NorthLink Ferries

NorthLink Ferries is the operator of passenger and vehicle ferries between Aberdeen and the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland.

Until 2002, the Northern Isles were served by P&O Scottish Ferries until the contract was awarded to NorthLink Ferries, then a joint venture between Caledonian MacBrayne and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Serco took over the operation of Northlink Ferries in July 2012. Serco operate three passenger vessels on the Orkney & Shetland routes: the MV Hjaltland, MV Hrossey and MV Hamnavoe.

In addition the company operate two freight vessels: the MV Hildasay and the MV Helliar. Northlink Ferries has offices in Stromness, Kirkwall, Lerwick and Aberdeen and from the ferry terminals at Scrabster and Hatston.

NorthLink Ferries sail daily from Aberdeen to Lerwick with frequent calls at Kirkwall, and from Scrabster on the north coast of Scotland to Stromness in Orkney. Ferries operate 363 days per year providing the lifeline service to the Northern Isles, with islanders, visitors, goods and supplies all travelling by NorthLink Ferries. The ships are designed with comfort in mind, with well-appointed lounges and bars, dining facilities and menus containing a selection of fine Island and local Scottish mainland produce. Vessels also have an on-board retail outlet, on board entertainment and comfortable cabin accommodation.