Northern Isles Ferry Services 4 (Preliminary Market Consultation)

Tender description

The NIFS network provides vital year-round transportation between mainland Scotland and the Orkney and Shetland Island. The services connect Aberdeen to Lerwick (Shetland), with some sailings stopping at Kirkwall (Orkney), and Scrabster to Stromness (Orkney). The service currently utilises 3 passenger and 2 freight vessels to operate to and from the 5 ports. Transport Scotland is currently exploring market options and gauging interest from companies who may be interested in bidding for the next iteration of the Northern Isles Ferry Services contract (NIFS4) following expiry of the existing contract on 30th June 2028. Responses will be used for information gathering purposes only at this stage, and to inform the procurement strategy for these services.