Update on Helliar and cancelled crossings

Serco Northlink has temporarily replaced its freight ship Helliar with the mv Arrow, but have said this afternoon that tonight’s and tomorrow’s sailings have been cancelled in anticipation of bad weather.

The Helliar broke down last Monday, with technical difficulties with one of its propellers.

A Serco NorthLink Ferries spokesperson said: “We have secured a replacement vessel for MV Helliar which is currently in dry-dock following technical difficulties with one of the vessel’s propellers.

“However due to forecast adverse weather conditions and operational requirements, this evening’s southbound sailing and tomorrow’s northbound sailing of mv Arrow between Lerwick and Aberdeen have been cancelled.”

“The next scheduled sailing will be on Wednesday, October 22, from Lerwick to Aberdeen at 6pm. In the meantime mv Hildasay will continue to operate as scheduled.”

“We anticipate mv Helliar’s return to service in two weeks — commencing November 3 — once we are satisfied that the necessary scope of work has been completed.”