Hrossey crippled by oil boat

FERRY travellers to and from the northern isles will experience further disruptions after the NorthLink’s passenger ship was taken out of service for urgent repairs.
 
The vessel was struck by a passing oil industry supply vessel while berthed at Jamieson’s Quay, in Aberdeen harbour, on Thursday evening and will be out of action at least until Sunday.
 
A company spokesman said the ferry had sustained two deep gouge marks on the port side above the water line, partially penetrating the steel plate, and a temporary repair was not possible.
 
“Hrossey will be out of service until the damaged section has been replaced in a permanent repair,” he said.
 
“Accordingly, tonight’s (Friday) northbound sailing and tomorrow night’s (Saturday) southbound sailing from Lerwick have been cancelled.

“It is envisaged that Hrossey will resume service with the northbound sailing to Kirkwall and Lerwick on Sunday night.”
 
During this week NorthLink ferries Hrossey and Hjaltland missed two trips each between Lerwick and Aberdeen due to south easterly gales and entry restrictions at Aberdeen harbour due to tide and wave conditions.
 
The NorthLink spokesman said passengers had been informed of the latest cancellations and apologised for an inconvenience caused.