The first sea trials for CalMac’s MV Isle of Islay ferry have been carried out successfully
by Cemre Marin Endustri in Yalova, Turkey.
The ship is the first of four being built in Turkey for the CalMac network.
Nine days of trials - also known as builder’s trials - were completed last weekend
with the vessel put through her paces in the waters off the shipyard in the Sea of
Marmara, with personnel from CMAL and CalMac onboard.
Jim Anderson, Director of Vessels at CMAL, said: “This is a great step forward in
the build programme of the Isle of Islay. The team at Cemre are working hard to prepare
the vessel for delivery.
“There is a great feeling of momentum following the successful completion of this
first phase of sea trials.”
Back in February Hebrides News reported how MV Isle of Islay would miss the peak
of a busy summer season with CalMac on Scotland’s west coast.
No new delay has been announced to the previously indicated timeframe of handing
over to Cmal by the end of September.
Much will depend upon progress continuing at the shipyard and installed machinery
and systems working to a satisfactory level as well as, importantly, the outcome
of the second set of sea trials set to take place later this summer, following the
installation of the vessel’s battery system and harbour acceptance trials of the
hybrid system.
Following delivery, several weeks of operational and familiarisation trials will
be needed before she will carry passengers.
Under existing timings, handover of the second ship, MV Loch Indaal, is expected
by the start of spring next year. MV Lochmor would arrive later in 2026 and MV Claymore
in 2027 with the these vessels set for Lochmaddy and Tarbert routes.
The first phase of sea trials last week saw the set-up of the propulsion systems,
generators, thrusters, stabilisers and associated electrical systems.
These were then tested, trialled and measured with inspectors from the ship’s classification
society, Lloyd’s Register, and UK shipping regulator, Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA),
in attendance.
Ultimately, these two organisations have the final say on whether the vessel is legally
approved for seagoing duties.
Testing evaluated the vessel’s performance at full load, including speed, stability,
manoeuvrability, anchor deployment and recovery, and endurance.
The trials also established the effectiveness of the vessel’s propulsion plant, automation
and navigational systems.
MV Isle of Islay successfully completes first sea trials
7 June 2025
