Shetland Islands Council has signed a deal to sell its troubled tug Solan, operated by Sullom Voe Harbour Authority, to an Italy-based towage company Panfido.

The council added that the tug, which used to provide towage services at the Port of Sullom Voe, will now be used in the port of Naples.

Panfido is also moving ahead on purchasing Solan's sister vessel, Bonxie, which is forecast to leave Shetland in February.

The vessels were delivered to Sullom Voe four years ago, but encountered a number of issues during their time in the port, including steering glitches.

Their steering problems were eventually resolved. However, after the council decided to switch to a four-tug operation using smaller vessels, the Solan and Bonxie became surplus and were put on the market.

The council did not disclose the transaction price of the two vessels.