27 March, 2008

NORTHLINK ferry Hjaltland will be out of service on 2 and 3 April so repairs can take place on her rear loading ramp.

The vessel will be out of commission while the hydraulic rams which operate the stern ramp and the brackets which fix the rams to the rear door are replaced.

The ramp was damaged last Friday when gale force winds caused it to make heavy contact with the shore ramp while she was docked at Jamieson's Quay, Aberdeen.

Since then the vessel has been in service using her bow ramp after she was inspected and declared seaworthy by regulatory authorities on Sunday.

The work will be carried out while the vessel is berthed at Matthew’s Quay, Aberdeen, while Hrossey continues to use Jamieson’s Quay as normal.

NorthLink chief executive Bill Davidson said: “Hjaltland passengers are being offered places on Hrossey on the day before or the day after the cancelled sailings.

“On the days of the Hjaltland cancellations we can also offer passage on the freight vessel Clare to 12 passengers and their cars.”

Hjaltland will sail as scheduled from Lerwick at 7pm hours on 1 April and following repairs she is expected to re-enter service with a northbound departure from Aberdeen at 7pm on 4 April.

NorthLink is in the process of contacting passengers affected by the cancellations who are being offered alternative sailings or full refunds.

Mr Davidson added: “The incident which led to the damage was extreme weather related and out of our control.

“Nevertheless, we do appreciate that taking the vessel out of service causes serious disruption and we would like to offer our sincere apologies to passengers who have been inconvenienced.”