Extra vessel for Northern Isles freight services

A third freighter has been chartered for the Northern Isles to address the immediate customer needs of key sectors, including aquaculture businesses, with services due to commence this weekend.

The MV Arrow will provide additional resilience on services to and from Shetland following recent technical issues which have reduced capacity on the route.

Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, Paul Wheelhouse said:

"The Scottish Government fully recognises the recent concerns which have been raised about the freight capacity needs for the Northern Isles, and that services periodically do not meet the particular time-sensitive needs of hauliers and freight customers in key sectors like aquaculture and livestock.

"We have been working hard to address those issues, and I am pleased that the temporary charter of an additional third vessel  - the MV Arrow - has been secured which will begin service this weekend.

"I look forward to the vessel being in service - the extra freighter will provide additional capacity and resilience to the Serco Northlink Ferries fleet helping ensure timely delivery of key stock like salmon to our European markets, whilst crucially supporting both the local and national economy."