The construction of new inter-islands ferries for Orkney has moved forward with initial designs backed for three new vessels. What will the new Orkney ferries look like? In comparison to the current ferries, the new vessels would have more seats, better freight capacity, would be faster and be able to carry more cars. Why new Orkney ferries are desperately neededAgreement for the initial designs has been described as a “historic moment” by council leader Heather Woodbridge. However, the full cost of the ferry replacement programme has been put at £800 million.