Shetland and Aberdeen Ferry Services Disrupted by Severe Weather
Passengers traveling on NorthLink Ferries between Shetland and Aberdeen should prepare for significant disruptions this weekend. Adverse weather conditions, including high winds and heavy rain, are impacting ferry sailings, leading to delays and schedule changes. The operator has issued warnings advising customers to expect delays of up to two hours on both northbound and southbound journeys.
Impact on Sailings
The Hjaltland, scheduled to depart Lerwick at 7pm tonight for Aberdeen, will still leave as planned. However, the northbound Hrossey, departing Aberdeen at 5pm, will also likely experience delays. Both ferries are expected to experience delays of up to two hours upon arrival at their destinations due to challenging sea conditions. A 90 percent chance of rain and winds reaching speeds of up to 53 mph overnight further compounds the situation, making safe and timely arrival difficult for both vessels. The operator emphasized the impact on both the northbound and southbound journeys, leaving passengers in the lurch and uncertain about their travel times.
Early Departures to Mitigate Delays
In anticipation of the worsening weather, NorthLink made the proactive decision to reschedule several Friday sailings. The southbound service, originally scheduled to depart Lerwick at 5:30 pm, will now depart at 3:30 pm. Similarly, the northbound service from Aberdeen, originally scheduled for 7 pm, has been moved to 3 pm. This adjustment aims to minimize the impact of potential delays, although some delay is still expected upon arrival. While these adjustments lessen the overall delay, passengers are still urged to account for potential delays.
Weather Warnings and Impact on Inter-Island Ferries
A weather warning for snow and ice, impacting areas of Aberdeenshire including Peterhead, Fraserburgh, and Banff, came into effect on Sunday at 4 pm. The warning extends into Monday morning, with the Met Office predicting “ice and some snow leading to slippery surfaces and difficult travel conditions.” Temperatures are plummeting across the north-east, reaching as low as -3 degrees in Braemar, while Aberdeen anticipates temperatures around 0 degrees. The Met Office further warned of 1 to 3 cm of snow accumulation at low levels, with up to 10 cm possible on high ground. The accumulation of ice on untreated surfaces is a serious safety concern, thus necessitating the precautions taken by NorthLink.
Meanwhile, some inter-island ferries have been suspended due to high winds exceeding 69 mph. Services on the Yell Sound, Whalsay, and Skerries routes have ceased operations for the night. While the Bressay ferry continues to run to schedule for now, the unpredictability of the weather necessitates ongoing vigilance. The impact on inter-island travel further highlights the severity of the weather affecting the region.
Passenger Advice and NorthLink's Response
NorthLink has urged passengers to monitor their updates closely and advises those planning to travel to check the latest schedules before heading to the terminals. Passengers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and pack accordingly for potential delays. NorthLink emphasized their commitment to passenger safety and stated that all schedule changes are made with safety as the top priority. The company's proactive response highlights the severity of the situation and their dedication to informing and assisting passengers during this period of disruption. Further information and updates can be found on the NorthLink website. Passengers are advised to contact NorthLink directly with any questions or concerns.
A Stormy Weekend Ahead
The current weather patterns suggest a continued period of disruption for ferry services in the coming days. This has implications not only for passenger travel but also for the transportation of goods, particularly perishable items such as fresh produce. The knock-on effect of these disruptions on local businesses and communities should not be underestimated. Passengers are urged to exercise caution and remain updated on the latest weather forecasts and travel advisories to plan their travel accordingly. While the current situation highlights the challenges associated with island communities, resilience and preparedness are crucial in navigating these unforeseen circumstances.
