Eco-Friendly Ferry Arrives in Scotland

Scottish operator Pentland Ferries’ new vessel Alfred arrived in Orkney after completing a 5,481 nautical mile voyage from shipbuilder Strategic Marine’s Vung Tao, Vietnam, shipyard that began August 29.

After final fittings and trials, MV Alfred will connect passengers from Orkney to the Scottish mainland on the service already operated by family business Pentland Ferries.

"The new vessel will provide the most environmentally-friendly ferry service in Scotland," said a press release.

MV Alfred can hold more passengers than its predecessor, MV Pentalina, with enough space for 430 passengers and 98 cars, or 54 cars and 12 articulated vehicles/coaches. The ship will also have a dog-friendly indoor sun deck lounge in addition to five other seating areas.

The new ferry will undertake its first crossing from St Margaret’s Hope to Gills Bay in Caithness early November, and Pentland Ferries managing director Andrew Banks is delighted with the quality of the ship and the service it is set to deliver.

“This is the most environmentally friendly ferry of its kind in Scotland and its low fuel consumption makes it the greenest way to travel to Orkney,” he said.