A refit schedule for Cal Mac ferries has been thrown off course after one ship damaged her propellers in a drydock accident.
Ferry passengers are also suffering travel chaos as relief timetables on two busy Western Isles routes were ditched as a result.
The incident occurred when MV Clansman was entering the James Watt dock in Greenock.
New propeller blades have to be manufactured from scratch to replace the twisted parts.
It means a lengthy delay for MV Hebrides’s annual refit.
The vessel is remaining on her Lochmaddy and Tarbert runs for longer than expected.
The disruption saw many passengers forced to rebook transport connections at additional cost.
A Cal Mac spokesman confirmed the ship’s propeller was damaged during an impact in the drydock and the specially produced replacement parts are required.
He added: “Technical issues with major vessels do unfortunately have a knock on effect across the fleet with some services more disrupted than others.
“We have to make a judgement on what will cause the least amount of disruption while maintaining lifeline services.
“We apologise for any inconvenience these service changes cause.”
Damaged propeller causes ferry disruption
26 March 2018