Between 2002 and 2006 NorthLink 1 operated two routes under a public service contract: one triangular route between Aberdeen (Scottish mainland), Kirkwall (Orkney) and Lerwick (Shetland) and one shorter route between Scrabster (Scottish mainland) and Stromness (Orkney), across the Pentland Firth.
Ajavahemikus 2002–2006 osutas NorthLink 1 avaliku teenindamise lepingu alusel praamiteenust kahel liinil: kolme sihtkoha, Aberdeeni (Šotimaa mandriosa), Kirkwalli (Orkney saared) ja Lerwicki (Shetlandi saared) vahelisel liinil ning üle Pentlandi lahe sõitval lühemal liinil Scrabsteri (Šotimaa mandriosa) ja Stromnessi (Orkney saared) vahel.