New freight vessel names revealed
TWO new freight vessels which will be built for the Northern Isles have been named following a public vote.
They will be called MV Hascosay and MV Hakon, with the vessels set to replace the Hildasay and Helliar.
Hascosay is the name of a small uninhabited island which sits between Yell and Fetlar.
The vessels will serve the Aberdeen to Kirkwall/Lerwick route, which is operated by NorthLink Ferries.
More than 800 votes on the new names were cast over two weeks, with members of the public choosing their two favourites from a list inspired by Shetland and Orkney’s landscape and Nordic roots.
The two ships will be ‘freight flex’ vessels, meaning they will be able to provide more passenger capacity in peak periods.
CMAL chief executive Kevin Hobbs said: “Thank you to everyone who played a part in naming our new vessels.
“MV Hascosay and MV Hakon will be welcome additions to the fleet, bringing increased freight and passenger capacity, which will be especially useful during the busier peak travel times.
“As work progresses well at the shipyard, we’re looking forward to welcoming these vessels and the boost to efficiency and reliability they will provide.”
The two new vessels are under construction at Guangzhou Shipyard International Co., Limited (GSI) in China, where the project is progressing on schedule.
MV Hascosay and MV Hakon are expected to be delivered in 2029.
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