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Service Update

Find the latest information below about NorthLink Ferries arrivals, departures, and delays for the passenger and freight ships to and from Orkney and Shetland.

Early Disruption Warning to Customers
Present weather forecasts indicate the possibility of disruption to our services from Friday 2nd January 2026 through to Sunday 4th January 2026. More detailed updates will follow daily as forecasts are updated.

Aberdeen roadworks and road closures
Various roadworks and road closures in and around Aberdeen are impacting travel to the Aberdeen Ferry Terminal. Please plan ahead and leave early to arrive in time for check-in.

Check-in opens 120 minutes prior to departure at Aberdeen and Lerwick and 90 minutes prior to departure at Hatston, Stromness and Scrabster.

Check-in closes 30 minutes prior to departure at all ports and if you have not checked in at least 30 minutes prior to departure you will not be allowed on board.

Car drivers are recommended to check-in at least 1 hour prior to departure.

View the real time positions of the NorthLink Ferries passenger vessels.

Pentland Firth Arrivals and Departures
Service Running: updated on Wednesday 31st of December at 19:00

M.V Hamnavoe

  • Departed Scrabster at 19:00, sailing for Stromness
  • Scheduled arrival time in Stromness is 20:30
  • The next scheduled sailing will depart Stromness at 09:00 on Saturday 3rd January, sailing for Scrabster
  • Passenger and vehicle check-in opens at 07:30
  • Passenger and vehicle check-in closes at 08:30
  • All passengers are reminded to bring their booking reference numbers with them for check-in
  • For more information, please call 0800 111 44 22 (free from UK landlines and mobiles) or +44 (0)1856 885500 (international)
Aberdeen Arrivals and Departures
Service Running- updated on Wednesday 31st December at 06:54

M.V Hrossey

  • MV Hrossey arrived in Aberdeen at 06:54
  • The next scheduled departure from Aberdeen is the 19:00 sailing to Lerwick on Friday 2nd January 2026.
  • Passenger and car Check-in opens at 17:00.
  • Final Passenger and car check-in is 18:30.
  • Car drivers are recommended to check-in at least 1 hour prior to departure.
  • All Passengers are reminded to have their booking reference numbers with them for check-in.
  • For further information please call 08001114422
Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) Arrivals and Departures
Sailing under review. Updated on Wednesday 31st December at 12:10

MV Hjaltland

  • The next scheduled departure from Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) is the 23:45 sailing to Aberdeen on Friday 2nd January.
  • Due to the adverse weather forecast, this sailing is under review, and a decision will be made on Friday morning.
  • For more information, please call 08001114422 (free from UK landlines and mobiles) or +44 (0)1856 885500 (international).
Lerwick Arrivals and Departures
Kirkwall call under review. Updated on Wednesday 31st December at 12:05

MV Hjaltland

  • The next scheduled departure from Lerwick is on Friday 2nd January at 17:30 sailing for Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) and Aberdeen.
  • Due to the adverse weather forecast, the Kirkwall call is under review, and Hjaltland may sail direct to Aberdeen. A decision will be made on Friday morning.
  • Passenger and vehicle check-in opens at 15:30
  • Final passenger and vehicle check-in time is 17:00
  • All vehicle drivers are recommended to check-in at least 1 hour prior to departure.
  • All passengers are reminded to bring their booking reference numbers with them for check-in.
  • For further information please call 08001114422 (free from UK landlines and mobiles) or +44 (0)1856 885500 (international).

Early Departures from Monday 5th until Saturday 17th January

  • Passengers are advised that due to the dry docking of MV Hamnavoe, all sailings from 5th January until 17th January (inclusive) will depart Lerwick at 16:30 and call at Kirkwall.
  • Final boarding will be 16:00
  • Arrival in Kirkwall is scheduled for 22:00 and in Aberdeen is 07:00
Freight Vessel Services
Service disruptions - updated on Tuesday 30th December at 09:36

Freight Vessel Services

 M.V. Helliar

  • Currently berthed in Aberdeen.
  • M.V Helliar is scheduled to depart Aberdeen sailing for Lerwick on Sunday 4th January 2026.

M.V Hildasay

  • Arrived in Aberdeen at 07:48.
  • M.V Hildasay is scheduled to depart Aberdeen sailing for Lerwick at 18:00.