The lead bidder for a contract to build two new low-emission freight flex vessels to serve the Aberdeen to Kirkwall/Lerwick ferry route has been identified, with Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) declaring its intention to award the contract to Guangzhou Shipyard (GSI) in China.
The 140m long ferries will replace the Helliar and Hildasay on the service operated by Serco NorthLink Ferries (SNF). They will provide extra freight capacity and capability for quicker crossings on the routes, and will have the flexibility to allow space for up to 200 passengers to travel at peak periods.
Following an initial exercise to identify suitably qualified and experienced shipyards, four were invited to tender for the contract.
Kevin Hobbs, CMAL CEO, said: “GSI’s bid demonstrated a commitment to innovation and efficiency, and we are confident they will deliver a reliable, robust pair of vessels to support the Northern Isles ferry service for years to come. This commitment is underpinned by strong workforce policies and internationally recognised environmental and safety management standards.”
SNF MD Stuart Garrett added: “We are delighted that the Freight Flex contract has reached this key milestone with lead bidder selection. We look forward to working together with all parties as we move to the next stage in delivering this design and build project which will be a game changer for the Northern Isles.”
CMAL and SNF’s joint aim is for vessels with low emissions; however, the choice of fuel for this vessel type and size was not said to be an easy decision due to the operational profile of the vessels and the distances the vessels cover in a single sailing. The final proposal is for two methanol-ready main engines, which can also operate on MGO or bio-diesel, each driving a CP propeller, and two bio-diesel fuelled auxiliary generators. The intention is to use green methanol should this become available in Northern Scotland. The vessels will be equipped with about 4500 kWh of battery capacity for peak shaving and zero-emission manoeuvring within port.
Image: Rendering of the Northern Isles Freighter Flex vessel (credit: naValue/LMG Marin/Guangzhou Shipyard/CMAL)
