After withdrawing South Uist’s ferry link for over a week, CalMac is to provide a partial relief service on a longer detour to Oban.
Sailings on the regular Mallaig route are ruled out at present while CalMac deals with a ferry shortage crisis exacerbated by continued breakdowns with MV Caledonian Isles.
Stopping South Uist’s sailings completely by removing MV Lord of the Isles for a fleet reshuffle to cover gaps in the network provoked anger from the Uist community.
Now three relief sailings in both directions have been slotted in over the coming days with MV Isle of Mull operating from Oban and returning the following morning.
Unless MV Caledonian Isles is not repaired by 9 October disruption will continue and CalMac will advise on any revised deployment options.
MV Caledonian Isles has been out of action for much of this year due to serious corrosion
issues. She was set to finally return to the Ardrossan-Brodick route on 23 September
but problems with the port gearbox meant that the vessel had to be moved to dock
in Greenock for further investigation and repairs.
Investigations have now defined that the port main gearbox will need a full overhaul. Spare parts should be on the vessel early this week, the gearbox has been stripped down, and cleaning will be completed before the new spares are installed.
Once repairs are completed, alignment work with the gearbox and engine will be required. It is anticipated that it may be a further 10 days before the vessel can return to service.
MV Hebridean Isles remains on the main Arran route while MV Lord of the Isles will continue to operate the Islay service.
MV Clansman will cover the affected Oban-Craignure sailings on Saturday, providing
cover for displaced traffic on what will be the busiest day of the week for Mull.
A CalMac spokeswoman said: “Our teams are working closely with external contractors to ensure that MV Caledonian Isles can return to usual service as quickly as possible.”
Mallaig ferry link remains cancelled but CalMac offers South Uist skeleton service to Oban
1 October 2024
