News and Updates

We would like to advise customers that from Monday 9th September inclusive, the Scapa Flow service between Stromness, Lyness & Flotta and will move to an on request service only.

All passengers wishing to use this service must book at least one hour before departure – bookings can be made online or by phoning 01856 872044.

We are delighted to share with customers our new foot passenger service which will sail between Stromness, Lyness & Flotta provided by the M.V. Nordic Sea.

This service will commence on Monday 8th July and will depart from the same place the M.V. Graemsay does in Stromness.

The timetable can be found in our Timetables and Fares page

All passengers wishing to utilise this service must book and pay in advance.

We hope that this new route will relieve pressure from our Houton service during the summer months and give passengers more flexibility with their travel.

We would like to remind customers as we move into our busiest time of year, there are limited car parking facilities at our Houton terminal.

To avoid disappointment, where possible we would like to encourage passengers wishing to travel from Houton as foot passengers to make use of the ample long stay car parking facilities in Kirkwall and to utilise bus services from Kirkwall & Stromness that go directly to the Houton terminal.

Further information on car parking facilities can be found here - Parking and Car Parks (orkney.gov.uk).

Further information on the bus timetables can be found here (Service 2 & Service 5) - Bus Services (orkney.gov.uk).

For the latest updates, head to our website or social media feeds.

Please be aware that payment on board the Westray to Papa Westray Service is cash only.

Alternatively payment can be made prior to travel by booking online or calling our customer service team.

Orkney Ferries offer customers a way to receive disruption and cancellation messages to a smart phone or computer via Telegram.

Telegram is a free and simple messaging app with a focus on speed and security.

You can use Telegram on smartphones, tablets, and even computers. It’s very easy to use and only requires a name and mobile phone number to create an account.

To receive updates from please download the Telegram app from your app store, set up your account and then return to this page and select our unique link, which you can access by clicking here - Orkney Ferries Telegram Channel

Once on the channel you will be messaged with any updates on disruptions or cancellations in real time.