The Ullapool linkspan replacement works are the latest in a series of investments at the Wester Ross port.
They will significantly enhance ferry services to the Western Isles for the long term by removing the restrictions with the current linkspa.
In future all major vessels in the Cal Mac fleet will be able to operate on the route.
The upgrades will double the size of the existing linkspan -
The works which will also increase the speed of loading and unloading are being carried out by the Ullapool Harbour Trust, the body which owns the facility.
While this work is underway, the ferry will be unable to take vehicle traffic for a planned period of approximately six weeks.
Instead, the MV Isle of Lewis will transport to take vehicle traffic to Uig in Skye.
A passenger-
Cal Mac defends ferry changes
20 November 2014
Martin Dorchester, managing director of Cal Mac accepted there would be “significant inconvenience” for drivers and truck companies.
He said the best options for travel would be discussed with them.
Mr Dorchester added: “It has proved to be a significant logistical challenge, especially matching the different vessels to different tides to find a way of continuing to provide a service from Stornoway, but we believe we have achieved a good solution that will ensure the continued flow of traffic to and from the Western Isles for the duration of the works.
Ullapool harbourmaster,Kevin Peach, said: “This work is unavoidable if we are to continue to provide a reliable and efficient service to the Western Isles in the future.
“We will do all we can to minimise disruption for our customers and get this improvement work completed as quickly as possible and apologise in advance for the inevitable inconvenience to the travelling public and local residents.”
Services on the Uig triangle with MV Finlaggan and MV Hebrides will be unaffected.