NorthLink warns of disruption to new year sailings

Ferry operator NorthLink is warning that severe gales are likely to mean the disruption of services from the first scheduled sailings of the new year, on Saturday, into early next week.

A statement from NorthLink said that south easterly gales and high seas were “highly likely to adversely affect our services, particularly from Lerwick and Aberdeen. We will continue to review forecasts and updates will follow.”

The ferry Hjaltland arrived in Aberdeen at 11am today (31st January) after sailing from Lerwick around midnight. She is next scheduled to depart Aberdeen sailing for Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) and Lerwick at 5pm on Saturday 2nd January, and this service is likely to be affected.

“Due to forecasted adverse weather conditions this sailing is currently under review with a high possibility of cancellation,” said NorthLink. There will be no Kirkwall call.

Hrossey meanwhile arrived in Lerwick at 8am this morning. Her next next scheduled trip is from Lerwick to Aberdeen at 7pm on Saturday. Again the journey is under review with a high possibility of cancellation.

Pentland Firth crossings are expected to be on schedule.

The freight vessel Hildasay arrived in Aberdeen at 11:50am and is scheduled to sail next to Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) at 3pm on Sunday. Again, this sailing is currently under review.

Helliar, berthed at Lerwick, is scheduled to depart Lerwick sailing for Aberdeen at 6pm on Monday 4th January.