MV Loch Seaforth cannot operate at full car deck capacity due to problems with one on her hoistable deck.

The vessel’s port side mezzanine deck has been removed from service until further notice.

No timescale has been given for repairs.

CalMac said the issue results in reduced capacity onboard the vessel which operates the Stornoway - Ullapool route.

Affected car owners who will be unable to travel on their booked sailings will be contacted directly by the shipping company.

The ship will have been stuck in Ullapool for two days by the time her passenger service resumes following a number of Storm Kathleen related cancellations.

The loss of the mezzanine deck will impact the Loch Seaforth’s efforts to clear the backlog of stranded vehicles and passengers.

Meanwhile, the Stornoway Port operated passenger gangway in Stornoway is still broken necessitating foot passengers to embark and disembark via the car deck.

Reduced vehicle capacity on Stornoway ferry during backlog of storm delayed traffic

7 April 2024