Four companies bid to operate ferry services on island routes

The Ministry of Regional Development and Agriculture received four bids by the deadline for a public procurement of ferry services on mainland-Vormsi, mainland-Kihnu, mainland-Manilaid, and Saaremaa-Hiiumaa routes. Currently, AS Kihnu Veeteed operates these routes, with contracts expiring in autumn 2027. The state aims to find a single operator for all four routes.

The Ministry of Regional Development and Agriculture received four bids by the deadline for its international public procurement of ferry services. The tender covers four routes: mainland-Vormsi, mainland-Kihnu, mainland-Manilaid, and the connection between Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.

Current contracts expire in 2027

Currently, AS Kihnu Veeteed operates these routes. The existing contracts expire on 30 September 2027 for the Kihnu-Munalaiu and Manilaid-Munalaiu routes, 14 October 2027 for the Rohuküla-Sviby route, and 31 October 2027 for the Sõru-Triigi route.

With new contracts, the state seeks to ensure service: on the mainland-Kihnu route until 30 September 2032, on the mainland-Vormsi route until 14 October 2032, and on the Saaremaa-Hiiumaa route until 31 October 2032. The state's preference is to conclude a contract with a single operator covering all four routes.

New requirement: replacement vessel within 36 hours

Sigrid Soomlais, deputy secretary general for regional development at the Ministry of Regional Development and Agriculture, explained that the new contract will include a requirement that in case of the primary vessel's breakdown, the operator must provide a replacement vessel within 36 hours instead of the current 48 hours. "This significantly increases the reliability of ferry service on these routes," Soomlais said.

Additionally, the tender evaluates solutions that ensure the routes can operate in severe ice conditions. Bidders receive bonus points if the replacement vessel has an ice class equivalent to the primary vessel. Additional points are also awarded for a larger number of car spaces, a vessel operable in both directions, and provision of training opportunities.

"Therefore, the cost of a proposal is only one evaluation criterion, and we will conclude a contract with the company that makes the best overall bid," Soomlais emphasised.