Transport / Lie-flat pods set to be installed on ferries in coming weeks
EIGHTEEN ‘lie-flat pods’ are expected to be installed on both the Hrossey and Hjaltland in the next four weeks.
The pods are set to be delivered to the Hrossey next week, before NorthLink turns its attention to the Hjaltland.
Councillors on the external transport forum were invited to “pop down and have a test drive yourselves” once the new pods are installed.
Serco NorthLink managing director Stuart Garrett told the forum’s meeting today (Tuesday) that the seats were “best in class”.
Preparatory works have been done on both ferries to ready them for the new lie-flat pods, which address a long vocalised criticism of NorthLink’s current pods.
Garrett said the new pods would be 2.1 metres long, and were designed to provide privacy – with a low front pod to add extra foot support and ensure a “comfortable sleeping position”.
The 18 pods will be installed in pod lounge two of both ferries, and would come with two USB outlets, a serving tray in the armrest, neck rest cushions and an integrated leg rest.
NorthLink announced in December that the electrically-powered seats, which can transition from a seated position to a 180-degree fully flat bed, would soon be installed.
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 previously.
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