NorthLink has confirmed its schedule for the dry-docking of its passenger ferry MV Hamnavoe, which operates the Pentland Firth crossing between Stromness and Scrabster.

Having considered a number of competitive bids from European shipyards, NorthLink will send Hamnavoe to dry dock at a yard in one of the largest Danish ports, Fredericia.

Hamnavoe will be out of service from Saturday, February 3, returning on Wednesday, February 14. During this period, MV Hebridean Isles will be chartered from Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd and operate to a revised schedule due to the longer crossing times. Hebridean Isles has most recently been servicing the route between Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula and the Hebridean island of Islay.

Passengers already booked to travel on sailings affected by the dry dock schedule are advised to check with NorthLink – either by phone or on the company’s website – in case their sailings are affected by revisions to the schedule.

Fredericia Shipping is the largest repair yard in Denmark with a workforce of around 400 people. The shipyard is a privately owned company, founded by the Andersen family in 1916. Under the ownership of the family through three generations, the yard has expanded from a small boat-building yard into a large, modern and efficient repair yard. NorthLink’s three passenger vessels MVs Hrossey, Hjaltland and Hamnavoe dry-docked in Fredericia last year.

For full details on the Pentland Firth service during the dry dock period, please see www.northlinkferries.co.uk or call 0845 6000 449.