Island ferry vessel build contract awarded to Yorkshire firm
Work is currently ongoing to finalise the vessel design and specification, before fabrication of the new vessel gets underway at Parkol's boatyard in Whitby, Yorkshire.
The expected handover date for the vessel is October 2026.
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The requirement is to construct a new larger, faster monohull vessel built to modern standards, to replace the current ferry 'Good Shepherd IV' which was built in 1986 in Fife.
This new vessel will be able to carry 12 passengers, and will have increased lift-on lift-off ('Lo-Lo') capacity for freight operations. The vessel will be roll-on roll-off ('Ro-Ro') capable and be built with a strengthened hull for regular linkspan, quay and slipway operations.
In addition to this vessel-build contract, harbour infrastructure works are also now underway at Grutness and in Fair Isle.
The anticipated total cost of the project to replace the Fair Isle ferry is £45.4 million, with Shetland Islands Council providing £18.6 million of funding and the UK Government providing a grant of £26.8 million through the Levelling Up Fund.
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