Hoy Head is heading home

The South Isles Ferry Hoy Head is expected to return to Orkney today, Tuesday, after the project to extend the vessel’s hull by more than 13 metres.

With a new section added to the hull, the Hoy Head can now carry up to 24 cars – an increase of 10 – or up to three 16.5 metre heavy goods vehicles and seven cars.

As well as updating and lengthening the vessel, the £2.7 million project – funded by Orkney Islands Council – has also involved equipping the ferry with new main propulsion thrusters and an improved bow thruster capability.

Once all the crew have taken part in familiarising training, the Hoy Head is expected to be back into service by next week.