Transport / Eighteen ‘lie flat’ pods to be installed on NorthLink ferries early next year
EIGHTEEN ‘lie flat’ pods are set to be installed on both the Hrossey and the Hjaltland early next year.
NorthLink chief Stuart Garrett said electrically-powered seats which can transition from a seated position to a 180-degree fully flat bed will be installed in both ferries’ pod lounge two.
They are expected to be installed in April.
Garrett said the seats had been designed as a pod to provide privacy and would feature a low front, which would add length for foot support and ensure a “comfortable sleeping position”.
Preparatory works will be carried out when the ferries go into dry dock early in 2026, with the seats then fitted later.
Garrett admitted there would be a slight reduction in pod availability during this time.
Eknes – which supplies the current pods – are expected to provide the new lie flat pods, with Garrett calling them “best in class”.
The move will give NorthLink an opportunity to trial the lie flat pods and take feedback ahead of final designs for new freighter-flex vessels, Garrett added.
Councillors Liz Peterson and Alex Armitage – who has repeatedly pushed for passengers to be able to lie flat overnight on NorthLink ferries – said they were pleased to hear that the lie flat pods would soon be installed.
Armitage asked how much a lie flat pod would cost.
Garrett said that had not been decided yet, adding that was “for a future meeting”.
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