News / Helliar covers for Hamnavoe
SERCO NorthLink is to re-establish a freight service across the Pentland Firth, starting on Thursday afternoon.
The lifeline provider was dealt a major blow last week when the Scrabster/Stromness ferry Hamnavoe suffered serious mechanical failure and had to be withdrawn from service.
Since then the company has had to to advise customers to use their Kirkwall to Aberdeen service, or the unsubsidised crossing operated by competitor Pentland Ferries.
The Hamnavoe is now off to Rosyth to get one of her crankshafts replaced and the freighter Helliar will provide a twice daily cargo service.
Hamnavoe is not expected to be back in service until late in May.
The Scottish government revealed this week that Serco NorthLink would be fined more than £15,000 a day for the loss of the passenger service across the firth.
Managing director Stuart Garrett, said: “Now that work is underway to make alterations to the berth at Scrabster Harbour we can confirm a freight operation will operate between Scrabster and Stromness while the Hamnavoe is withdrawn from service.
“This service ensures that businesses can continue to move goods between Orkney and the north of mainland Scotland.
“Serco NorthLink Ferries has consulted with local hauliers over the last few days and they are satisfied that the service will meet their requirements.
“Serco NorthLink Ferries again apologises for the inconvenience that has been caused, however we are now satisfied that both freight and passengers can be fully accommodated on the alternative services that have been put in place by us and with the help of other operators. “
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
