Caledonian MacBrayne has announced that the return of MV Caledonian Isles to the
main Arran route has been pushed back to allow for a gearbox issue to be investigated.
The vessel is now set to resume service between Ardrossan and Brodick on Wednesday
25 June.
Until then, all customer demand will continue to be met with a two-vessel service
out of Troon with MV Glen Sannox and MV Alfred said CalMac.
However, CalMac is bereft of a relief vessel to cover any ferry disruption on Western
Isles services or elsewhere while the Caledonian Isles remains out of action.
Efforts to resolve the gearbox issue are ongoing, with several potential root causes
having been eliminated over the past few days.
The vessel will undertake further trials today (Tuesday) to gather data.
Kongsberg, the manufacturer of the gearbox, is sending a technical specialist to
the vessel who will arrive on Thursday. They have been providing remote support until
now.
The trials undertaken ahead of Thursday will gather more data to help CalMac and
Kongsberg diagnose and resolve the problem.
A CalMac spokeswoman said: “Whilst we recognise a further delay is disappointing,
we have taken the decision to extend the return date into next week to provide customers
and the community with certainty ahead of the weekend.
“Continuing to have MV Alfred as part of the fleet means that we can honour all customer
bookings, so visitors can still travel to and from Arran as planned.
“Once repaired, the vessel will need a further two days of sea trials before a full
return to service. Our next update to customers and to the Arran community will be
issued on Monday.”
Yet another delay to MV Caledonian Isles return to CalMac service
17 June 2025
