Skip to main content
Start of main content

2018 Northern Isles Ferry Services Options Appraisal

Informing the future contract specification of lifeline ferry services between the Scottish mainland and Orkney and Shetland

  • Orkney and Shetland Islands, United Kingdom

    Orkney and Shetland Islands, United Kingdom

Specifying the next half decade of ferry services

The Scottish Government provides lifeline NorthLink ferry services to Orkney and Shetland from the Scottish mainland through an operating contract which is tendered every five to seven years. In order to inform the tender specification issued in 2018, we were appointed by Transport Scotland to undertake a wide-ranging options appraisal.

The tender specification sets out the services to be provided including ports and routes, timetables, vessels, fares, and booking arrangements. We undertook passenger and stakeholder engagement to collate views on the service including those of key freight sectors such a seafood. This was informed by on-board surveys, web-based island resident surveys, and public exhibitions. The vehicle deck and passenger accommodation (as many services operates overnight) are often capacity constrained, and this was analysed and presented as part of this study with a view to considering options to increase capacity.

We undertook analysis of different timetable options and set out the issues and difficulties surrounding making more intensive use of the current vessels. Transport Scotland used the findings of the options appraisal directly in the tender specification.  

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • Transport Scotland
Meet Our Team

Scott Leitham, Director, Transport Planning

We’re helping clients plan a sustainable future for their communities in this rapidly evolving transport policy environment.
Scott Leitham Director, Transport Planning Read More

Scott Leitham

Director, Transport Planning

We're better together

  • Become a client

    Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.

    Contact Us
  • Design your career

    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.

    Join the Team
End of main content
To top