Graemsay could be back in service next month

The ferry Graemsay looks set to return to its run earlier than anticipated says Orkney Ferries.

The vessel is currently in Peterhead undergoing refit and the installation of her new engines.

A major delay in the supply chain had meant that the ferry could have been out of action until the early autumn.

However, it now looks like the work could be completed within four weeks – bringing the return date forward into June.

In the meantime, the 80 passenger Chieftan has been secured as a replacement vessel until the refit of the Graemsay is complete, having become available again for charter.

Although the Chieftan had been the initial choice of relief vessel, her availability changed and work on arrangements to secure an alternative vessel, the Guide, had been underway.

However, as the Chieftan has once again become available, albeit at a later date, it’s been decided to charter her due to her better passenger capacity.

According to Orkney Ferries, all being well, the Chieftan is expected to arrive in Orkney around Friday of next week (May 29) and be covering the route from the beginning of June, if not very slightly earlier than that.

The Golden Mariana will then return to Papay to fulfil its summer commitments and the Kirkwall Bay will then be released to return to its normal base in Kirkwall.

Graham Sinclair, chairman of the board of Orkney Ferries, said: “It is very important to us to maintain an appropriate level of service on the Graemsay/North Hoy and Papay routes, particularly as we know there will be increasing demand over the coming weeks.

“I must pay tribute to the team, who have had to react quickly to the changing availability of charter boats, to ensure the best solution for our island communities.

“The best news of all is that MV Graemsay will return to service a great deal sooner than might have been the case.”