Two ferries option for summer sailings 11/3/14
Cal Mac may have two ferries operating on the Ullapool to Stornoway run next summer.
The new German-
The ship being launched in ten days and she will then be fitted out before delivery
to Scotland to replace the MV Isle of Lewis and the dedicated freight ship, MV Clipper
Ranger.
Cal Mac raised the possibility of the present MV Isle of Lewis being based at Stornoway in addition to the new MV Loch Seaforth for extra sailings during the height of the tourism season.
It stresses this is only if it was shown that there was a rise in traffic to the islands requiring a second ferry.
If the demand does not materialise, there is a risk of a cut in the number of sailings compared to this year’s timetable as the bigger MV Loch Seaforth can carry more vehicles in less voyages compared to the MV Isle of Lewis.
The shipping companies does not think there will be sufficient traffic.
Its figures are at odds with a survey undertaken by the Outer Hebrides Tourism Industry Association (OHTIA).
The OHTIA urge more sailings plus an improved booking system, maintaining many would-
It says the Stornoway ferry was fully booked almost every day in July 2013, even with additional voyages, according to the OHTIA.
If Cal Mac’s forecasts bear up, then the present additional late night sailings on Wednesdays and Fridays, which carry a backlog of traffic, may cease.
It said “further discussion” for the summer 2015 timetable is required including options for “additional late Saturday sailings, a second Sunday service, and, if demand can be demonstrated, the retention of the MV Isle of Lewis to provide additional capacity.”
The shipping company discussed the introduction of the new ferry at meetings in Stornoway today (Tues).
Senior representatives of CalMac, including managing director Martin Dorchester and
chairman David McGibbon heard of concerns from community, haulage and tourism representatives
over the new ferry as well as complaints associated with the Stornoway-
Martin Dorchester said: “The arrival of the MV Loch Seaforth is good news and we look forward to receiving her from CMAL in due course. The introduction of any new vessel brings with it some challenges and our customers can be assured we will do everything we can to make the transition as smooth as possible.
“The associated harbour works are not without their challenges too, but we know that the harbour authorities, CMAL and Transport Scotland, who are responsible for these, recognise the importance of minimising disruption and can rely on us to play our part in that."
He added: "We are aware that some concern has been expressed about capacity constraints on the service, but our own audited figures show that the pinch points are focused on peak sailings at the height of the season, and that there is ample capacity at other times.
“In addition the new ship is larger and there is scope for switching some traffic to the overnight sailings, so we are confident that we can cope with the expected demand.”