Orkney Islands Council has opened a consultation into the designs for new ferries serving Westray, Eday, Stronsay and Sanday.
This is Phase 1 of the council plan to replace the Ferry Fleet run by Orkney Ferries. Phase 1 is for three large (60m) monohull ferries with existing infrastructure.
A smaller vessel is proposed for the islands of North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray.
The public is invited to Open Days which include presentations of the plans:
| Open Afternoon | Evening Presentation | |
| Westray School – Learning Centre/Community Room | Wednesday 24 September 2025 from 2pm to 5pm | Wednesday 24 September 2025 from 7pm to 9pm |
| Eday Heritage and Visitor Centre | Friday 26 September from 10am to 1pm | Thursday 25 September from 7pm to 9pm |
| Stronsay Community Centre | Friday 26 September from 4pm to 6pm | Friday 26 September from 7pm to 9pm |
| Community Wing – Sanday School | Saturday 27 September from 10:30am to 1:30pm | Saturday 27 September from 7pm to 9pm |
| Kirkwall Town Hall – Supper Room | Monday 29 September from 11am to 3pm |
Draft 1 of the outline vessel design is currently 60 metres in length, with seating for 190 passengers and carrying capacity of 34 cars or 10 HGVs, which is greater than the current carrying capacity of the largest of the three North Isles vessels, the MV Varagen (length: 50 metres,142 passengers in summer/91 in winter and car carrying capacity 26/28 vehicles or 120 tonnes of freight if no cars carried).
Key facilities and accessibility features include a lift from the car deck to the main deck, wheelchair seating points, changing places facility, recliner lounge, dining area, workstation with charge points, small quiet area, children’s play area, pet area and crewing accommodation.
The draft outline vessel design is equipped with a flexible energy platform that suits present demand as well as allowing updates throughout the lifetime of the ship to suit green transition.
You can download a copy of the Layout Plan of the Proposed Ferry Design Here:
The final outline vessel design will be considered by committee in early October 2025 with the procurement process expected to follow in December 2025.
Key Project Dates
- Pre Simulation Training for Crew – May 2025
- Simulation Testing (Carried out by Orkney Ferries Crew) – June 2025
- Change to Outline Design as appropriate following testing – July 2025
- Completion of remaining project tasks by consultants July – September
- Consultation with communities and elected members – September 2025
- Committee Report – October 2025
- Procurement Process – Design and Build (Award subject to funding) – December 2025
Phase 2 of the Ferry Replacement Programmes will see specifications developed for a large vessel for the South Isles, plus two smaller vessels for Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay and Graemsay and North Hoy.
Specifications for two medium sized vessels will also be provided for Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre and for Shapinsay, noting a need for increased capacity on those routes.
A significant programme of infrastructure works is required to accommodate new vessels, a tidal Ro-Ro service is proposed on Graemsay, Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay.
