Dry docking delays on Unst and Fetlar ferry services – January 2025

Council ferries MV Geira and MV Fivla will need to remain in dry-dock after the festive season ends. The impact of this is that for the first two weeks in January 2025, ferry services to Unst and Fetlar will operate with a single vessel service, running to the Saturday timetable with bookings available.

The delays have been caused by earlier delays in getting MV Geira and MV Fivla into dry-dock, after problems with the gearbox on MV Bigga.

Alternative options have been explored, including providing a shuttle service, but none of these options meet the varying requirements for island communities. Some extra crossings may be possible, during mandatory staff breaks, if additional crew are available. These would be unbooked sailings, for crossings between Yell and Unst only, as there is insufficient time to provide additional sailings to Fetlar.

Work continues on a longer-term timetable review for North Isles ferries, taking account of recent regulatory changes to the lashing arrangements for larger vehicles.

Shetland Islands Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by these unavoidable schedule changes.

Published: 22nd November 2024