Serco Northlink Ferries is causing a bit of consternation with Orkney Islands Council at the moment due to the Scrabster - Stromness ferry service being taken out of service .
Serco Northlink say the fHamnavoe has suffered technical problems with its engines and will have to be taken out of service for approx 3 to 4 weeks .
Serco Northlink say there is no plans yet to introduce one of there other vessels the Hjaltland or Hrossey to this important lifeline route .
This leaves the Orkney Islands presently in the hands of the Pentland Ferries service from Gills Bay to St Margarets Hope .
This is a press release issued by Northlink Ferries at 1856hrs on Tuesday April 30th.
Following yesterday’s announcement that the Hamnavoe has suffered major engine damage, NorthLink Ferries has been working with passengers and other operators to arrange alternative options for travel.
It is likely that the earliest the Hamnavoe will return to operation will be 24th May. As a result of that and until an alternative vessel is found bookings will not be taken for travel before that date on the Hamnavoe route between Stromness and Scrabster.
We are working with the Scrabster Harbour Trust to make amendments to the Queen Elizabeth Berth that will allow our freight vessels to dock there. Once the timing of these works is confirmed we will be able to confirm a timetable for this additional freight capacity.
Stuart Garrett, managing director at Serco NorthLink Ferries, said: “We are making every effort to put in place alternative arrangements as a result of this unforeseen and unpreventable event. We are continuing to look for an alternative vessel to operate the Pentland Firth service, however with no suitable vessels currently available we will not be taking bookings for travel in advance of 24th May for the Pentland Firth route.
“We appreciate the inconvenience this causes passengers and we advise passengers with bookings to call us as soon as possible so that we can help with arrangements. We are working with other operators to arrange alternative options for travel, this includes courtesy travel to and from Pentland Ferries. Pentland Ferries have also put on additional sailings that have the capacity to cope with the expected number of passengers.
“Freight will also continue to be transported on the Kirkwall to Aberdeen route.”