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The new Stornoway ferry, MV Loch Seaforth has been undergoing engine trials off Ireland as she awaits a confirmed date for commencing the Stornoway to Ullapool service.

 

It had been hoped the £42 million vessel would start her Minch timetable this weekend - the 20th December was pencilled in for the maiden voyage.

MV Loch Seaforth off Mull during engine trials

However, there is no berth ready for her as pier construction works in Stornoway have been delayed again.

 

Since Thursday, the Seaforth has been testing out her twin engines and different manoeuvres on voyages down the Irish Sea which saw her steaming south beyond the Isle of Man, Liverpool and Dublin.

 

In the early hours of Saturday she turned back to Scotland and has been navigating around the Inner Hebrides.

 

Four days have been allocated for the present sea trials.

 

The MV Loch Seaforth will then wait on the Clyde until the pier is ready.

 

Construction is ongoing 24 hours a day at Stornoway harbour.

 

 

New ferry on engine trials

20 December 2014