Transport / Industry calls on government to intervene in attempts to release freight ship from dry dock
SHETLAND’S seafood industry has urged Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government to ensure the immediate release of the NorthLink freight boat Helliar.
The vessel was due to leave dry dock at Leith on Monday evening, but was prevented from doing so by Forth Ports because of a large renewables vessel blocking the exit while unloading at the large new pier.
Wednesday night’s sailing of the Helliar from Aberdeen via Kirkwall to Lerwick has been cancelled, while Thursday night’s service from Lerwick has been cancelled too.
Seafood Shetland chief executive Ruth Henderson said the government needs to intervene.
“Despite NorthLink Ferries best efforts, Forth Ports clearly do not appreciate how fundamental this vessel is to Shetland and how vital it is that our perishable product reaches the seafood industry’s national and international markets on time,” she said.
“Holding the Helliar has serious financial implications for both suppliers and their customers.”
She added: “As always, we are grateful to the team at NorthLink Ferries for all their hard work in maintaining the best possible service, despite such setbacks.”
The ferry operator apologised for the cancellations yesterday and said they were in dialogue with Forth Ports to find a resolution to the situation.
Meanwhile, dry dock operator Dales Marine said access issues to the Leith Ports were outside the company’s control.
A spokesperson for the company said the Helliar was ready to leave the dry dock on schedule after the maintenance work had been completed successfully and on time.
“Although we know restrictions can be put in place, Dales does not control port access,” he said.
“Forth Ports and local vessel agents communicate this to vessel owners/users and review schedules. Dales can only provide scheduling for our dry dock, noting when it’s available.
“We appreciate the issues that this has caused for the lifeline services and have done what we can to get this vessel turned around as quickly as possible.
“Dales is also affected by this delay, and we continue to work closely with Forth Ports and our clients to manage this as best as possible.”
Forth Ports told Shetland News yesterday that all port tenants – including Dales Marine – had been informed of the limited access to the port this week.
“All vessel movements at the Port of Leith are planned well in advance,” the company 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.”
Forth Ports control access to the Port of Leith via lock gates which open and close to let vessels into the port.
Currently, a large renewables vessel is unloading at the new berth outside which is preventing the port to allow vessels in and out of the port.
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