A number of Caledonian MacBrayne’s existing ships are set to be assigned to other communities in the ferry network over the next couple of years.
The introduction of new vessels in the fleet will release a number of ferries to be redeployed elsewhere.
Working assumptions have been drawn up under a Scottish Government plan though changeover
dates depend on when new-build vessels are delivered.
Current thinking is to shift MV Clansman to the Oban-Castlebay service by 2027 when
two new ships take up the split Tarbert and Lochmaddy routes. The move would see
CalMac returning MV Isle of Lewis to CMAL.
At the same time MV Hebrides is expected to transfer to Coll/Tiree and Colonsay sailings where she could operate up to the end of the decade. The Hebrides is herself due to leave the fleet by 2031 prompting a desire to build her replacement to the ‘Islay vessel’ design though that would require major port upgrade works at Coll and Tiree.
MV Caledonian Isles is pencilled in for the Craignure-Oban route after MV Glen Rosa
commences passenger duties at Arran with CalMac. However, the Rosa’s delivery date
is up in the air. No substantive estimate of when construction of the ship will be
completed has been proffered since November. Ferguson Marine’s last timeline suggested
a handover in September this autumn.
The aging MV Isle of Mull is in line for disposal after she is replaced on the Mull service by the Caledonian Isles. MV Loch Frisa is expected to continue on the route it is understood.
A business case to build two new vessels to work the Mull service is at an early stage. The replacements are many years away and the project is not currently funded. MV Loch Frisa could then be potentially redeployed from Craignure to elsewhere on the network if a crossing with suitable harbours is identified.
Around next spring, MV Isle of Arran is expected to become surplus to CalMac’s requirements and MV Finlaggan will become the resilience vessel for the CalMac fleet when Islay receives two new ferries from Turkey. MV Isle of Islay is expected to be plying the Islay route later this year with sister ship, MV Loch Indaal, joining her some six months later.
The vessel redeployment proposals reflects the Scottish Government’s ambition to
replace the ferry fleet and enhance reliability and resilience. However, the plan
hinges on the availability of funding. Individual investment in port and vessel projects
will also require to pass value-for-money tests and detailed business cases.
Meanwhile, business cases are being developed to renew or upgrade port infrastructure at Gasay Lochboisdale, Oban, Armadale, and Kennacraig. Funding decisions whether to support these projects will consider affordability and value for money as the business cases progress. An upgrade is also earmarked for Castlebay in the coming years.
The earliest estimate for delivery of a replacement MV Lord of the Isles for the South Uist run is the end of 2028. The outline business case is at an advanced stage while funding has been earmarked to start the tender process.
MV Finlaggan and MV Loch Seaforth are due to be replaced from 2036.
Proposals to switch existing CalMac ferries to different routes after new ships arrive
4 May 2025