A CONTRACT could be awarded next year for the build of a new vessel for Shetland Islands Council’s ferry fleet. An outline business case for the project is set to go in front of the SIC’s policy and resources committee next week. It has been more than 20 years since a new SIC ferry was launched – the Yell ferry Dagalien, which was introduced in 2004. Figures showed that in April there were 18.6 FTE agency staff working on sea-based ferry services, but in June that was 8.9 FTE. Infrastructure director John Smith said work the SIC has undertaken with crews on working arrangements has been “positive”.