The existing 42 year old linkspan is approaching the end of its design life and would have to be replaced very soon in any case.
The additional tonnage of MV Loch Seaforth necessitated an enhanced fender design which makes the current linkspan inaccessible to some CalMac relief vessels (MVs’ Clansman and Hebrides) wishing to discharge freight vehicles. The new double width linkspan will also speed up loading and unloading and help ensure punctuality of service and minimise timetable delays.
Why is the work being carried out now rather than later in the year?
There are many reasons that the work needs to be carried out now.
In its current configuration, MV Isle of Lewis, MV Loch Seaforth and MV Clipper Ranger are the only vessels which can provide a service for all vehicle types. Replacing the linkspan now will give a higher level of resilience to the route as it will allow all the major CalMac vessels to provide a full vehicle service.
Clipper Ranger, which currently provides the freight service, is only available on
charter until May 2015. If the works were delayed until later in the year, our ability
to continue to provide a service to our freight customers would be extremely limited.
We cannot rely on being able to secure a short-
It also made more sense to complete the works as a single project rather than subject customers to two separate periods of disruption by closing the linkspan next year. Furthermore, having reviewed alternative possible dates, there was no way to prevent disruption occurring on other peak holidays so it seemed more reasonable to do this now when the impact could be minimised.
Lastly, it was felt it would be better for the communities serviced to benefit now from the improvements that an upgraded linkspan would bring rather than later in the year with both improved infrastructure and a new ferry being fully operational for the busy 2015 summer season.
Why wasn’t there more consultation on the changes?
We did not think it would be fair to invite consultation on an issue which has limited operational options. Additionally there was no certainty on when the job would actually commence until the 3rd November when Ullapool Harbour received permission through the granting of a Marine Licence. Had the licence application been upheld then this would have jeopardised the accelerate linkspan replacement and as such it was felt no announcement should be made until there was surety on this.
How long is the port going to be closed to vehicular traffic?
As with other construction projects it is hard to put a definitive time line on work as weather etc will influence this. We are confident that if all factors are favourable work will be complete in no more than six weeks
How much is this work costing?
The works are costing around £6 million.
Who is paying for it?
Ullapool Harbour Trust is paying for the upgrade with a major funding contribution from Transport Scotland (as was the case for the pier works at Ullapool and Stornoway).
What are my alternatives for travel?
A vehicle service will typically operate one return sailing per day from Stornoway to Uig using MV Isle of Lewis. A freight service will also operate on one return sailing per day from Stornoway to Uig using MV Clipper Ranger. Two return passenger sailings will continue to operate from Stornoway to Ullapool using MV Loch Seaforth, maintaining connectivity with other public transport services.
Will there be enough space on the ships for the expected levels of traffic?
We are undertaking a review of carryings across a similar period last year however, we are confident that there will be sufficient space on the ships to carry all likely levels of traffic, including over the Easter weekend.
Will this impact on MV Loch Seaforth operating on this route?
MV Loch Seaforth will operate as a passenger-
Will this postpone even further MV Loch Seaforth starting on this route?
No. MV Loch Seaforth’s ability to operate on the route is not dependent on the Ullapool linkspan works. She will be ready to enter service once the works at Stornoway harbour are completed
Have you considered every option before arriving at this alternative?
Yes. We have looked at a wide range of options involving different ships and different ports and consider the proposal to be the very best way to maintain services without causing further disruption elsewhere in the network.
We have no other ships available to us at this time and cannot use any other ship within the network without significantly disrupting another service.We also considered the use of other ports but the nearest mainland port with a suitable linkspan is Scrabster in Caithness. This was disregarded as it was felt the passage time would be too lengthy at up to 7 hours, the port too remote from other services and onward journey time too excessive, all of which would be unacceptable to our customers.
Uig is the only suitable alternative which would enable us to provide as near to
a like-
Where can I find a copy of the passenger and vehicle timetable from Stornoway to Uig?
You can access a copy of the timetable at http://www.calmac.co.uk/Downloads/2014/Timetable%20Amends/Ullapool%20Linkspan%20 Closure%20Timetable.pdf
Where can I find a copy of the freight timetable from Stornoway to Uig?
You can download a copy of the freight timetable at http://www.calmac.co.uk/Downloads/2014/Timetable%20Amends/Ullapool%20Linkspan%20 Closure%20Timetable%20Freight.pdf
Why does the Stornoway to Uig timetable change every day?
MV Isle of Lewis and MV Clipper Ranger are deeper drafted than the regular vessels which use Uig which limits the time that the ships can safely get in and out of the pier. We also had to operate around the existing Uig to Tarbert timetable, which we are contractually obligated to maintain and which limited our operational window further.
Why did you not replace MV Isle of Lewis and MV Clipper Ranger with a ship which is not tidally restricted?
We have no other ships available to us at this time and cannot use any other ship within the network without significantly disrupting another service.
Why did you not use MV Finlaggan to provide a vehicle and freight service in place of MV Isle of Lewis and MV Clipper Ranger?
We are unable to use MV Finlaggan without significantly disrupting an alternative route.
Why have you had to change the freight timetable from the current one?
We have had to work round tidal ranges which prevent us from operating to Uig at the same times that we currently operate to Ullapool.
► Temporary Stornoway ferry timetable
Ullapool linkspan closure questions
20 January 2015
► Revised Stornoway to Skye sailings
The Ullapool ferry terminal will be out of action for vehicles for six weeks in the Spring, and an irregular timetable in place for an alternative service between Skye and Stornoway.
Following queries from Hebrides News, ferry operator Cal Mac has issued a set of frequently asked questions to address queries about the rationale for the work, why it can't be delayed, and the limits of the options open to the ferry company.
Why is the work necessary?
It is vital infrastructure improvement works that are needed to improve the facilities at Ullapool to allow the port to manage more vessels and replace an ageing and vulnerable asset.