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Seòmar agus comataidhean

Question reference: S6W-18529

  • Date lodged: 1 June 2023
  • Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 15 June 2023

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has in place to ensure sufficient freight capacity on Serco NorthLink Ferries during the autumn 2023 livestock sales season.


Answer

The contract for operating services to the Northern Isles lies with Serco NorthLink Ferries (SNF). The responsibility and expertise for operational decisions rightly sits with them. As has been the case in previous years, SNF, is currently forecasting requirements in advance of this year’s livestock sales season. Working with key stakeholders, including those in the farming and aquaculture sectors, the operator expects to manage capacity by introducing the peak freight timetable earlier than usual and by fully utilising available capacity on the freight and passenger vessels to manage traffic during this busy period.