NorthLink Issues Warning to Travellers - Ferries Cancellations Due To Impending Severe Weather

19th December 2012

Severe Weather Due to Disrupt Services

Serco NorthLink has warned customers to expect unprecedented disruption to services as forecasts predict severe weather until Christmas Eve.

The ferry operator brought today’s southbound sailing from Lerwick forward to 1300hrs, with arrival in Kirkwall expected at 1800hrs. The MV Hjaltland is expected to arrive in Aberdeen at or after 0700hrs tomorrow morning, meaning a significantly longer journey for those on board.

Freight services have also been disrupted. Today’s southbound sailing has been cancelled and the northbound sailing will halt at Kirkwall.

Serco NorthLink expects a number of cancellations over the coming days and has warned customers not to plan travel on its routes between Aberdeen and the Northern Isles unless absolutely necessary. Less disruption is expected on the Pentland Firth crossing.

Stuart Garrett, Managing Director, said: “We understand this is disappointing news for people looking to travel for Christmas but our priority is the safety of our passengers and crew. We will be closely analysing forecasts every hour and keep customers updated.

“According to current forecasts we can foresee a number of disruptions and would advise people not to travel until after Christmas Day.

“People can check our website or follow us on twitter for regular updates – www.northlinkferries.co.uk or [AT]NLFerries.”

 

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