Berthing trials for CalMac back-up ship on substitute Sound of Harris route

CalMac is retaining MV Hebridean Isles in the Western Isles as a potential reserve vessel.

The latest plan is to deploy the veteran ship on a Lochmaddy - Tarbert route when MV Loch Portain is out of action - which is likely anytime a stiff breeze blows.

The Loch Portain is limited in her ability to operate due to engine problems, and with current back-up vessel, MV Loch Bhrusda required to cover the Sound of Barra route from Sunday, impacts risk reaching major or even critical levels without action.

Berthing trials will take place at each port tomorrow (Saturday). Both linkspans have to be an appropriate fit before the final decision to deploy her is approved.

If trials are successful, the 37-year-old Heb Isles will operate sailings between Tarbert and Lochmaddy when MV Loch Portain is unable to operate.

A timetable for sailings is being drawn up.

However, MV Hebridean Isles is only available until the end of next week.

She departs after 10th November for her annual overhaul.

But Loch Portain is unlikely to be back on full duty by then - due to delays in securing spare parts - so CalMac is drawing up a contingency plan in an attempt to cover the route from next weekend.

Though MV Hebridean Isles has docked the North Uist and Harris harbours on hundreds of occasions throughout her lengthy career with Caledonian MacBrayne - she was based on the Skye triangle for 15 years - recent quayside work, new fendering and upgrades have altered the piers, necessitating Saturday’s trials to check if she still fits the berths.

Hebrides News revealed last week how chartered catamaran, MV Alfred, was considered for the same back-up option. She undertook berthing tests at both Lochmaddy and Tarbert but has since been despatched to the Arran service to release MV Caledonian Isles for berthing trials for under pressure Mull and Islay links.

The Sound of Harris service is regularly placed under huge strain due to the ongoing unreliability of MV Loch Portain which is operating under strength due to a fault in one of her four engines.

Only a special derogation from UK shipping regulator, Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) permits the Loch Portain to operate on three engines - strictly limited to reasonable wind and sea conditions.

With the looming prospect of the rest of the season being dominated by widespread cancelled sailings on the Berneray - Leverburgh link, CalMac is faced with the problem of ensuring people, health and emergency personnel, foodstuffs, and essential supplies get through to Uist and Barra.

Sailings have regularly been cancelled over days on end - creating backlogs of stranded traffic - since the engine breakdown manifested. Passenger-only travel has been provided by a hired boat, weather permitting.

CalMac ferry trials on substitute route for disruption-hit Sound of Harris service

3 November 2023