83 Photo: credit Despite these improvements, capacity constraints are particularly acute during the peak season from May to September. “During these months we are operating generally at about 95 per cent cabin utilisation,” says Garrett. “The only way to address that issue is to introduce additional assets.” Northlink hopes the answer lies in the FreightFlex programme – a newbuild project led by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) that aims to replace the ageing freight vessels Helliar and Hildasay with two purpose-built, dual-role ferries. These vessels are being procured specifically for the Aberdeen– Kirkwall/Lerwick route and are designed to deliver increased freight capacity, higher operating speeds and flexible passenger accommodation during peak periods. Under the current tender process, four shipyards – two in Turkey and two in China – have been shortlisted to progress to the invite-to-tender stage. While NorthLink will not be involved in selecting the final yard, it has played a central role in specifying operational requirements and undertaking port simulations, particularly at Aberdeen, where harbour constraints influence vessel design. “The two new 200-passenger-certified ro-pax vessels will provide 58 cabins and stabilised hulls for smoother sailing, with a maximum speed of 20 knots,” says Garrett. “There will be ample space on deck for cars and coaches. At the same time as the two FreightFlex vessels have been delivered, we will also have completed forward planning for the replacement tonnage for Hjaltland and Hrossey, which will be in their third decade of operation.” Operational resilience has also been tested in recent years. During the Covid-19 pandemic, NorthLink maintained uninterrupted lifeline services. “During Covid we did not miss a beat,” says Garrett. “We provided that lifeline service to Shetland, and that is something we are all very proud of within the business. And with the growth we’ve experienced since, planning ahead has become more important. FreightFlex is about addressing those pinch points while maintaining the integrity of the lifeline.” Looking to the future, Garrett emphasises how the FreightFlex vessels will transform the service and prepare it for future challenges. “Once these vessels are delivered, we will have addressed the core constraints in the system and created a platform for the next generation of fleet replacement, which is fundamental to sustaining lifeline connectivity for the Northern Isles,” he says. However, fleet investment is only part of the equation when it comes to Northlink’s success. NorthLink holds Investors in People Platinum accreditation, reflecting its approach to staff engagement and organisational culture. “It is a huge credit to the crew, and it reflects on the service our customers receive, both onboard and onshore,” says Garrett. “ Service delivery and market growth have been our biggest achievements”
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