Orkney Ferries Ltd.

Although the vessels are now operated by Orkney Ferries which enable tourists to visit the smaller islands, the roads between the isles were served by a number of different operators the first of which was George Robertson who in 1865 introduced the steamer Orcadia.

So began the transformation of the Inter Islands ferry network within Orkneys 70 islands, 17 of which are inhabited, into what is known today as Orkney Ferry Ltd.

The 9 vessels currently making up the fleet comprise of large passenger ro-ro vessels such as the Earl Thorfinn and Earl Sigurd both 771 GRT to the smaller Golden Mariana of 33GRT.

Each ferry forms a vital link between the outer islands within the Orkney archipelago and the Orkney Mainland transporting passengers, vehicles and freight, including livestock on a daily basis. The main Company Offices are situated in Kirkwall on the harbour front and can be contacted by tel:01856 872044, fax:01856 872921, e-mail:info@orkneyferries.co.uk or can be visited at its web page { www.orkneyferries.co.uk }

Sailings from Kirkwall on the Earl Thorfinn, Earl Sigurd and the Varagen service the routes to Westry, Papa Westry, Stronsay, Sanday, Eday and North Ronaldsay. A service to the Island of Shapinsay also departs from Kirkwall on a regular basis journey time to the island approximately 20 mins.

The South Islands of Flotta and Hoy are serviced by the Hoy Head a ro-ro passenger vessel which departs from Houton situated in the northern reaches of Scapa Flow. This service passes is used by the visitors to historic war time sites on Hoy particularly the sites at Lyness.

The inner north isles of Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre have a regular service from Tingwall on the Orkney mainland using the small ferry Eynhallow so named after the small island to the south of Rousay.
As well as these ro-ro passenger ferries the ferry company operates two vessels which are passenger/freight vessels only : Golden Mariana and Graemsay. The former, operates a feeder service between Westry and Papa Westry, while the latter operates out of Stromness, a small fishing port to the west of Scapa Flow. The Graemsay runs between Moaness (North end of Hoy) and Graemsay and was established to offer an all year round service to those islands primarily for passengers and cargo.

The modern and efficient fleet operated by Orkney Ferries has come along way since 1865 but still considers it responsibilities of offering a safe and efficient service to both the islands residents and its visitors very seriously. It understands the vital role it takes in the socio- economic stability of the Island group and is glad to be able to demonstrate that to its users on a daily basis.

To experience the beauty of Orkney you’ll find no better way than taking a trip with Orkney Ferries.