‘Minor issue’ with Hjaltland bow thruster to be addressed during dry dock

NORTHLINK has confirmed there is an issue with one of the Hjaltland’s bow thrusters – but says it plans to wait until dry dock to fix it.

Managing director Stuart Garrett, said following an enquiry from Shetland News, that the issue is “minor” and is not affecting normal operations.

It is understood to have been ongoing for a number of months.

Garrett said the other thruster is operating normally.

“The affected thruster can be used safely if required,” he added, “but will be addressed when the vessel goes into drydock for routine maintenance early next year.”

Bow thrusters are used to help manoeuvre the boat when docking.

Meanwhile elsewhere on the Northern Isles ferry service network there was a “cargo shift” incident on Wednesday morning onboard the Hamnavoe ferry which runs between Stromness in Orkney and Scrabster on the Scottish mainland.

Some vehicles were damaged when what appeared to be a large piece of machinery toppled off a trailer, with no injuries reported.