Letters / Unreliable ferry service
I have been living in Shetland long enough to mind 23 years lifeline ferry service from P&O and the last 15 years from NorthLink.
In all these years the winter weather has been much the same with the odd extreme period, so why is – year on year – the NorthLink service getting so progressively unreliable?
This weekend is not an extreme weather event in Shetland or Aberdeen waters but all the boats are tied up or delayed on the busiest weekend of the year.
I know some of this is down to unnecessary and counter-productive levels of health and safety that now make many things in life almost impossible to do.
I also know, from folk I ken that know about ships that the vessels on the northern isles routes are not suited to the conditions or Aberdeen harbour, but these factors alone do not explain why NorthLink gives up at the slightest bit of wind and lumpy sea?
So can anyone explain why one year in the NorthLink calendar gives us a lifeline service with more delays and cancelations than in several years put together of the former P&O service?
Are the ships so useless? Is NorthLink so scared of being sued if someone falls over on a rough passage? Does NorthLink save money by not sailing?
Whatever the reasons, it’s imperative come the next contract, that the local communities of both Orkney and Shetland have a say in what service we need and not the rigged sham that saw SERCO take over from P&O in 2000.
Vic Thomas
Clousta
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.
