Ferry diverted to Rosyth after Aberdeen harbour closes

The closure of Aberdeen Harbour has led to the NorthLink passenger ferry Hrossey being diverted to Rosyth.

The Hrossey departed Lerwick at 5.30pm last night and, in anticipation of poor weather, and a planned slow running time, had scheduled an arrival in Aberdeen at 2pm today.

Prior to departure the 95 passengers had been issued with ‘weather letters’ in which details of forecast weather conditions were provided along with notice of the anticipated longer journey times and the offer of a ticket refund or transfer to another sailing of their choice. En route, Hrossey ran at much-reduced speed in order to minimise discomfort from the gale-force winds and heavy seas.

NorthLink was informed this morning that, due to tidal conditions and a challenging swell, Aberdeen Harbour had been closed. No indication could be given as to when the harbour might re-open so the decision was taken to divert the vessel to Rosyth, in the Firth of Forth.

NorthLink is in the process of providing transport from Rosyth for passengers who wish to go to Aberdeen or into Edinburgh.

This is the fifth time since NorthLink took over the Northern Isles in 2002 that an Aberdeen-bound vessel has been forced to divert to Rosyth.