Shetland ferry return to service delayed over dry dock issue

One of Shetland Islands Council’s inter-island ferries, Geira, will remain out of service for even longer after her spell in dry dock was further delayed.

Having already been ruled out of action for a number of months, she is now only expected back in service on May 11.

The SIC said passengers with bookings for Unst or Fetlar between 20 and 30 April are advised to contact the booking office on 01595 745804 to rebook.

The Geira, which operates on the Bluemull Sound service, had been due to return to service on April 20 – an already behind-schedule date – but this has now been delayed further.

Ferry operations manager Andrew Inkster said that the new delay is due to “matters outside our control”.

He said that “every effort is being made to coordinate with the contractor and complete the re-engine works”.

Inkster apologised for the inconvenience caused, and said he would provide updates as more information becomes available.

With other ferries also in dry dock recently, a number of services – including Bluemull Sound – have been disrupted over recent weeks.

While services to Yell and Whalsay are back to full strength, Bluemull Sound is still running with a single vessel.