Background

Our story began in 1875 with the North of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland Steam Navigation Company. Over the decades, the service evolved as part of P&O Ferries, adapting to changing transport needs while maintaining its vital role in connecting island communities. In 2002, the freight and distribution operation was acquired through a management buyout, allowing the business to continue independently – building on a heritage that spans a century and a half.

While much has changed over the past 150 years, our purpose remains the same: adapting to new challenges while continuing to deliver trusted freight and distribution services across the North of Scotland, Orkney and Shetland.

We’re here to solve the transport needs of the communities in which we operate and also the industry sectors that are so vital to the local economy. From carrying time-sensitive seafood to transporting materials to Shetland for the development of the UK’s largest onshore wind farm, Northwards has developed the strategies and created the resources to answer the complex and diverse transportation challenges that our customers present us with.

We have the experience, and we have the infrastructure in place to make sure that, as our industry sectors evolve, we adapt accordingly. We provide a highly specialised – and often bespoke service for our customers.

We understand our customers’ markets and the pressure to keep transport costs down, so we find innovative and cost-effective solutions, so that they can focus on what they do best.