Contractors Malakoff Ltd have completed work to replace the linkspan at Vidlin ferry terminal in the Shetland Islands.

Work began around the clock on Monday afternoon to remove the previous linkspan.

The old linkspan, approximately fourteen metres long and 30 tonnes in weight, was removed in an overnight operation at around 1am on Tuesday morning. A new bearing plate was then fitted and the newly refurbished linkspan was lifted into place by crane on Wednesday.


A new hydraulic control 'hut' has also been installed with new hydraulic pumps, generators and control systems, to replace the previous equipment.

As part of the ongoing linkspan replacement programme, the linkspan that has been removed will be completely refurbished, including being shot blasted, welded and recoated, before being refitted at another ferry terminal at a later date.

The next linkspan to be replaced will be at Skerries Ferry Terminal, starting on Monday 17 May, weather depending. Works are also planned for the Whalsay ferry terminal at Symbister later in the year.

Also involved in the works at Vidlin ferry terminal were Mott MacDonald, consulting engineers; and John Henderson (UK) Ltd, hydraulic specialists.