NorthLink Ferries Lift on – Lift off cargo services to and from Orkney and Shetland

Arrival of Hildasay heralds new Lo-Lo service

A fast, reliable and frequent freight service between the Orkney and Shetland Isles and the Scottish mainland is probably the most important element in the mix of components which underpin the economic and social wellbeing of fragile island communities.

NorthLink Ferries has been operating the lifeline services to and from the Northern Isles since 2002. The company’s three cruise-quality passenger and vehicle Ro-Ro ferries have from the outset been complemented with two dedicated freight vessels.

Islanders need no reminding that all of life’s essentials – foodstuffs and consumer goods – to important ‘export’ goods like prime livestock and seafoods are the incoming and outgoing cargoes which help sustain the communities of Orkney and Shetland. Without that seaborne arterial link to and from mainland – and continental – markets the communities of Orkney and Shetland could not thrive as they currently do.

In February 2010, the NorthLink freight fleet was strengthened further with the acquisition of Hildasay as a replacement for the long serving Hascosay, and Helliar as a replacement for Clare.

The arrival of Hildasay and Helliar means that NorthLink’s freight offering has entered a new era. The company can now complement its successful Ro-Ro (roll-on, roll-off) service with a Lo-Lo (lift-on, lift-off) service offering choice and flexibility of a combined service which some customers will find more convenient.

Hildasay and Helliar, both constructed just over 10 years ago, have the capacity to accommodate 66 articulated trailers and/or the ability to carry up to 266 20-foot containers on the weather deck, she is designed with this mixed Lo-Lo and Ro-Ro operation in mind.

NorthLink operates four main freight routes – Lerwick to Aberdeen, Lerwick to Kirkwall, Kirkwall to Aberdeen and Stromness to Scrabster and, under NorthLink, the routes have seen a huge increase in freight traffic. For example on the Aberdeen – Lerwick route, since 2003, there has been a 42 per cent increase.

NorthLink’s senior manager, Shore Support Services, Eddie Barclay, said: “With the arrival of Hildasay many customers have approached us regarding her Lo-Lo capabilities. We are pleased to offer a Lo-Lo service as well as a Ro-Ro service – effectively a one stop shop for all their shipping requirements.

“Our Lo-Lo offering will primarily involve cargo contained within 20-foot containers but the Lo-Lo deck on Hildasay and Helliar is also ideal for the transportation of outsize and project freight items such as the heavy equipment used in the offshore and renewable industries. Cranage can easily be arranged through our contractors Peterson SBS.

“By offering the flexibility of a combined Lo-Lo and Ro-Ro freight service, we are recognising our customers differing needs and giving them the best of both worlds.

“I am sure that our new Lo-Lo provision will be welcomed by our existing freight customers, and we expect to attract new customers who will be interested by the ease with which all their shipping needs can be met.”

Freight ship charter

At certain times during the year there are possible freight ship charter options for customers requiring project cargoes. For customers who require freight to be transported from the UK or Scandinavia to Orkney or Shetland, please phone to discuss your cargo requirements with our team of specialists on 0845 6060 449.