Discover the Hamnavoe: Ratings & Maritime News

On October 22, 2025, at approximately 8 a.m., a cargo shift incident occurred aboard the ferry 'Hamnavoe' while navigating the challenging waters of the Pentland Firth. The vessel was on its journey from Stromness to Scrabster when a lorry lost its cargo due to high swell conditions, resulting in a stone crusher tumbling onto five vehicles parked nearby. The affected vehicles included three cars and two vans, all of which sustained extensive damage; fortunately, there were no injuries reported among passengers or crew. Upon arriving at Scrabster, passengers were able to safely reclaim their unaffected vehicles and disembark. The ferry crew conducted a thorough review of the incident to prevent future occurrences. The disruption caused significant delays to following sailings. The originally scheduled 8.45 a.m. departure from Scrabster was postponed, setting sail at 5 p.m. and reaching its destination in Orkney by 6.30 p.m. Similarly, the intended 4.45 p.m. crossing from Stromness to Scrabster was delayed, departing at 7.15 p.m., and arriving in Caithness at 8.45 p.m. The typical 7 p.m. sailing back from Scrabster to Orkney set off at 9.30 p.m., with an estimated arrival time of 11 p.m. Looking ahead, the 'Hamnavoe' is scheduled to depart again on October 23 at 1 a.m., with anticipated arrival in Stromness at 2.30 a.m. However, further weather-related disruptions cannot be ruled out. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has been notified and is currently conducting inquiries into the incident. For detailed reports and images of the incident, visit the following links: [Inverness Courier](https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/pictures-devastating-damage-to-vehicles-aboard-scrabster-417356/?fbclid=Iwb21leANlv1ljbGNrA2W_QGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEeK6z-MY2UUC0MO8J3zB8cmziSTm0avEdo8atpkmFll01ZWtbD8LMsdhjL0Ow_aem_Eh24wjcgLS3qh77qychkZQ), [BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7517eg4d24o?xtor=AL-72-%5Bpartner%5D-%5Byahoo.north.america%5D-%5Bheadline%5D-%5Bnews%5D-%5Bbizdev%5D-%5Bisapi%5D), [John O'Groat Journal](https://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/cargo-shift-ferry-to-resume-sailings-after-incident-417374/).

On November 18, 2021, law enforcement officials apprehended drug dealer Frank Doull as he returned to Orkney from the mainland. The arrest took place aboard the 'Hamnavoe' ferry at Scrabster, as revealed during a hearing at Kirkwall Sheriff Court on September 27, 2023. The 31-year-old resident of Andersquoy Court, Old Scapa Court, Kirkwall, pleaded guilty to charges related to the supply of cannabis during the ferry crossing between Scrabster and Stromness. The court has postponed sentencing until October 25, 2023, pending a report from criminal justice social work.

On the morning of November 7, 2021, the ferry 'Hamnavoe' encountered engine issues, prompting the need for assistance to return to its berth in Stromness. The vessel, which operates under IMO number 9221700, experienced a reduction in power, relying on only a single engine. A tugboat named 'Odin of Scapa,' along with a pilot boat, was dispatched to aid the ferry in safely navigating back to the pier. As a precautionary measure, the engine was shut down, but the situation has since been accurately assessed and the engine is now functioning normally.

Serco NorthLink Ferries has officially secured the go-ahead for the implementation of a 'cold ironing' project for its Scrabster-Stromness ferry, HAMNAVOE. This innovative initiative will allow the vessel to connect to shore power while docked at the port of Stromness in the picturesque Orkney Islands. This environmentally friendly measure focuses on reducing emissions during port operations, aligning with broader sustainability goals in maritime transport.