Vehicle capacity on MV Hebrides remains reduced while a serious fault with the vessel’s mezzanine deck awaits repair.

Two cracks were discovered on the hoistable platform a month ago, ruling it out of service.

Vehicle carrying capacity has been cut by eight car spaces on every sailing.

Inspections have now been carried out on the mezzanine deck with CalMac say they are “working on a repair option.”

An exact date for resuming normal service has not been announced.

Initially, CalMac estimated repairs would be completed within two weeks. That timescale is now likely to triple the original prediction though there is less pressure in general on capacity at the moment compared to the peak of the summer season.

However, next week’s start of the school October holidays and the Royal National Mod is expected to put demand on some sailings.

In an update, the shipping company said: “In order to manage current available space, a reduction in vehicle capacity onboard the vessel will remain in place until 10 October and any customers impacted by this will be contacted directly.”

Cracks in MV Hebrides’ ferry mezzanine deck still await repair

3 October 2024