Transport / Dry docking delays to cause disruption to Bluemull Sound ferry service
SHETLAND Islands Council says the Unst and Fetlar ferry services will run to a single vessel in the New Year due to unplanned changes to the dry-docking schedule.
The Geira and Fivla will need to remain in dry-dock after the festive season ends.
The impact of this is that for the first two weeks in January 2025, ferry services to Unst and Fetlar will operate with a single vessel service, running to the Saturday timetable with bookings available.
The delays have been caused by earlier delays in getting Geira and Fivla into dry-dock, after problems with the gearbox on Bigga.
The council said alternative options have been explored, including providing a shuttle service, but “none of these options meet the varying requirements for island communities”.
Some extra crossings may be possible, during mandatory staff breaks, if additional crew are available, the council added.
These would be unbooked sailings, for crossings between Yell and Unst only, as there is insufficient time to provide additional sailings to Fetlar.
The SIC added that work continues on a longer-term timetable review for North Isles ferries, taking account of recent regulatory changes to the lashing arrangements for larger vehicles.
The council said it apologises for any inconvenience caused by these “unavoidable schedule changes”.
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