Freight sailing cancelled after Helliar prevented from leaving Leith

A FREIGHT sailing from Aberdeen to Shetland on Wednesday has been cancelled because the Helliar cannot leave dry dock in Leith.

NorthLink said the Helliar‘s sailing from the Scottish mainland to Lerwick, via Kirkwall, had been called off because another vessel is blocking her exit.

Thursday evening’s sailing from Lerwick to Aberdeen is also under review, with a “high probability of cancellation”.

The company said the Helliar had successfully undergone dry dock maintenance in Leith to remove polypropylene fishing rope from its port propeller seal.

However she has been unable to leave dry dock because another vessel has been positioned blocking the entrance, NorthLink said in a statement today (Tuesday).

Managing director Stuart Garrett said they understood the impact this disruption would have – particularly during the busy school October holidays.

“We are committed to providing a vital lifeline service to the Northern Isles and fully recognise the importance of these freight services to the communities we serve, particularly the fishing and farming industries and all ‘just in time’ traffic,” he said.

Advertisement6 of 10

“I am engaged in dialogue with Forth Ports to help them understand the impact of this operational decision.

“Our team will continue to work with them to address the situation and minimise the impact on those who rely on our services.”

However Forth Ports said that all port tenants “were informed that there would be limited lock access” in Leith this week.

“All vessel movements at the Port of Leith are planned well in advance,” it said.

“NorthLink Ferries is a customer of our tenant, Dales Marine, and we are working to ensure that the ferry can depart at the earliest possible opportunity.”