Serco : NorthLink Ferries adds extra stops to festive timetable

Media Release

Serco NorthLink Ferries adds extra stops to festive timetable

Two additional stops have been added to Serco NorthLink Ferries' festive timetable - supporting those looking to travel within the temporary relaxation period.

The Aberdeen-Lerwick northbound sailing on Tuesday 22 December will now call at Kirkwall, while the Lerwick-Aberdeen southbound sailing on Sunday 27 December will also stop at Kirkwall.

Physical distancing measures remain in place on NorthLink services, with capacity set at 335 on MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey, and 290 on MV Hamnavoe.

Stuart Garrett, Serco's Managing Director of NorthLink Ferries, said: "These additional calls will support people looking to travel across the festive period and are in line with Scottish Government guidance. As always, we would advise anyone travelling to only do so if it is line with public health guidelines at the time."

Bookings can be made at www.northlinkferries.co.ukor by calling 0845 6000 449.

Ends	08 December 2020

For further information please contact:

Nick Hanlon

0141 343 3279 [e-mail]

Notes to Editors:

About NorthLink Ferries

Serco NorthLink Ferries have operated the Northern Isles ferry service since 2012, sailing from Aberdeen to Orkney and Shetland as well as the Pentland Firth route. Each evening the MV Hrossey and Hjaltland alternate travelling from Aberdeen and Shetland. The MV Hamnavoe sails from Stromness to Scrabster throughout the day. MV Hildasay and Helliar are the two freight vessels with regular timetabled freight services to both Orkney and Shetland.

For islanders and visitors alike, NorthLink Ferries provide a welcome and reliable service, a vital link to and from mainland Scotland. NorthLink's modern passenger vessels are equipped to cater for everyone and travellers can expect a service that is testament to the islands' warmth and friendliness.

MV Hjaltland and Hrossey each have a range of 117 en-suite cabins along with on board facilities including a cinema, executive Magnus lounge, 3 pod lounges and Changing Places. Additionally all passenger vessels have a Feast Restaurant and bar areas serving a range of locally sourced produce. MV Hamnavoe offers a unique opportunity to see the Old Man of Hoy as the only sailing to travel past the impressive red sandstone sea stack. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NorthLink Ferries is operating at a reduced cabin capacity and a reduced on-board offering, with the cinema, bars and Magnus Lounge currently closed.

We view ourselves as an integral member of our local communities, serving key sectors within the Northern Isles economies including agriculture, aquaculture and tourism markets. We annually carry the equivalent of over 43 thousand freight trailers and 347 thousand passengers. This highlights the importance of the ferry operator working daily with stakeholders in all aspects of the operation.

2020 and 2021 is the dedicated, VisitScotland, Year of Coasts and Waters and we're excited to showcase and celebrate all that the nation has to offer. Throughout this period, various events and initiatives are to be held on board, in the islands and in the north east.

This community integration, as well as support of the local economy is, undoubtedly, important to us and we're proud to purchase over 90% of products for our passengers to enjoy on board from suppliers based within 50 miles of our operating ports. Whilst supporting the local economy this reduces the distances our deliveries have to travel, and with it our environmental impact.

NorthLink Ferries, which has offices in Aberdeen, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Stromness and Scrabster, has been awarded Investors in People Gold Award on both ship and shore, further ensuring local employment opportunities for all.

For further information please visit www.northlinkferries.co.uk

About Serco

Serco is an international service company, which combines commercial know-how with a deep public service ethos.

Around the world, we improve essential services by managing people, processes, technology and assets more effectively. We advise policy makers, design innovative solutions, integrate systems and - most of all - deliver to the public.

More information can be found at www.serco.com