CalMac’s MV Hebridean Isles to depart Stornoway on last run

17 November 2024

MV Hebridean Isles (Heb Isles) has completed what is believed to be her last commercial voyage for CalMac.

She is effectively removed from active duty after 39 years of faithful service.

The vessel is leaving Stornoway today (Sunday), initially setting course for Glasgow.

She is scheduled to arrive off Gourock shortly before dawn tomorrow (Monday) morning before transiting up the Clyde to a temporary berth at King George’s V dock in the Govan area.

Part of the southbound run will take place in darkness so it is very fortunate her radar has been repaired.

The Heb Isles is expected to transfer to a breaker’s yard by Thursday before her legal operation certificate expires.

The ship has been covering the Stornoway - Ullapool freight service while MV Loch Seaforth was in drydock.

Adverse weather resulted in the cancellation of her planned Friday return trip between Stornoway and Ullapool thus her last crossing carrying traffic and passengers was on Thursday.

Craig Ramsay, CalMac’s fleet management director, said: “MV Hebridean Isles’ planned disposal marks the latest step in a period of significant change for CalMac, which will see the rapid modernisation of our fleet of major vessels by 2026.

“If the Heb Isles were to be retained, she would require a significant programme of work in overhaul due to her age and general condition and this would keep her out of service for months.”

Kevin Hobbs, chief executive of CMAL, said: “Our plan to bring six new major vessels to the network by the end of 2025 is well underway, and with two of them headed for the Islay route, it’s time to retire the Hebridean Isles. She’s been one of the most flexible vessels on the network, having served almost every route at some point in her distinguished career."

Given her age and general condition, significant works had already been identified for overhaul were she to enter it. This, plus the requirement for a mandatory five-year survey, means the vessel would have spent a large period in drydock, certainly missing the bulk of the winter timetable.