Orkney Islands Council has awarded a significant contract to Arch Henderson, in collaboration with Leadship Design and Consulting, for Phase 2 of its comprehensive Ferry Replacement Programme and Orkney Harbours Masterplan. This crucial step advances the Council's strategic efforts to modernise its maritime transport links and port facilities.

Phase 2 of the Ferry Replacement Programme focuses on developing detailed specifications for several new vessels. This includes a large vessel destined for the South Isles, alongside two smaller vessels to serve the routes for Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay, as well as Graemsay and North Hoy. Additionally, specifications for two medium-sized ferries will be prepared for the Rousay, Egilsay, Wyre, and Shapinsay routes, addressing a recognised need for increased capacity on these vital crossings.

Given that these proposed ferry designs necessitate substantial harbour infrastructure works, the contract also encompasses the design of associated improvements. This will involve hydrographic surveys, hydraulic investigations, and detailed engineering designs for facilities such as tidal-based Ro-Ro hard ramps without linkspans in North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray. The scope of work also includes the completion of the draft Final Business Case, with subsequent ground investigation works and final designs to follow.

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Initial site visits in Orkney have already taken place this week, enabling the contracted teams to gather essential data on the current operational aspects of the ferry service and to assess existing environmental and technical challenges. Comprehensive design work is anticipated to begin in August, continuing through the year, following a thorough consideration of current infrastructure, existing vessels, and future requirements. A six-week public consultation on draft outline designs is then expected later in 2026, after a detailed programme of works has been established.

• Masterplan Alignment and Phase 1 Progress

Works for Phase 2 of the Orkney Harbours Masterplan are also incorporated into this newly awarded tender. This element will see the strategic planning for Orkney Harbour Authority's medium to long-term future, creating a framework for the future growth and development of the harbour business, closely aligning it with the ongoing Ferry Replacement Programme.

Meanwhile, work on Phase 1 of the Ferry Replacement Programme, which focuses on the design of ferries for Orkney’s largest North Isles, continues to progress. Community consultation events for this phase are scheduled for Autumn 2025, ahead of a report to the Council in October.

In June 2024, the Council had approved a programme of works to develop a Final Business Case for the entire Ferry Replacement Programme, dividing the initiative into two distinct phases. Phase 1 specifically addresses the need for three large (up to 60m) monohull ferries to serve the outer North Isles (Westray, Stronsay, Sanday, and Eday) utilising existing infrastructure. A contract for this initial phase was previously awarded to Danish consultancy Knud E Hansen, whose design simulation testing has recently concluded in Germany. A dedicated task force group, including transport representatives from the North Isles, has been formed to review the draft specifications and simulation outcomes before they are presented for wider consultation.