Freight service to operate between Scrabster and Stromness

Wednesday 1st May 2013

MV Helliar to begin freight operations in Pentland Firth

Following the withdrawal of MV Hamnavoe from passenger and freight operations between Scrabster and Stromness, Serco NorthLink Ferries has moved to introduce its freight vessel MV Helliar to provide continued regular freight travel between Orkney and Caithness.

Work is currently underway, in partnership with the Scrabster Harbour Trust, to make alterations to the Queen Elizabeth berth that will allow the freight vessel to dock.  The work is expected to be complete tomorrow morning (2 May) to allow a trial berth of the MV Helliar later that day.

Serco NorthLink Ferries has consulted with local hauliers and produced a freight timetable to meet their requirements.   This will see two return freight journeys per day between Scrabster and Stromness from Friday 3 May.

The MV Hildasay will continue to cover freight between Aberdeen and Lerwick.

Stuart Garrett, managing director at Serco NorthLink Ferries, said:  “Now that work is underway to make alterations to the berth at Scrabster Harbour we can confirm a freight service will operate between Scrabster and Stromness while the MV Hamnavoe is withdrawn from service.

“This service ensures that businesses can continue to move goods between Orkney and the north of mainland Scotland.  Serco NorthLink Ferries has consulted with local hauliers over the last few days and they are satisfied that the service will meet their requirements.

“Serco NorthLink Ferries again apologises for the inconvenience that has been caused, however we are now satisfied that both freight and passengers can be fully accommodated on the alternative services that have been put in place by us and with the help of other operators.  We will continue to work with customers to help them access these alternative routes.”

MV Helliar timetable:

 DepartArrive
Stromness06000830
Scrabster09001130
Stromness16001830
Scrabster19002130

Ends