Dales hails another busy year

Shetland Islands Council’s double ended ferry,

Daggri

was followed by its sister vessel,

Dagalien

, marking the third time they have each sailed south for biennial drydocking at Dales. Each was expected to be drydocked for approximately nine days.

The Council tugs Tystie and Dunter were also due to pay return visits last month and this respectively.

The scope of activity over the four vessels includes general servicing, washing, painting, and engine and propulsion work.

The Shetland vessels are among around 25 ships booked so far for 2009, with drydockings scheduled as far ahead as late this year. There are also a number of bookings for 2010. Activity this year to date has included a catamaran ferry and a French trawler, as well as oil industry vessels.

Dales marine director and general manager Michael Milne said, ‘The dry dock bookings and the high level of enquires, along with the volume of repair and maintenance work we carry out afloat, means that it promises to be another busy year.’

Established in 1987 in Peterhead and in Aberdeen since 1991, Dales Marine has operated the two acre site, which contains the largest privately operated drydock facility in Scotland, since 2004. The majority of vessels serviced are oil industry related, along with commercial shipping, tugs, and ferries.