Cromarty Firth Port Authority (CFPA) is seeking a contractor to build and deliver a new pilot vessel as part of a major project to upgrade its fleet of vessels.
The upgrade is part of an investment of more than £1 million, with the new vessel to patrol the waterway and provide assistance to visiting trade – which includes cruise ships, warships and oil rigs.
The contract for work is currently out for tender with interested parties encouraged to apply in advance of the May 8 deadline of 5pm.
The new vessel will be used by pilots employed by CFPA to ensure the safety of passage for vessels visiting the port.
Bob Buskie, chief executive of CFPA, said: “This second contract will represent a significant investment of over £1million in two new pilot boats during the past 12 months.
“This new boat will replace one of our older vessels that has served us extremely well.
“It will be state of the art and will provide us with more capacity at busy times.
“These boats will future proof the pilotage service at the port for years to come.”
Latest figures produced by CFPA estimate the port to be worth approximately £275 million to the Highland economy.
The new vessel will take up its place as part of the current fleet, which got a similar £600,000 pilot vessel last year.
The vessel, named Dalmore after an area on the banks of the Firth, was built by Safehaven Marine in County Cork, Ireland, replacing its predecessor which had patrolled the waterway for 45 years prior to its retirement.
An official dedication ceremony took place to christen the Dalmore.
The new vessel is expected to be similar to the Dalmore, which measures in at 48ft in length and has the capacity to travel at speeds of up to 25 knots – the equivalent of 29mph.