Nordic Sea repair work progresses

A full assessment of the Nordic Sea vessel has been carried out and damage to the fibreglass hull repaired.

During the inspection at a local boatyard an unrelated defect was found on one of the stabilisers which requires repair. A delivery of spare parts from Norway for this has been delayed by the festive period and an update on this is being sought.

Additional fendering will be fitted to the Papa Westray pier to reduce the risk of any future potential issues and an order has been placed with a contractor to progress this work.

The Golden Mariana continues to operate the passenger service between Papa Westray and Westray in the meantime.

No date can be confirmed at this stage for the return to service of the Nordic Sea given the outstanding matters.

OIC Head of Marine Services, Transportation and Harbour Master, Jim Buck, said: “It’s not possible to give a date yet for return to service until we know the timeline for the arrival of parts and contractor progress. We will, of course, keep the public informed of said progress and when a resumption of the Nordic Sea on the route is going to happen as timely as is possible.

“We apologise to the travelling public for this interruption of service by the Nordic Sea after what we recognise was a much-awaited newer vessel. We hope that it won’t be too long before the more modern and accessible vessel is back on the route. We thank the public for their ongoing patience after what has been a trying time for all concerned.”