Bonxie off to drydock

SHETLAND Islands Council has confirmed that one of its Sella Ness harbour tugs is off to scheduled drydocking – contrary to social media speculation that it had been sold.

The Bonxie left Shetland on Saturday heading for Leith and is expected back in the isles in a few weeks’ time. Her sister vessel Solan has also been at drydock over recent weeks.

Director of infrastructure services Maggie Sandison confirmed on Tuesday that negotiations with an Italian towage company interested in buying both vessels were continuing.

“It is still very much a positive engagement coming to a conclusion,” she said.

The two powerful 41-metre long tugs, costing each £7 million four years ago, were put on the market in summer last year.

Following a troublesome history, the vessels’ steering problems were eventually fixed, but they are now no longer needed after the council reverted to a four-tug operation using smaller vessels.