HAMNAVOE

HAMNAVOE (IMO: 9246061) is a Passenger vessel sailing under the UK flag. It has an overall length of 367 feets and a beam of 59 feets.

Vessel Identification

Specifications

Propulsion

Shipyard

Owner / Operator

Navigation / Communications Equipment

Operating Region

Vessel Description

HAMNAVOE is a purpose-built Ro-Ro passenger ferry constructed in 2002 at Aker Finnyards in Rauma, Finland, and entered service in 2002 on the Pentland Firth crossing. The vessel operates under the NorthLink Ferries brand, managed by Serco, serving the strategically important route between Stromness on Orkney and Scrabster on the Scottish mainland — one of the shortest but most challenging ferry crossings in the United Kingdom due to the strong tidal streams and exposed conditions of the Pentland Firth.

The vessel features a diesel-electric propulsion system utilising Wärtsilä azipod units, providing enhanced manoeuvrability in the constrained port approaches at both Stromness and Scrabster. The name Hamnavoe is the old Norse name for Stromness, reflecting the deep historical and cultural connection between Orkney and Scandinavian heritage. The vessel provides a lifeline transport link for residents, commercial traffic, and tourists accessing the Orkney Islands.