Discover the Helliar: Ratings & Maritime News

The port of Leith has been thrown into disarray as the heavy lift vessel 'Xiang Tai Kou,' operated by a Chinese firm, became lodged in a position that hindered the movement of the important NorthLink ferry 'Helliar.' The 'Xiang Tai Kou' was in the process of offloading foundation structures intended for offshore wind turbine projects when it inadvertently blocked the ferry's route. With livestock and seafood exports peaking, industry representatives are urging transport authorities to take immediate action to free the 'Helliar.' Scheduled to return to operations on October 14, 2025, after recent maintenance, the ferry's blockade raises significant concerns for the economic viability of local exporters. Seafood Shetland has appealed to Transport Scotland and the Scottish government to expedite the ferry's release, emphasizing the negative financial consequences for suppliers and their clientele. Fortunately, on October 16 at 7:30 AM, the 'Helliar' was able to depart, heading towards Aberdeen. It is anticipated to recommence regular services to the isles on October 17 at 3:00 PM, following the brief maneuver of the 'Xiang Tai Kou,' which temporarily exited the harbor to create a navigable channel before returning to its dock.

On October 14, 2014, the vessel 'Helliar' made its way to dry dock in Liverpool due to complications with one of its propellers. Upon arrival, a thorough inspection will be conducted, followed by necessary repairs to address the issue. Meanwhile, the 'Hildasay' is continuing operations with an adjusted freight schedule, as the ferry company maintains communication with all involved parties to ensure minimal disruption.

Serco NorthLink is optimistic that the ferry 'Helliar' will be operational again by next week after experiencing serious rudder issues. The vessel has been docked since July 31, when rudder complications were discovered during routine inspections in Aberdeen. Following this, the 'Helliar' was transported to dry dock at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead on August 2 for necessary repairs. Upon further examination, it was determined that both rudders and their respective stocks required urgent repairs. Expert contractors based in Denmark are currently undertaking this intensive work. Additionally, the ship is also receiving maintenance that was originally scheduled for her January 2015 dry docking, which helps streamline operations by preventing additional downtime during the busy December-January period. With repairs progressing well, the anticipated date for 'Helliar' to resume service is August 25. In the interim, the ferry 'Hildasay' is operating under a modified freight service to accommodate transportation needs.

The maritime community turned its focus to a remarkable search and rescue operation involving the vessel 'Helliar', alongside the ferry 'Hjatland' and the 'Gerda Saele', after a tragic helicopter incident occurred on August 23, 2013. The Eurocopter Super Puma AS332 L2, operated by CHC, carrying 18 individuals, crashed into the sea moments before landing at Sumburgh Airport, located at the southern tip of the Shetland Isles. The distress signal was lost around 6:20 p.m., just two miles west of the airport. Upon arrival, rescuers found the aircraft submerged upside down in the water. A total of 15 passengers were successfully saved and transported to the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick for medical attention. The Coastguard played a pivotal role in this operation, taking the survivors to the Clickimin emergency landing site. Among the rescued, five individuals were released soon after, while nine remained overnight for observation or due to exposure. Sadly, the bodies of three victims were recovered, with efforts ongoing to retrieve the fourth individual, who was still trapped in the wreckage. In addition to the 'Helliar', 'Hjatland', and 'Gerda Saele', several rescue helicopters from Shetland, the RAF team from Lossiemouth, and two Bond helicopters were dispatched to assist. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) also sent all-weather lifeboats from Aith and Lerwick to support the operation. As the search continued, a specialized medical team was flown in from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to assist. In response to the emergency, Sumburgh Airport was temporarily closed to facilitate the rescue efforts. The helicopter's life rafts were discovered empty, and debris from the aircraft began washing ashore near Sumburgh. However, challenging conditions hampered search operations, with visibility dropping to less than 50 meters due to poor weather. The ill-fated helicopter was en route to the Borgsten Dolphin rig, situated approximately 50 miles east of Shetland's northern coast, when the accident occurred. In the aftermath, the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch launched an inquiry into the incident. Furthermore, at a Helicopter Safety Steering Group meeting, offshore companies and unions collectively decided to suspend all commercial flights involving Super Puma models until at least August 28. The incident tragically claimed the lives of four individuals who were employed by Total through contractor organizations. For more details, you can view reports and footage related to the incident at: [Sky News](http://news.sky.com/story/1132614/helicopter-crash-four-dead-in-north-sea) and [RNLI](http://rnli.org/NewsCentre/Pages/RNLI-lifeboats-involved-in-rescue-operation-following-North-Sea-helicopter-crash.aspx).