NorthLink confirms intention to bid for ‘de-bundled’ ferry routes

In the wake of reports that the lifeline ferry services to Orkney and Shetland are to be put to tender separately, NorthLink has confirmed it will bid for both the Aberdeen and Pentland Firth routes.

In a statement issued today, a NorthLink spokesman said:  “The company has already indicated that it will be part of the re-bidding process. We had noted in the latest information issued for the benefit of prospective bidders that the new contract would be divided into lots and had already been making plans on the assumption that this was likely to mean that the current contract was likely to be ‘de-bundled’ and that not every aspect of the current contract would be carried forward into the new one.

“The statement by Transport Scotland that Scottish Ministers intend to offer two separate contracts – it would appear for the services operating out of Aberdeen to Kirkwall and Lerwick and that for the Pentland Firth route no way diminishes our intention to submit a tender proposal.”

He added: “The company will submit a formal bid or bids once there is further clarity on bidding requirements and is determined to continue to improve on the levels of service which it provides.”