The preferred bidder has been named for a contract to build two new ferries to support the communities at Uig, Lochmaddy and Tarbert (Harris).
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) intends to award the contract to the Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Turkey, following a 10 day standstill period.
In October, the Scottish Government prioritised additional funding to enable CMAL to accelerate plans for replacement vessels.