“Fun and fantastic” - Freyja of Scapa is officially named by two Orkney namesakes!

“Fun, fantastic, awesome and amazing” – words used by the two young Orkney girls to sum up the official naming ceremony of their namesake vessel Freyja of Scapa.

The county’s third tug received a traditional ‘champagne’ blessing at Scapa Pier on Monday (15 May) by five-year-old Freyja Hazel Seatter, from Orphir, and Freya Evans, 9, of Tankerness.

Chair of the Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee and local minister, David Dawson performed the religious blessing for the onward safe passage of the vessel and all who sail on Freyja of Scapa.

The girls said they were quite nervous ahead of the official duty – however, both said the words “I name this ship Freyja of Scapa” beautifully.

Freyja and Freya, family members and invited guests were treated to a short trip around Scapa Flow, whereby the vessel’s two sister ships Odin of Scapa and Thor of Scapa paid tribute with a water display.

When asked what the best part of the ceremony was – Freya said: “All of it” and Freyja added: “The ride out.”

Freyja was joined by her parents, Cheryl and Cliff, younger sister Brynja, and grandparents, while Freya was accompanied by stepdad Graham Macdonald and younger brother Arthur.

It’s been full steam ahead for Freyja of Scapa since she began work at the end of October 2022 alongside Odin of Scapa and Thor of Scapa, who have been in service since September 2020.

OIC Head of Marine Services, Transport and Harbour Master, Jim Buck, said: “Our thanks go to both young ladies for agreeing to be part of this special ceremony and to name Freyja of Scapa and officially welcome the vessel into Orkney Harbours and the marine world of Orkney.

“They did a first-class job of naming the vessel. We are very grateful to get this third tug in the series to replace our old but much-loved tugs. Sanmar Shipyards of Turkey have done a fantastic job in building the three vessels and we have a representative here today to witness this special occasion. Such is the high standard of design and build, Sanmar are now selling many more as a result as others recognise the quality of tugs we have here in Scapa Flow.”

The new tugs play a vital role at the heart of harbour operations being used for ship handling, towing and escort. Each 32m tug has a maximum bollard pull ahead of 78 tonnes and a free running speed of 14.3 knots.

Council Convener, Graham Bevan, added: “It’s a very special occasion to see this magnificent ship coming into service officially and thank you to the two young ladies for carrying out the duty so well – I hope you remember this going forward.

“The naming of ships is an ancient maritime tradition that goes back thousands of years. The tugs will bear these proud names as they go about their business of facilitating safe and efficient maritime operations in Orkney waters. They have an exemplary track record since coming on stream whatever the demands placed upon them.

“Odin of Scapa, Thor of Scapa and Freyja of Scapa represent a commitment to the people of Orkney to create sustainable, viable harbours with the ability to move towards a low carbon, green maritime future and these tugs are the first steps on that generational transition.”