The outline designs for new ferries serving the Orkney islands of Westray, Eday, Stronsay and Sanday are now available to view and comment on in advance of upcoming public consultation events at the end of the month. (source: Orkney Government)
Phase 1 is for three large (60m) monohull ferries to serve the outer North Isles (Westray, Stronsay, Sanday and Eday) with existing infrastructure, noting that a dedicated smaller vessel is proposed for the islands of North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray.
The work on Phase 1 has seen the development of an outline design as well as extensive simulator testing of that design.
View the General arrangement plan by Knud E. Hansen
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.
More information on the Ferry Replacement Programme is available here: Ferry Replacement Programme – Update
