zoomImage Courtesy: NorthLink Ferries

Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) has reached an agreement to purchase three passenger ferries serving the Northern Isles.

The company informed that the units will be bought outright by CMAL with loan funding from the Scottish Government.

The vessels in question are the MV Hamnavoe, MV Hrossey and MV Hjaltland, which have previously been leased from Royal Bank of Scotland.

“This agreement to buy the three passenger vessels serving the Northern Isles is an excellent piece of business for the Scottish Government,” Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands, said.

Additionally, the company secured an 18-month extension to the current Northern Isles Ferry Services contract “to allow further progress to be made with the ongoing review of procurement policy” for future ferry operating contracts.

CMAL informed that Serco NorthLink Ferries will continue to operate the services until October 31, 2019 under the extended contract.

“The purchase of the three vessels marks a significant investment in Scotland’s maritime transport infrastructure and strengthens the long-term resilience of services,” Kevin Hobbs, CMAL chief executive, said.

“These vessels were built specifically for the Orkney and Shetland routes and their position in Scottish waters is now secure, protecting lifeline ferry services for the islands.”