Scottish-based maritime engineering consultancy, Arch Henderson, a company of international firm Haskoning, has been appointed to deliver Phase 2 of Orkney Island Council’s comprehensive Ferry Replacement Programme and Harbours Masterplan. The £1.3m consultancy project will deliver outline designs for both vessels and supporting infrastructure for Orkney’s inter-island transport network – excluding the larger Outer North Isles.
The Ferry Replacement Programme is a critical initiative to modernise Orkney’s ageing fleet, which provides a vital connection between the islands. For communities – some with fewer than 100 residents - these ferries are lifelines, providing access to goods, services, healthcare, education, and employment.
Phase 2 of the programme will see Arch Henderson and their partners, Leadship Design and Consulting, develop outline vessel designs and associated shore side infrastructure for Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay, Graemsay and Hoy, Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre, Shapinsay, Flotta and Hoy networks. This stage will also lay the foundation for future decarbonisation of the fleet, including the use of shore power and hybrid vessels. Phase 1, which is currently underway and led by Knud E Hansen, focuses on vessels serving the Outer North Isles, with initial work completed by Leadship Design and Consulting.
Future-proofing Orkney’s infrastructure
Alongside the ferry replacement, Arch Henderson will lead Phase 2 of the Orkney Harbours Masterplan, following their successful delivery of Phase 1, which involved assessing harbour infrastructure across the islands, focusing on supporting key sectors such as the offshore wind industry.
Phase 2 will align harbour and pier upgrades with the new ferry designs to ensure a cohesive and future-ready transport system. Arch Henderson will explore the use of photogrammetry for infrastructure assessments above and below water – which will provide efficiencies in time and cost, as well as reducing health and safety risks related to diving operations. Additionally, Orkney Islands Council will have a digital record ready for future assessments or works.
“We’re pleased to have appointed Arch Henderson for the important second phase of our ferry replacement and harbours masterplan.” said James Buck, Head of Service at Orkney Islands Council. “We have a strong working relationship with their team, having already put in motion some of the recommendations from their Phase 1 review of our harbour infrastructure.
“As a Council we recognise how vital our ferry services are to the lives of our residents. That’s why community engagement remains at the heart of our programme. We’ve also taken an integrated approach of reviewing vessel designs and harbour infrastructure in tandem - ensuring we minimise disruption for residents while delivering long-term value from our investments.”
Speaking about their appointment, Thomas Young, Associate Director at Haskoning’s Arch Henderson, said: “We’re proud to be appointed by Orkney Islands Council to lead this transformative project, which will have a real and lasting impact on the entire community. One of Arch Henderson’s greatest strengths is our strong local presence - our team includes several Orkney residents who live and work in the area. Their deep-rooted understanding of the islands, combined with active engagement with local communities and stakeholders, will be key to shaping a masterplan that truly reflects the needs of the people of Orkney.”
The project marks Arch Henderson’s first major commission since joining Haskoning. Their deep local knowledge is bolstered by Haskoning’s global capabilities in master planning and environmental consultancy.
Following a period of consultation, outline designs for both vessels and pier/harbour upgrades are expected by Autumn 2026, followed by pier ground investigation works and final design development.
Image copyright Robbie Thomson