Good Shepherd IV
Scottish ferry, connecting Fair Isle to Shetland Mainland
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Good Shepherd IV is a Scottish ferry, connecting Fair Isle to Shetland Mainland. It is owned and operated by SIC Ferries.[1][2]
Good Shepherd IV in Fair Isle harbour | |
| History | |
|---|---|
 United Kingdom | |
| Name | Good Shepherd IV |
| Owner | Shetland Islands Council |
| Operator | SIC Ferries |
| Port of registry | Lerwick |
| Route | Fair Isle |
| Ordered | February 1985 |
| Builder |
|
| Yard number | 1024 |
| Launched | February 1986 |
| Maiden voyage | 24 May 1986 |
| Identification |
|
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage |
|
| Displacement | 125.6 tonnes |
| Length | 18.3 m (60 ft 0 in) |
| Beam | 5.8 m (19 ft 0 in) |
| Draught | 2.63 m (8 ft 8 in) (max) |
| Depth | 3.168 m (10 ft 4.7 in) |
| Propulsion | 1 × Volvo TMD 121C 6 cyl 12 litre 239kW / 315hp |
| Speed | 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph) |
| Capacity |
|
History
The ship, built in St Monans, Fife, has been in service since 1986 and is operated by the Shetland Islands Council.
The previous ferry on this route, Good Shepherd III, was a former inshore trawler, owned by the islanders since 1972.[3]
Service
Replacement Ferry
A news report in September 2020 indicated that some members of Council believed that the 31-year-old Good Shepherd IV was due for replacement but that Holyrood had not authorized that expenditure. Councillor Allison Duncan was quoted as saying, "I think it's despicable that they can't at least look after one of our remote islands by giving them the boat that they justly deserve."[8]
In January 2023, £26.7 million was awarded by the UK Government, as part of the 'levelling up' fund, to the Shetland Islands Council for the purchase of a new ro-ro ferry for Fair Isle and new terminals at both the Grutness and Fair Isle ports, including linkspans. The new ferry is expected to be similar to the MV Snolda, with 25m length and capacity for about 4 cars and a crane. The work is due to be completed by April 2026. [9]
