ORKNEY FERRIES
The engine of the Papa Westray to Westray route vessel Nordic Sea, built in Norway in 2012 and acquired in 2020 at a reported cost of £1.5 million, has had to be removed and sent back to its manufacturers in Cumbernauld.
The Scottish Government, owners of Orkney Ferries through Orkney Islands Council, paid half the vessel’s cost price, but one problem has followed another since Nordic Sea was introduced as a replacement for passenger vessel Golden Mariana (1973/33gt).
Nordic Sea had been expected to leave dry dock in late July, but a spokesman said there would be a further delay until engine work had been completed. Staff from Orkney Marine Services and Orkney Ferries travelled to Norway to inspect the vessel before the purchase, but Nordic Sea sustained damage on her debut crossing to Papa Westray on 3 December 2021 and has faced various issues since.