Progress on NorthLink ferry refits
Babcock International has completed the refits of NorthLink passenger ferries MV Hamnavoe and MV Hjaltland at the Babcock Rosyth site.
MV Hjaltland is the second of three Northlink vessels to return to the Babcock Rosyth site for an annual dry docking. This involved a specialist package of work including renewal of the Diesel Generators and engine exhausts, overhaul of the main alternator and bow thruster motor, stabiliser line boring, paintwork and a ro-ro upgrade. The team also carried out hull valve overhauls, a Lloyd’s five-year survey and tank cleaning.
Alan Nicoll, site operations director for Babcock at Rosyth, said: “Our multi-skilled team has successfully completed the second stage of a programme of scheduled and emergent works for NorthLink Ferries from our facilities at Rosyth, which will ensure that all three vessels are fully operational and back in service as planned.”
Refit trio
MV Hjaltland left Rosyth in mid-February, following the January departure of its sister ship MV Hamnavoe, which also underwent a package of work. The third NorthLink ferry – MV Hrossey – is due to arrive onsite in March.
MV Hrossey will undergo two weeks of mechanical and preservation work on stabilisers, bow and stern doors and ramps, topside white painting and tank surveys. The work will include additional repairs to sewage tanks and the ship’s side windows.
NorthLink passenger ferries run between mainland Scotland and the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
