Teistin “can’t handle pressure” on Sandoy route

With increased industrial activity in Sandoy, current ferry ‘Teistin’ is proving inadequate to meet the demand for cargo transport, according to Sandur’s mayor Brandur Sandoy.

He says that either the number of daily trips must be increased, or a new and larger ferry must be brought in to keep up with upcoming changes in cargo transport to and from the island.

This comes after the announcement that the ferry will be transporting less cargo after 1 October and the ferry’s crew will be given the authority to decide on the passenger/cargo ratio.

Sandur’s industry in jeopardy

Teistin currently carries some 95 tonnes of industrial cargo per trip, but this amount will be reduced to 65 tonnes after 1 October.

The mayor believes this reduction in cargo transport will have serious consequences for the Sandoy Seafood fish filleting plant in Skopun.

Sandoy Seafood CEO Martin Olsen agrees, saying that it is not uncommon that containers with fish have been left stranded on the Streymoy side for up to two days due to place restrictions on the ferry.

Cargo transport down by a third

In addition to an increased volume of fish cargo, the ferry also needs to provide regular and reliable access for large concrete trucks serving the two tunnel projects currently underway in Sandoy.

Brandur Sandoy recently announced that he will be stepping down as mayor next month after taking up an MP position, a role which he aims to use to improve passenger and cargo transport to and from the island.

Translated by prosa.fo