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Fish firms call for ferry inquiry Fish firms call for ferry inquiry
(3 days later)
Scottish fish processors are calling for a public inquiry after ferry services from Shetland were cancelled for most of last week.Scottish fish processors are calling for a public inquiry after ferry services from Shetland were cancelled for most of last week.
They said they had been unable to transport their fresh fish supplies and claimed the cancellations had cost them thousands of pounds.They said they had been unable to transport their fresh fish supplies and claimed the cancellations had cost them thousands of pounds.
Bad weather meant the Northlink service from Shetland to Aberdeen failed to sail on most days last week.Bad weather meant the Northlink service from Shetland to Aberdeen failed to sail on most days last week.
Northlink said a very large swell and high winds made conditions unsafe.Northlink said a very large swell and high winds made conditions unsafe.
However, Andrew Charles, an Aberdeen-based director of the Scottish Fish Processors' Association, said fish processors had been provided with a reliable service by the previous operator, P&O.However, Andrew Charles, an Aberdeen-based director of the Scottish Fish Processors' Association, said fish processors had been provided with a reliable service by the previous operator, P&O.
'Real experts'
Northlink is due to meet Shetland processors for talks.Northlink is due to meet Shetland processors for talks.
But Mr Charles said Northlink was funded by the taxpayer and therefore there should be an inquiry.But Mr Charles said Northlink was funded by the taxpayer and therefore there should be an inquiry.
A spokesman for Northlink said: "As ever in these situations, the decision as to whether our ferries sail is taken by the masters of those vessels.
"They are the real experts in this and we have complete confidence in their decisions which are taken with the safety of our passengers and crew, our vessels and their cargos at the forefront of their minds.
"We are acutely aware of the disruption caused to our passengers and freight customers and apologise for inconvenience caused, but we will not compromise on the safety of our vessels and those who sail on them."