Hatston pier back in operation

Hatston Pier will be used by the ferry from Aberdeen this evening following the incident last night which resulted in an alternative berth being used.

The Serco NorthLink vessel Hrossey made use of Kirkwall Pier on Friday evening on her trip south from Lerwick.

This followed a small fire aboard the offshore supply vessel Subsea Viking, which was tied up alongside Hatston Pier.

While the incident was dealt with by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, with support from the Martime and Coastguard Agency tug Herakles, the Hrossey was diverted to Kirkwall Pier to disembark and take aboard passengers and vehicles.

A second Serco NorthLink vessel, the cargo ship Hildasay, also made use of Kirkwall Pier in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, Orkney Islands Council provided almost 70 of the crew from the Subsea Viking with overnight accommodation at the Papdale Halls of Residence with help from the British Red Cross. The crew have now returned to the vessel.

Brian Archibald, the OIC’s head of marine services, engineering and transportation, said: “Following discussions with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, we’ve informed Serco NorthLink that Hatston Pier can be used by the Hrossey when she arrives in Orkney this evening.

“Dealing the logistical challenges the incident created involved a big team effort by a number of agencies. I am pleased there was a successful outcome – with hopefully minimal disruption for those using the overnight ferry – and I would like to offer my thanks to all involved.”