Northern Isles Ferry Services 4 (NIFS4)

What this is

Transport Scotland, on behalf of Scottish Ministers, is issuing a Prior Information Notice for the Northern Isles Ferry Services 4 (NIFS4) contract, which will replace the existing NIFS3 contract expiring 30 June 2028. The service provides year-round passenger, vehicle, and freight ferry connections between mainland Scotland and the Orkney and Shetland Islands (Aberdeen to Lerwick/Kirkwall, and Scrabster to Stromness), operating a fleet of 5 vessels (3 Ro-Pax and 2 RoRo freighters). The maximum contract duration is 10 years (8+2 years) and the indicative outturn cost of the current NIFS3 contract was ~£370 million over 8 years. The Contract Notice is expected around 30 June 2028, using restricted procedure.

Key points

• Major 10-year ferry service contract (NIFS4) connecting mainland Scotland with Orkney and Shetland via Aberdeen, Lerwick, Kirkwall, Scrabster, Stromness
• Restricted procedure; Contract Notice expected ~June 2028; indicative value ~£370M+ over contract term
• New fleet vessels (2 Freight Flex + 3 RoPax) will be introduced during the contract period

Who can bid

This is an early-notice PIN for a major contract starting June 2028. Suppliers must demonstrate capability to operate Northern Isles ferry services using vessels on bareboat charter from CMAL. The contract will include introduction of two new Freight Flex vessels and three new RoPax vessels during the contract term. Full eligibility in the forthcoming Contract Notice and SPD.

How it is scored

Restricted procedure. Pre-qualification selection stage followed by ITT. Evaluation criteria not specified at PIN stage. Contract Notice and SPD with estimated value range expected ~June 2028.

Money

Indicative outturn cost of current NIFS3 contract (8 years): ~£370 million. NIFS4 estimated value range to be provided in the Contract Notice; forecast costs are subject to fuel prices, fares policy, vessel deployment, and funding arrangements.

How to submit

Register interest via Public Contracts Scotland. This is an early-notice PIN — the formal Contract Notice is not expected until approximately 30 June 2028. Monitor the PCS portal and www.transportscotland.gov.uk for updates.

Clarifications

Contact Tanya Kizeikova at tanya.kizeikova@transport.gov.scot or +44 1412727100 for enquiries. Further pre-tender information will be provided with the Contract Notice.

Contract period

Maximum contract duration: 10 years (8 years + 2-year extension). Forecast to run to 2038, replacing NIFS3 which expires 30 June 2028. New vessels will be introduced during the contract period.

Classification

CPV 60610000 — Ferry transport services ScotlandAberdeen & North-EastHighlands and Islands