Ferry Nice Indeed! Inter Island Ferries Get Switched On.
The issue of ferries in the islands around our shores has been a hot topic over the last few years, but for once there seems to be light down the tunnel, an electric light. There is to be a new trial electric ferry for the Orkneys. Let’s hope there are enough recharging points! The test is part of a £15.5m trial project which is part of the country’s bid to go carbon neutral and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. The trial will run from 2024 until 2026
Next year, in March 2024 there is to be a test of the first of two electric ferries. The largest of the two ships, which will both be hydrofoils skimming over the water, will come in service in 2025. This vessel can carry up to 50 passengers and light cargo on a five times daily circuit between Kirkwall, the main town on Orkney and the outer islands of Westray, Eday, Sanday and Stronsay.
While the tiddler of the two will run throughout the year on a daily basis in 2024, between Kirkwall and the islands of Shapinsay, Rousay, Egilsay. This ferry can carry a maximum of 12 passengers and I would expect some light freight too. The ferries will be supplied from a yard in Belfast, let’s hope the maiden voyages are a success as we don’t want Leonardo DiCaprio starring in the film with Kate Windswept!
And let’s also hope we don’t have another naming contest after the Boaty McBoatFace saga, let’s pull the plug on that idea. Although if you own an electric car on the Orkneys, they say there are more chargers per vehicle than any other part of the Nation. Additionally as part of this new electrification drive is a series of power supplies for fishing ports to save the trawlers running their diesel engines all the time they are in port to keep their refrigeration units going. Shipping is responsible for around 3% of global CO2 emissions, as 80% of the world’s trade goes by sea.
Currently the ferries are clapped out old things, only known for their unreliability and pollution producing powers so shiny new ones will be a boon to the islands. The inter Island ferries are no part of the Edinburgh run CalMac Ferries and are run by local councils, so this is all a bit of a nose tweak to the Holyrood Parliament and it won’t be a long term solution for the current ageing ferry fleet.
But we can offer you a long term solution to your present buying problems in a one stop shop with all the goodies we have, at decent prices, here at James Pirie. Take for example in the last knocking of our Grand Summer Sale there is the beautiful and classy Aviemore 4 Old Fashioned Tumblers in a lovely presentation box from Royal Scot Crystal with 60% off, while stocks last. Don’t regret that you didn’t take advantage of us while you could. Happy Gifting!
