This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

05 Jun 2026 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

Transport Scotland has initiated a procurement process for the Northern Isles Ferry Services 4 (NIFS4), a significant project valued between GBP 791 million and GBP 896 million. This tender, under a restricted procedure, is currently in the tender stage and aims to secure a provider for essential ferry services connecting mainland Scotland with the Orkney and Shetland Islands. The contract, anticipated to commence on 30 June 2028 and potentially extend to 2038, covers services to and from Aberdeen, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Scrabster, and Stromness with significant investments planned for fleet renewal. The deadline for electronic submissions is 10 August 2026.

The NIFS4 project presents considerable opportunities for businesses, especially those involved in maritime logistics, passenger transport services, and fleet management. Companies with the capability to deliver high-quality transport solutions and innovate in fleet management are well-suited for this contract. The focus on fleet renewal and service improvement highlights additional avenues for growth for suppliers, including sustainable technical approaches as detailed in the ITT. Additionally, the estimated contract value and long-duration signify substantial business potential and the opportunity to be part of a critical transportation network for the Northern Isles.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Northern Isles Ferry Services 4 (NIFS4)

Notice Description

Provision of public services in relation to the Northern Isles Ferry Services to/or from harbours located at Aberdeen, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Scrabster and Stromness. The Ferry Services are currently delivered using 5 vessels (3 RoPax passenger vessels, plus 2 RoRo freighters). The estimated value for these services is currently in the range of GBP 791 million to GBP 896 million, with the forecast based on a maximum ten year contract period (to 2038). Further information is provided within the pre-tender information document attached to the contract notice. Further information on Transport Scotland can be accessed through the Transport Scotland website at: www.transport.gov.scot

Lot Information

Lot 1

Transport Scotland, on behalf of Scottish Ministers intend to procure a new contract for the provision of Ferry Services in relation to the operation of passenger, vehicle, and freight services in the Northern Isles. This contract will replace the existing public services contract which expires on 30 June 2028 at 1400hrs. The duration of the contract will be a maximum of 10 years (8 years + 2 years). The principal public services, supported by subsidy, are the Northern Isles Ferry Services (NIFS4) for foot passengers, vehicles and Freight. The NIFS network provides vital year-round transportation between mainland Scotland and the Orkney and Shetland Islands. The services connect Aberdeen to Lerwick (Shetland) with some sailings stopping at Kirkwall (Orkney), and Scrabster to Stromness (Orkney). Vessels are provided via a bareboat charter agreement from Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL). The estimated value for the delivery of these services is currently in the range of GBP 791 million to GBP 896 million with the forecast based on the above-noted maximum contract period (to 2038). In relation to fleet renewal, two new Freight Flex vessels are scheduled for introduction in the early years of the contract, in addition to plans for the replacement of the three RoPax vessels at a later date. In comparison with the existing contract, the proposed contract duration and fleet renewal plans under the NIFS4 contract are anticipated to lead to an increase in the overall net operating costs. The projected costs will remain subject to ongoing review as project costs, timelines and financial arrangements are refined. The current estimate is derived from assumptions on a number of variables including, but not limited to, fuel prices, fares policy, the deployment schedule for new vessels throughout the contract duration, and the continuation of existing funding mechanisms associated with provision of those vessels. Please note that any future changes to fares policy, vessel deployment plans, or funding arrangements will influence the final value of the NIFS4 contract.

Renewal: The initial contract duration is for 8 years with a possible extension of additional 2 years.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000833316
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUN557359
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Restricted procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

60 - Transport services (excl. Waste transport)


CPV Codes

60610000 - Ferry transport services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Jun 20263 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
10 Aug 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Jun 2028 - 30 Jun 2038 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
TRANSPORT SCOTLAND
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
GLASGOW
Postcode
G2 7ER
Post Town
Glasgow
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM3 West Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM32 Glasgow City
Delivery Location
TLM Scotland

Local Authority
Glasgow City
Electoral Ward
Anderston/City/Yorkhill
Westminster Constituency
Glasgow North

Further Information

Notice Documents

  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=JUN557359
    Northern Isles Ferry Services 4 (NIFS4) - Provision of public services in relation to the Northern Isles Ferry Services to/or from harbours located at Aberdeen, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Scrabster and Stromness. The Ferry Services are currently delivered using 5 vessels (3 RoPax passenger vessels, plus 2 RoRo freighters). The estimated value for these services is currently in the range of GBP 791 million to GBP 896 million, with the forecast based on a maximum ten year contract period (to 2038). Further information is provided within the pre-tender information document attached to the contract notice. Further information on Transport Scotland can be accessed through the Transport Scotland website at: www.transport.gov.scot

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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