UPDATED: Hjaltland stays in drydock for longer

The Hjaltland.

The Hjaltland will not return to service before the weekend, NorthLink’s managing director has now warned.

Stuart Garrett has issued a statement after it emerged the ferry would be spending longer than first anticipated in dry dock for repairs.

The ferry suffered a flooded pump room while in dry dock, but had previously been expected to return to service this week.

NorthLink had initially warned the vessel’s Thursday sailing would be called off, but now that period of cancellation has been extended into the weekend.

“Work on the M.V. Hjaltland is progressing well, however the vessel will not return to service before the weekend. The timetable has now been updated and customers who will be impacted by these changes will be contacted directly. 

“As before, the M.V. Hrossey continues to operate our passenger service between Aberdeen, Kirkwall and Lerwick, with the M.V. Helliar and Hildasay providing freight services.

“Further updates will be provided as more information is available.”