NorthLink’s new era starts with Total contract

FERRY operators NorthLink are hoping a new contract to ship more than 550 accommodation modules to Sullom Voe will help strengthen their future during tough financial times.

This weekend the state-owned shipping company will start transporting modules from Lerwick to Sella Ness where they will be put together for new quarters to house around 800 workers building the £500 million Total gas plant over the next three years.

NorthLink said the contract with global Danish logistics operator DSV was an early step towards generating extra income by expanding their freight business and targeting large cargoes for the energy industry, including renewables.

Last year the company looked at raising fares and cutting fuel costs by running slower journeys after the Scottish government demanded a £1 million cut to their £33 million annual subsidy.

Managing director Bill Davidson said: “We’re committed to increasing revenue streams and thereby reducing the subsidy requirement from the public purse.

“We plan to do this by looking for commercial possibilities while ensuring we maintain the level of service required by the lifeline ferries contract.”

He said they would be shipping 568 portacabin-sized modules from Aberdeen to Lerwick on their freight vessels Hildasay and Hellier during the week, and at weekends Hellier would deliver them to the construction site at Sella Ness.