Pentland Ferries has announced that the company’s new ship, MV Alfred, left the yard in Vietnam, yesterday morning (Thursday 29 August 2019), to start the long voyage home to Orkney.
Director of Pentland Ferries, Kathryn Scollie, said: “We are delighted that the MV Alfred is now on her way. We are now very much looking forward to introducing her to the St Margaret’s Hope – Gill’s Bay service before the end of the year.
“We are very grateful for all the support we have received and, in particular, all the hard work from our own team, that has helped get us to this stage.
“The arrival and commissioning of this new vessel is hugely significant for us. We are committed to delivering the best possible service for local people and for the many visitors who come to our islands. We are thrilled to be able to make today’s announcement and we await the arrival of the Alfred with great anticipation.”
The MV Alfred, which has been named after Pentland Ferries’ owner and managing director, Andrew Banks’ father, has carrying capacity for 430 passengers and 98 cars, or 54 cars and 12 articulated vehicles/coaches.
Facilities on board includes two lounges with seating, two cafeteria lounges, a children’s play area, an indoor sundeck lounge (where dogs are welcome), outdoor seating area, cafeteria and wheelchair lift.
“All being well, the ship will be here mid October,” said Kathryn, “and we are sure that our customers will really appreciate the enhancement of service it will bring to Orkney.”
