Outcome of Stornoway berthing trials prompts CalMac rethink on MV Alfred’s deployment

CalMac’s chartered catamaran, MV Alfred, has been ruled out for the Stornoway - Ullapool service.

The ferry operator had high hopes that the 5,499 tonne ship would fit the linkspan at Stornoway.

However, after berthing trials were carried out on Tuesday morning CalMac said relief freight sailings would be covered by back-up vessel, MV Hebridean Isles, instead.

Due to her small capacity and cargo weight limitations, the Heb Isles needs to operate two return crossings daily.

MV Hebridean Isles will remain on the service until 3 November when MV Arrow - hired from the Isle of Man - takes over.

Following a crew change in Stornoway last night, MV Alfred returns to resilience duties on CalMac’s west coast network , covering outages, backlogs and breakdowns.

A CalMac spokeswoman said: “As a result of berthing trials conducted yesterday, initial indications are that MV Alfred will not be able to operate on the Stornoway – Ullapool route.

“Therefore, MV Hebridean Isles will require to remain on this route to cover the overnight freight service until the arrival of MV Arrow.”

“MV Alfred will now conduct berthing trials at Tarbert Harris and Lochmaddy, before any decisions are taken regarding her next deployment, which will be confirmed later this week.”

MV Hebridean Isles is expected to be deployed to support the Islay route for a week after her Stornoway stint is completed. She is also booked in for annual overhaul around 10 November.

Relief arrangements are needed on the Stornoway - Ullapool service to cover the period MV Loch Seaforth undergoes her annual maintenance and a series of official inspections at Cammell Laird’s yard on the River Mersey.

Castlebay ferry MV Isle of Lewis operates the relief daytime sailings but she is not suitable for deployment on a third overnight sailing for freight so a different vessel is called in.

MV Hebridean Isles is now back in working order following months-long repairs with a £2.5 million price tag.

The four-year-old Alfred has only just resumed service following a four week engine breakdown. Vital spares were delayed getting through customs on the continent. Repairs were overseen by her owner, Pentland Ferries.

CalMac rethink on MV Alfred’s deployment after outcome of Stornoway trials

25 October 2023