Transport / Ferry disruption highlights need for extra vessel, councillor says
UPCOMING disruption to ferries in Shetland’s Northern Isles only serves to reinforce the need for an extra vessel in the council’s fleet, according to one of the area’s elected members.
Ryan Thomson said it is essential that “every effort” is made to ensure that proposals for a new ferry – which could be delivered in 2027 – come to fruition on schedule.
As a result of delays with the Geira’s current visit to dry dock, Bluemull Sound will run with a single vessel from 2 to 19 February.
Meanwhile the Whalsay service will go to a single vessel from 2 March to 12 March because the Fivla is unable to provide cover for the Hendra going to dry dock. It is hoped to be able to add in additional runs using Filla.
Thomson said it is disappointing the Geira will remain in dry dock for longer than anticipated, but added that “issues of this nature are an unfortunate reality when operating our ageing ferry fleet, and the delays are outwith the direct control of the SIC.”
“Council officers and staff have worked hard to put a temporary alternative timetable in place and, importantly, have listened to residents’ feedback to ensure bookings remain available during this period,” the North Isles councillor said.
It is proposed that a £10 million capital grant given to the SIC by the Scottish Government for inter-island connectivity would be used towards the cost, with the rest met by borrowing.
Thomson said the latest ferry disruptions “underline the fragility of our inter-island transport network”.
“The £10 million Scottish Government funding which the SIC will rightly use to procure a new ferry to improve fleet resilience will go some way to address the short term issues around resilience of service,” he added.
“It is now essential that every effort is made to avoid further delays and to ensure the new vessel is delivered and brought into service within the current estimated 2027 timeframe.
“In parallel to this, the SIC must also continue to progress medium, and longer term solutions, including fixed links, and work closely with the TAG [tunnel action] groups, who continue to do fantastic work in driving forward and leading efforts to secure fixed links for our isles.”
Chair of the SIC’s environment and transport committee Moraig Lyall said things “seem to be moving forward much as expected” with the new ferry project, with a follow-up report expected to come to councillors in the first half of this year.
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