Reduced car capacity will affect Stornoway ferry all summer says CalMac
1 May 2024
Vehicle capacity on MV Loch Seaforth has been cut by 13 or so cars each sailing because
of a faulty mezzanine deck.
The fault on her port side mezz deck will not be repaired in time for the very busy
summer season.
CalMac said repairs will not be undertaken until the start of the winter timetable.
With car bookings steadily increasing on the Stornoway - Ullapool route in recent
weeks, the problem arises at the worst possible time.
The mezz deck will next be back in action in mid-November when the Loch Seaforth
returns from her scheduled annual dry docking.
In a customer update, CalMac said: “Due to an issue identified with MV Loch Seaforth's
port mezzanine deck, it has been necessary to remove it from service.
“This has resulted in a reduction in vehicle capacity onboard the vessel and all
impacted traffic has now been contacted.
“Due to the nature of the work involved to carry out repairs, this reduction will
remain in place for the summer timetable period (until 19 October) with repairs scheduled
for the vessels annual overhaul period.”
MV Loch Seaforth is due to depart Stornoway for drydock around the weekend of 20
October it is understood.
The problem which emerged four weeks ago will not be resolved until then.
Meanwhile, due to a technical issue with the port authority passenger gangway in
Stornoway, foot passengers are still be required to embark and disembark via the
car deck.
