement programme will see specifications developed for a large vessel for the South Isles, plus two smaller vessels for Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay and Graemsay and North Hoy.

Specifications for two medium sized vessels will also be provided for Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre and for Shapinsay, noting a need for increased capacity on those routes.

As the proposal for these ferries requires harbour infrastructure works – such as the provision of tidal based Ro-Ro hard ramps with no linkspan in North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray – the contract also includes the design of associated harbour works including hydrographic surveys, hydraulic investigations, and engineering designs.

The contract also covers the completion of the draft final business case, with ground investigation works and final designs to be carried out thereafter.

Ferry visits have taken place in Orkney already this week, allowing those working on the contract to gather data and information on the current operability of the service and the environmental and technical challenges that exist.

Initial cis expected to commence in August continuing year, following consideration of existing infrastructure, vessels and future requirements.

A six-week period of consultation on draft outline designs is then expected later in 2026 following a programme of works.

Works on phase 2 of the Orkney Harbours masterplan have also been included in the tender.

This work will see the development of Orkney Harbour Authority’s strategic planning for the medium to long term and set a framework for the future growth and development of the harbour business, aligning this with the work that is taking place on the ferry replacement programme.