Question reference: S5W-32187
- Asked by: Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 30 September 2020
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Current status: Answered by Paul Wheelhouse on 8 October 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Transport Scotland and SERCO Northlink Ferries to find a suitable replacement vessel for when the MV Hamnavoe is on refit.
Answer
The subject continues to be discussed between the Scottish Government, through Transport Scotland officials and Serco NorthLink during regular contract management engagement.
The MV Hamnavoe will be unavailable for five days in January 2021 and the dry docking will coincide with the forecast period of least demand identified from both a passenger and freight perspective.
Serco NorthLink continue to use their best endeavours to search for suitable tonnage available on the charter market taking account of the specific requirements of both Stromness and Scrabster.
Serco NorthLink’s plans for the MV Hamnavoe refit will also be discussed at the next scheduled six monthly Ministerial meeting with the operator on 15 December 2020.