The decision follows a meticulous examination of the design and build options put forward. As part of the process all companies were visited and their product and manufacturing facilities were examined.

Stewart Craigie, Project Engineer, told Maritime Journal : 'After reviewing the submissions from each contractor and clarifying technical and production issues I expect the final product to perform well in the Orkney environment.

Should the preferred contractor accept the award we will have an installation as good as any I have viewed during the project research procedure. Through consultation with Orkney Marinas Ltd we have also increased the number of available berths by almost 30 per cent at both locations, offering 95 berths in Kirkwall and 64 in Stromness, with no increase in the project budget.'

The marinas are now expected to be handed over to Orkney Marinas Ltd towards the middle of October.