Service update
Book now
Search
Other

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.

Snow is still affecting parts of Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Angus, Highland, Orkney and Shetland.

Our ferry services are operating, however, we would like anyone making their way to and from our ferry terminals to please be aware of the conditions on the roads and take every precaution necessary. Please contact us if you need to make a change to your booking.

Early Disruption Warning to Customers
Present weather forecasts indicate the possibility of disruption to our services from Friday 9th January 2026 through to Monday 12th January 2026. More detailed updates will follow daily as forecasts are updated.

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
Ferry at dry dock: updated on Tuesday 6th January 2026 05:24

M.V Hamnavoe

  • There are no Pentland Firth sailings from Monday 5th to Saturday 17th January 2026. However there will be additional sailings to and from Kirkwall.
  • The next scheduled sailing will depart Stromness at 16:45 on Sunday 18th January
  • Passenger and vehicle check-in opens at 15:15
  • Passenger and vehicle check-in closes at 16:15
  • 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
Updated on Saturday 10th January at 16:39

M.V Hrossey

  • M.V Hrossey arrived in Aberdeen at 07:27 and departed at 16:38 sailing for Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) and Lerwick.
  • Due to forecasted weather conditions arrival in Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) may be subject to minor weather related delays.
  • M.V Hrossey is scheduled to arrive in Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) at 23:00 and depart at 23:45 sailing for Lerwick.
  • Scheduled time of arrival in Lerwick is 07:30.
  • For further information please call 08001114422.

Sunday 11th January

M.V Hjaltland

  • M.V Hjaltland is scheduled to depart Aberdeen sailing for Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) and Lerwick at 17:00.
  • Due to forecasted weather conditions this sailing is currently under review with a high probability of cancellation.
  • An update will follow tomorrow morning.

 

Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) Arrivals and Departures
Updated on Saturday 10th January at 23:45

MV HJALTLAND

  • Departed Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) sailing to Aberdeen at 22:55 , scheduled arrival time in Aberdeen is 07:00 on Sunday 11th January
  • The next scheduled departure from Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) is the 23:45 sailing to Lerwick on Sunday 11th January
  • Due to forecasted weather conditions this sailing is currently under review with a high probability of cancellation. An update will follow tomorrow morning.
  • Passenger and vehicle check in opens at 22:15.
  • Final passenger and vehicle check in time is 23:15.
  • All vehicle drivers are recommended to check-in 1 hour prior to departure.
  • Passengers are advised to have their booking reference numbers ready for check in.
  • For more information, please call 08001114422 (free from UK landlines and mobiles) or +44 (0)1856 885500 (international).

MV HROSSEY

  • Departed Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) sailing to Lerwick at 23:45, scheduled arrival time in Lerwick is 07:30 on Sunday 11th January
  • The next scheduled departure from Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) is the 22:45 sailing to Aberdeen on Sunday 11th January.
  • Due to forecasted weather conditions this sailing is currently under review with a high probability of cancellation. An update will follow tomorrow morning.
  • Passenger and vehicle check in opens at 21:15.
  • Final passenger and vehicle check in time is 22:15.
  • All vehicle drivers are recommended to check-in 1 hour prior to departure.
  • Passengers are advised to have their booking reference numbers ready for check in.
  • For more information, please call 08001114422 (free from UK landlines and mobiles) or +44 (0)1856 885500 (international).
Lerwick Arrivals and Departures
Sunday 11th Jan under review. Updated on Saturday 10th January at 16:25

MV Hjaltland

  • Departed at 16:15 sailing for Kirkwall and Aberdeen.
  • Expected time of arrival in Kirkwall is 22:00 and in Aberdeen is 07:00 on Sunday.
  • The next scheduled arrival in Lerwick is the MV Hrossey at 07:30 tomorrow, which was scheduled to depart at depart at 16:30 sailing for Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) and Aberdeen.
  • Due to the adverse weather forecast, this sailing is under review with a high probability of cancellation and an update will follow tomorrow morning.
  • 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 Friday 9th December at 09:45

Freight Vessel Services

M.V. Helliar

  • Arrived in Lerwick is 07:50.
  • M.V Helliar is scheduled to depart Lerwick sailing for Aberdeen at 18:00.
  • Due to forecasted weather conditions ETA in Aberdeen on Saturday 10th January is 13:00.

M.V Hildasay

  • Arrived in Aberdeen at 07:39.
  • M.V Hildasay is scheduled to depart Aberdeen sailing for Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) and Lerwick at 15:00.
  • Due to forecasted weather conditions arrival into Lerwick on Saturday 10th January maybe subject to a delay of up to 2 hours.

Saturday 10th January 

M.V Hildasay

  • M.V Hildasay is scheduled to depart Lerwick sailing for Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) and Aberdeen at 17:00.
  • Due to forecasted weather conditions the call in to Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) is currently under review.
  • An update will follow tomorrow morning.