Transport / Cabin capacity and daytime sailings among the questions in new ferry passenger survey
HAVING some smaller cabins on the NorthLink ferries to increase overall capacity appears to have been suggested in a new passenger survey.
Introducing ‘lie-flat’ accommodation could also reduce existing on-board spaces such as the bar lounge/restaurant and Magnus Lounge, it has been suggested.
Transport Scotland is also asking the public for views on whether the introduction of daytime sailings could change how they use ferries.
It has reiterated in relation to daytime sailings that nothing is being proposed just now – just that views are being sought.
People who have travelled on the NorthLink ferry in the last 12 months are being invited to share their experiences in the survey, run by Transport Scotland.
The surveys are separate to the recent consultation on the next Northern Isles ferry service contract, which is due to begin in 2028.
Their aim is to “establish communities’ transport needs, identify travel dependencies and propose appropriate alterations to service provision”.
The surveys went live today (14 November) and will be open until 9 January.
One question is: “We heard that communities would like us to increase overall cabin capacity. Would you support us considering options for smaller size cabins e.g. without en-suite toilet or/and shower facilities, [and] instead having male/female toilet/shower blocks?”
Another says: “We heard that communities would like us to explore additional lie-flat accommodation options. Would you support options which might result in reducing shared on-board spaces e.g. bar lounge/restaurant space or Magnus Lounge?”
The survey also gathers thoughts on the introduction of daytime sailings in terms of how they could affect people’s ferry use.
But it says: “Please note, none of these changes are being proposed at this time. However, we would like to know how you see your travel needs changing as this will help us develop and consider future options.”
Among the options presented for discussion are a dedicated daytime return Lerwick-Kirkwall sailing, connecting to the Stromness-Scrabster service, and a dedicated daytime return Lerwick-Stromness sailing.
A dedicated daytime Lerwick-Scrabster sailing is also mentioned in the questions.
It also asks people if reducing, or increasing, Kirkwall calls would change their ferry usage.
It comes as more advanced work on replacement freight vessels continues, with these boats – which are in line to have more passenger capacity than the current ships – expected to be delivered in 2029.
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