Serco awarded Northern Isles ferry contract
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NORTHLINK Ferries have lost the contract to operate ferry routes between Caithness and the Northern Isles after the Scottish Government awarded the route to Serco Ltd.
The preferred bidder for the Northern Isles Ferry Services contract has been selected by Transport Minister Keith Brown who announced the news this afternoon.
The total value of the new contract is estimated to be worth £243 million over six years, which is due to commence this Summer.
The new contract will include maintaining 90 minute services from Scrabster to Stromness, ensuring no repetition of dry dock problems of the previous contract, services are available for time sensitive freight and improving passenger experience.
Speaking after his announcement, Mr Brown said: "The Scottish Government was committed to providing the very best ferry services to Orkney and Shetland to meet the needs of residents, business and visitors alike. "Building on the work by Northlink over the last six years, today we are taking the Northern Isles ferry services forward.
"Serco Ltd has prepared a thorough start-up plan setting out what is required to be done to ensure a seamless and managed handover from the current operator, including transfer arrangements for staff under TUPE regulations, in time for the start of the new service.
"Beyond this new contract, there is more we want to do for communities in the Northern Isles.
"I look forward to the beginning of the new contract this summer which will ensure that people travelling to and from Orkney and Shetland will continue to have access to safe, reliable and affordable ferry services in the future."
