International law firm Addleshaw Goddard has advised Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited on the award of the contract for two new Northern Isles freight flex ferries to a Chinese shipyard.
The 140m long freight flex ferries, which will run on the service operated by Serco NorthLink Ferries, will be built by Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI). They will provide extra freight capacity and capability for quicker crossings on the routes and will have the flexibility to allow space for up to 200 passengers to travel at peak periods.
Four shipyards were involved in the final round of bidding for this contract, with GSI identified as the winning yard by a panel of third-party specialists and CMAL experts.
The Addleshaw Goddard team advising CMAL on the transaction was led by Ed Watt, Partner and Head of Shipping, supported by Chloe Oakshett and Iona Garland.
Ed Watt said: “The signing of contracts for these two new freight-flex contracts for Northlink is another fabulous landmark for Scotland's ferries and great testament to CMAL’s efforts towards the fleet renewal imperative.
“As so often, time constrained by hard deadlines, the CMAL team have worked tirelessly to agree the detailed specification of these large, sophisticated and cutting-edge freighters with the builder and design teams involved at GSI in recent weeks, the culmination of years in development.”
Addleshaw Goddard’s Shipping team is top ranked in Scotland by the legal directories, and is highly regarded for its work for funders, ship owners and operators.
Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL said: “GSI’s bid demonstrated a commitment to innovation and efficiency, and we are confident they will deliver a reliable, robust pair of vessels to support the Northern Isles Ferry Service for years to come. This commitment is underpinned by strong workforce policies and internationally recognised environmental and safety management standards.”