THE linkspan at Vidlin ferry terminal in Shetland has been replaced as part of the island’s ongoing linkspan replacement programme.
Local contractors Malakoff Limited completed the works alongside Mott MacDonald and John Henderson (UK) Ltd.
The previous linkspan, which Shetland Islands Council said was approximately fourteen metres long and 30 tonnes in weight, was removed in an overnight operation at around 1 am last Tuesday (April 20) morning.
A new bearing plate was then fitted and the newly refurbished linkspan was lifted into place by crane, before a new hydraulic control hut was installed featuring new hydraulic pumps, generators and a control system.
A spokesperson from Shetland Islands Council said, “The linkspan at Vidlin ferry terminal has been replaced this week by local contractors 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.”
