Ferry walkway repair could take months, say OIC

The passenger walkway used by foot passengers using the mv Hamnavoe could be out of action for months.

The walkway at Stromness Ferry Terminal has suffered significant damage, following a hydraulic system failure, meaning passengers have been boarding and disembarking the ferry through its car ramps.

Orkney Islands Council owns and operates the walkway and the council says that the repair bill could be “substantial”.

“It is important to find out what caused this — and this is being looked at, as is a full assessment of the repairs that will be needed,” Councillor Graham Sinclair said.

“Repair work has started. But, given the damage, it’s going to take some time before the walkway is operational again.

“Until we know the full extent of the work required, it’s difficult to say with certainty how long it will be out of action, but it could be a number of months.

“We realise this will cause inconvenience for passengers and for NorthLink Ferries. We’ve kept the ferry company up to date and this will continue as the work progresses.

“We won’t know the cost of the repair work until the full assessment is completed, but it could be substantial.”