Catamaran ferry eyed up by CalMac gets ready for charter

Pentland Ferries’ surplus vessel, MV Pentalina, is being crewed to operate on a short term contract to a yet unconfirmed route within Scotland.

The Orkney ship owner says it is seeking to recruit officers and ratings from January to end of March, with the “possibility of extension.”

Talks regarding a hire of the vessel have been ongoing between CalMac and Pentland Ferries for some time through there is no word from either operator as to the outcome of the latest discussions.

However, there are very few routes in Scottish waters - most are in CalMac territory - where she is likely to go if hired.

It is speculated the Pentalina may be temporarily deployed under a time charter to boost CalMac’s aging, overstretched fleet.

Her contract timings coincide with the duration of the Skye triangle ferry service shutdown while the Uig pier is being upgraded. The outage covers a period between January and March.

The Scottish Government’s ferry agency, Transport Scotland, would only say: “We are continuing to work on pursuing all reasonable and appropriate opportunities to enhance capacity and resilience in the short term through second hand vessels.”

The 70-metre-long vehicle and passenger twin hull ferry currently laid up in Orkney has previously featured in contingency plans by the Scottish Government and Cal Mac to provide a back-up ferry service.

In the event of the ship being chartered for CalMac she appears best suited for the Mull or Arran service thus allowing the option of freeing an existing ferry to possibly cover the Stornoway - Ullapool route as a second vessel during the Uig disruption period.

Pentland Ferries is seeking a captain and first mate as well as a chief engineer. A motorman is required for the engine room while deck seafarers are also sought.

The Pentalina has limited vehicle deck space, carrying only about the same number of cars - 58 - as the small MV Isle of Arran.

She could operate a sea link to Arran or Mull though there would be operational issues and slower turnaround times because of the vessel’s single ended design.

So confident was CalMac last year of securing a deal hire that they advertised for hospitality personnel. But Pentland Ferries unexpectedly pulled out at the last minute.

Catamaran ferry eyed up by CalMac gets ready for charter

13 December 2022

£ 7,730,685.00 Iom paid for MV Arrow