Gavin Morgan

2 July, 2008

NORTHLINK Ferries are looking to replace their two freight vessels serving Shetland as both are more than 30 years old.

In a letter to Shetland MSP Tavish Scott, Scottish transport minister Stewart Stevenson accepted that a study would have to be carried out into finding two ships to supercede the Clare and Hascosay.

Mr Scott said that NorthLink had been wanting to look into obtaining new freighters for some time, as had Shetland’s hauliers and freight customers.

“The long term solution is for new, larger freight ships. Work on that is now underway and I expect government to recognise and support the conclusions of these studies when they are available,” the MSP said.

Meanwhile ZetTrans development manager Ken Duerden has raised concerns about the extended impact on the Aberdeen-Lerwick passenger service during NorthLink’s annual maintenance period.

This year for the first time one of Shetland’s two ferries was taken off route to cover the Pentland Firth while the Hamnavoe was in dry dock.

Previously NorthLink chartered in another ship to cover the Orkney run, but Mr Duerden said their new government contract no longer requires them to do that.

He said the Shetland service will be reduced for 43 days during February and March next year while maintenance work is carried out on the Hjaltland, Hrossey and Hamnavoe, cutting the service from seven sailings a week in both directions to just three.

“What does not seem right is that ships are taken off the Shetland route to go and relieve in Orkney when they have not only another ferry service operated by NorthLink, but also an independent ferry service across the Pentland Firth,” he said.

Next year the down time will be extended by one week in early March for the Hamnavoe to undergo an in-water survey.

NorthLink have done their best to carry out the work during the quiet times of year so that Up Helly Aa, the Shetland Folk Festival and the main tourist season are unaffected.

NorthLink spokesman Derek Douglas said that as soon as next year’s dry dock cycle had been finalised they would publish it so that passengers could make their travel plans.