Orcadia set to ply Orkney waters
(Picture: Colin T. Leck Photography)
A ferry named Orcadia looks set to go into service in Orkney waters for the first time in 25 years.
Pentland Ferries have changed the name of its latest acquisition, the former Clyde based ferry Saturn to Orcadia, a name which has been synonymous with ships serving in Orkney waters for well over 100 years.
The previous ferry named Orcadia was taken out of service back in 1990, with the introduction of ro-ro to the internal ferry service.
Pentland Ferries’ managing director Andrew Banks said yesterday, Wednesday, that Orcadia seemed a very appropriate name for the vessel.
He added that work was progressing well onboard the ship, and, depending on how planned sea trials go next week, the ship could arrive in Orkney later in the week. He also added that further maintenance work would continue on the vessel after the ship arrives in Orkney from Garvel on the Clyde, but it is planned that it will enter service in time for the busy summer season.
Mr Banks said that the former Saturn had been brought in to provide back-up for the Pentalina, with options for it to be used for freight work, and for working with the renewable energy sector around Orkney and the Pentland Firth, should the requirement occur.
Mr Banks previously stated that the boat gave the company more options when it came to carrying freight, potentially at peak times when the Pentalina can operate at capacity.
Full details in The Orcadian, out today.