‘Hjaltland’ Ferry Faces Delays and Incidents
The ‘Hjaltland’ ferry experienced significant delays and incidents recently, impacting its schedule and operations. On April 11, 2026, the vessel arrived at Kirkwall nearly 10 hours late, docking at 8:30 a.m. Originally scheduled to depart from Lerwick at 5:30 p.m., the ferry did not leave until 11 p.m. due to a technical problem with its bow door. The crew worked diligently to resolve the mechanical issue, allowing the ferry to finally set sail. After completing passenger and cargo operations at Aberdeen, the ‘Hjaltland’ was able to depart, albeit behind schedule.
Dry Dock Flood Investigation Underway
In a separate incident, the ‘Hjaltland‘ was rendered out of service due to a flooding event in the dry dock at Rosyth Shipyard on February 20, 2025. The flooding occurred in the pump room, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The necessary repairs involved extensive work, including the removal and testing of all pumps, as well as the replacement of breakers, circuit boards, and control panels. Additionally, cables were stripped back and replaced to ensure the vessel’s safety and functionality. The timeline for the ‘Hjaltland’ to return to its regular schedule remains uncertain as repairs continue.
Medical Emergency Aboard ‘Hjaltland’
On October 20, 2024, a medical emergency occurred on the ‘Hjaltland’ while it was en route from Aberdeen to Orkney and Shetland. A passenger suffered a suspected broken bone, prompting immediate action. A rescue helicopter from Inverness was dispatched to airlift the injured individual from the ferry. This incident highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness on maritime vessels. Fortunately, the timely response ensured that the passenger received the necessary medical attention.
