Scotland awards new ferry contract to Chinese yard

Controversy as Chinese state-owned firm wins £200m ferry deal as no UK yard bids

A Chinese government-owned shipyard is to benefit from a £200m contract to build two freight ferries sparking fresh controversy over why vital…

Scotland awards new ferry contract to Chinese yard

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has awarded a contract to build two new freight flex vessels for Scotland’s Northern Isles routes, with construction set to take place at Guangzhou Shipyard International in China. The vessels, which will replace MV Helliar and MV Hildasay on the Aberdeen to Kirkwall and Lerwick route, are intended to increase freight capacity, improve operating speeds and provide space for up to 200 passengers during pe…

New £200m Freight Vessels set to boost Northern Isles Links

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has signed a contract with Guangzhou Shipyard International Co., Limited (GSI) to build two new freight-flex vessels for the Northern Isles network, in a deal worth an estimated £200 million for both ships and associated project costs. The vessels will replace the MVs Helliar and Hildasay on the busy Aberdeen to Kirkwall/Lerwick route, a key freight and passenger lifeline for island communities. Designed…

CMAL give £200m Northern Isles freight-flex contract to GSI

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has awarded a £200 million contract to Guangzhou Shipyard International Co (GSI) to build two freight-flex vessels, writes Peter Brown. The vessels, expected to be delivered in 2029, will replace the MVs Helliar and Hildasay on the Aberdeen to Kirkwall/Lerwick route, offering greater freight capacity. Cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop said: “I am pleased that CMAL has signed the contract to bu…

China shipyard to build £200m freight ferries for Northern Isles

The vessels will replace the MVs Helliar and Hildasay on the Aberdeen to Kirkwall/Lerwick route