Hjaltland arrives into Kirkwall hours behind schedule after technical issue
THE NORTHLINK ferry Hjaltland has arrived at Kirkwall almost 10 hours behind schedule, at 8.30am this morning (Saturday).
The ferry was due to sail from Lerwick at 5.30pm for Kirkwall and Aberdeen, but only left at 11pm after a technical issue with her bow door.
She is now due to arrive into Aberdeen at 5.30pm tonight.
In a statement by the company, released at around 11.30pm, managing director Stuart Garrett said the team had resolved the mechanical issue and allowed the vessel to depart.
“While we understand this delay was inconvenient, the safety of our passengers and crew is our primary concern and we will update passengers on any relevant information as it becomes available,” he added.
NorthLink said the Hjaltland would leave Aberdeen tonight as soon as passenger and cargo operations were complete.
The delayed departure has meant that the Shetland men’s hockey reserve cup semi-final has had to be postponed today.
The team were due to face Clydesdale Western 3’s in Aberdeen at 11.30am, but Shetland Hockey announced on Saturday morning that game would now have to be moved due to the travel disruption.
The women’s hockey team are due to face Grange 3’s at Aberdeen at 1.30pm today, with that match still expected to go ahead.
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