About the Shetland Islands

The Shetland Islands is an archipelago located 80 kms (50 miles) north-east from the Orkney Islands. Some 16 islands are inhabited by a total of 22,000, although by far the most populated is Mainland with 17,500 inhabitants. The principal town and gateway port is Lerwick.

Lifeline ferry services to the Shetland Islands are operated by Northlink Ferries between Aberdeen and Lerwick, with some services calling at Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands en route. There are departures every evening in both directions, the direct services taking 12 hours to complete the crossing with those via Kirkwall taking an additional 90 minutes. These principal services are operated by the 2002-built twins M/F Hrossey and M/F Hjaltland.

Services to the Shetland Islands carry a combination of both tourist and freight traffic but there are some additional services using dedicated freight vessels, such as the 7,600ton twins M/F Hildasay and M/F Helliar.

Which route?

Whichever route, AferryFreight can offer you competitive rates and deal with all major UK and European Ferry operators.

You can use this page to view all freight services to the Shetland Islands, their ports and routes, or use our booking engine above to compare all routes to and from Shetland.

Our team of dedicated multi lingual staff are also on hand to offer you advise as to which route may be best for you, please call us on + 44 (0)844 576 0060.