Cemre and Tersan in Turkey, GSI in China, Stena UK alongside reliance partner CMJL, Weihai, China, have all been selected to progress to the first stage of the process. Once built, the two new freight vessels will serve the Aberdeen to Kirkwall/Lerwick route and will cost an estimated £200 million, including the project costs and shore power upgrades. “These new vessels will have increased freight capacity, higher operating speeds, and additional capacity for passengers in peak season. He said: “These new vessels will bring a huge increase in capacity for freight and passengers. “The freighter-flex design allows us to meet both needs: accommodating up to 200 passengers during peak months or alternatively reverting to freight mode to maximise commercial vehicle capacity.