Proposed Changes to NorthLink’s Timetable
NorthLink provides ferry services in accordance with an operating contract awarded by the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government is entitled to make whatever changes they wish to the terms of that contract and require NorthLink to implement them.
The Government has instructed NorthLink to cease the timetabled use of 4 engine running on the Aberdeen – Kirkwall – Lerwick route.
The consequence of the change from 4 engine to 2 engine running is a longer journey time.
On the northbound Aberdeen to Kirkwall leg the current 6 hours crossing time is estimated to become 8 hours and on the southbound Kirkwall to Aberdeen leg the estimate is an additional 1 hour will be required. Please note that the manoeuvring time in Aberdeen is greater for arrivals than departures hence the slightly longer berth to berth time.
In the following suggested timetable NorthLink have tried to accommodate the following:
- Maintain the current 0700 arrival time in Aberdeen which they believe is welcomed by those with onward travel connections as well as those with priority freight;
- Avoid a 2400 or later arrival in Kirkwall as they believe this will not be acceptable to the tourist market;
- Try to minimize the beyond 2400 Kirkwall departure time for the benefit of those trying to sleep;
- Minimize the impact of an earlier departure time from Aberdeen.
Balancing the above NorthLink’s proposed timetable is as follows but they would greatly welcome your comments and suggestions as to alternatives.
Revised |
Current |
|
Aberdeen dep |
1530 |
1700 |
Kirkwall arr |
2330 |
2300 |
Kirkwall dep |
0015 |
2345 |
Lerwick arr |
0730 |
0730 |
Lerwick dep |
1700 |
1730 |
Kirkwall arr |
2230 |
2300 |
Kirkwall dep |
2315 |
2345 |
Aberdeen arr |
0730 |
0700 |
The current plan will see the revised timetable implemented from 4th May.
The timings of the direct sailings between Aberdeen and Lerwick will not be affected.
If you would like to respond, please do so by Sunday 28th March:
- emailing zettrans@shetland.gov.uk
- writing to: ZetTrans, 20 Commercial Rd, Lerwick, ZE1 0LX.