The ferry operator CalMac has announced that the MV Caledonian Isles, serving the Brodick-Ardrossan/Troon route, may not be back in service until March due to further repairs needed. Originally scheduled to return on November 20 after planned repairs, the timetable has been pushed back as additional work is required on the ferry’s stern tube bearings and steelwork.
Currently berthed at Greenock’s James Watt Dock since returning from dry dock in September, the company is uncertain about the duration of the additional repairs. It is possible that the vessel might not be back in service until late March, making it out of commission for over a year.
Interim chief executive Duncan Mackison expressed the challenges faced by the network and the passengers who rely on it. He mentioned that decisions regarding the service plan will be made after consulting with the communities affected. Efforts to enhance service resilience, such as trialling third-party vessels and advancing the dry dock work for MV Caledonian Isles, will continue.
The operator is waiting for new bearings, with a potential arrival by mid-December, and consulting with a naval architect to determine the root cause of the steelwork issue. They are also coordinating with the drydock operator and other parties on the repair timeline and cost. Island communities will be consulted this week on a revised vessel deployment plan for winter.
Transport Scotland acknowledged the impact of delays and disruptions on island communities, expressing regret over the news that MV Caledonian Isles could be out of service for the rest of the winter timetable. Despite the challenges posed by the annual overhaul schedule, CalMac is committed to maintaining lifeline connectivity across the network.
Ministers and officials are urging CalMac to explore all options to expedite repairs and ensure that the needs of island communities are met. The ongoing efforts to address the issues with MV Caledonian Isles reflect the dedication to providing reliable service to passengers and maintaining crucial connections between islands.
