Serco win Northern Isles ferry contract

Transport Minister Keith Brown has named Serco Ltd as the preferred bidder for the Northern Isles ferry services contract.

According to Transport Scotland, subject to the satisfactory conclusion of contract arrangements Serco Ltd has “won the contract to deliver the new contract, which will commence this summer”.

Mr Brown said: “Building on the work by NorthLink over the last six years, today we are taking the Northern Isles ferry services forward.  Following a full public consultation exercise, and a period of open and transparent competition, Serco Ltd has won the contract to  deliver ferry services to the Northern Isles from summer this year until 2018.”

According to Serco, staff employed by the current operator, NorthLink, are expected to transfer to the new service under TUPE regulations. Serco will also work closely with local businesses and maximise the use of local suppliers.