NorthLink has unveiled its groundbreaking proposals for the transport of livestock between the Northern Isles and the mainland.

The company outlined its plans at a meeting in Orkney (May 24) attended by representatives from the National Farmers’ Union, animal welfare and environmental officers and representatives and officials from both Orkney and Shetland councils.

NorthLink’s preferred solution, developed after considerable consultation with sector experts, calls for the introduction of a "cassette" carrying system with livestock being shipped in specially designed, two-tier containers.

Deployment of the "cassette" system would mean that livestock could be transported more humanely in less stressful conditions and in greater comfort. NorthLink already has three ferries under construction for passenger and vehicular use and it is the company’s intention to procure and modify a fourth vessel for use on the livestock service.

NorthLink chief executive John Horton said: "The proposed system would allow standard ro-ro vessels to provide a transport service for live animals at sea fully compliant with all animal transport, environmental and health legislation.

"They will have facilities for ensuring proper levels of ventilation - essential for effective transport of livestock - water and feed. They will also provide safe access for stockmen to all animals and allow segregation of sick animals should this become necessary during the journey," he said.

Mr Horton added: "Since we were appointed by the Scottish Executive in December to undertake the Northern Isles lifeline ferry services from October 2002 we’ve been developing our proposals for the carriage of livestock. They will ensure that livestock from the Northern Isles can be carried in ‘neutral’ travel time.

"This is because the cassettes, in addition to providing accommodation on the vessel, will also make up the on-shore facilities, or lairage, at port of loading and discharge. This significantly reduces the handling and stress to livestock during their journey," he said.

The cassettes will be built of steel and carry livestock on two levels. A hydraulically elevated bogie powered by an adapted terminal tractor will then move the cassette between the vessel and the port facility. The cassettes will have facilities to contain all effluent and ‘brown water’ for proper disposal.

NorthLink is scheduling a series of further discussions with the NFU, animal welfare and environmental representatives as well as harbour authorities.