HELLIAR
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5 days ago
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Heavy lift vessel trapped ferry in port
Exports of livestock and seafood have been thrown into chaos after the 'Helliar' became trapped in Leith by the Chinese heavy lift ship ' Ziang Tai Kou', offloading foundations for offshore wind turbines. Industry leaders have called on transport chiefs to intervene and secure the immediate release of the NorthLink ferry. The 'Helliar' had been scheduled to return to service on Oct 14, 2025, after a successful spell in dry dock, but the port entrance has become blocked by the heavy-lift vessel. With livestock season at its peak and the October holidays meaning the passenger ferries are nearing capacity, urgent questions have been asked about how economically important exports would continue without the 'Helliar'. Seafood Shetland was calling on Transport Scotland and the Scottish government to intervene. Holding the 'Helliar' has serious financial implications for both suppliers and their customers. The 'Helliar' finally left the port on Oct 16 at 7.30 a.m. en route to Aberdeen, expected to resume regular journeys to the isles from Aberdeen on oct 17 at 3.00 p.m., after the 'Xiang Tai Kou' made a quick loop out of the harbour to clear a path and then returned to its berth.
Propeller problem enforces drydocking
The "Helliar" was heading to dry dock in Liverpool on Oct 14, 2014, following a problem with one of its propellers. Once in dry-dock the problem will be looked at and repairs carried out. In the meantime the "Hildasay" was operating on a revised freight schedule and the ferry company was liaising closely with all stakeholders.
Rudder trouble resolved soon
Serco NorthLink said that the ship could be back in service next week. The ship has been out of action since the July 31 after suffering from rudder problems. The "Helliar" was taken to dry dock at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead on Aug 2 following the rudder problem which was identified in Aberdeen. On arrival, it became apparent that both rudders and associated rudder stocks required immediate attention. Work on both rudders and stocks were currently being undertaken by specialist contractors in Denmark. During this time, the vessel was also undergoing work scheduled for her January 2015 dry dock, negating the need for her removal from service in late December/early January. The "Helliar"’s return to service was expected on Aug 25. In the meantime, the "Hildasay" continued to operate a revised freight schedule.
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