MV Pentalina heads for drydock

A catamaran ferry available for charter is entering drydock ahead of a proposed deployment to a yet unconfirmed route within Scotland.

Pentland Ferries, owners of MV Pentalina, have been undertaking a recruitment drive to crew the vessel for a hire contract.

Talks regarding the vessel have been rumbling on for a very lengthy period between CalMac and Pentland Ferries through there is no word from either operator as to the outcome of recent discussions.

Pressure for an immediate hire to eased when the Scottish Government secured the use of MV Arrow as a stand-by freight vessel.

Most of the likely sea routes for any deployment of the Pentalina around the Scottish coast are in CalMac territory.

Arrangements for drydocking the 70-metre-long vehicle in Greenock were made late last year it is understood, long before the present strain on CalMac’s fleet unfolded.

CalMac and Transport Scotland are somewhat coy in revealing any details of progressing a potential hire, possibly connected to the experience in 2021 when they prematurely boldly proclaimed they had secured the Pentalina for a 12-month charter only for a last minute withdrawal by Pentland Ferries.

Scottish Government’s ferry agency, Transport Scotland, has said it is exploring all options for second hand tonnage, subject to suitability, availability and affordability.

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 releasing an existing ferry as a relief vessel.

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.

MV Pentalina heads for drydock before deployment in Scottish waters

27 January 2022