Early Deployment of MV Isle of Islay Due to Arran Demand
The first of four new CalMac ferries constructed in Turkey, MV Isle of Islay, could be introduced into service earlier than planned to address capacity shortages on routes to and from Arran.
MV Isle of Islay has been placed on standby to accommodate booking demand following a warning light issue on the port main engine of MV Glen Sannox, which occurred just one week after the vessel resumed service after a three-month hiatus.
MV Caledonian Isles recommenced operations on the primary Ardrossan-Brodick route on Wednesday; however, MV Alfred, the catamaran chartered to provide additional resilience on this route, is currently undergoing maintenance.
A CalMac spokesperson stated that MV Isle of Islay is expected to be ready for the Islay summer route when it restarts on 27 March.
If required, CalMac indicated that MV Isle of Islay could also operate on the Claonaig-Lochranza route.
The vessel, built at the Cemre shipyard in Turkey, arrived in Scotland in January, three months later than initially scheduled.
A second ferry intended for the Islay route, MV Loch Indaal, is anticipated to be delivered in six months, while construction continues on two additional ferries destined for the Little Minch, serving North Uist and Harris.
Technical Issues Affect MV Glen Sannox and Fleet Maintenance
MV Glen Sannox had returned to its usual route following an extended annual overhaul and remedial work addressing a vibration problem.
CalMac reported that the vessel's "oil mist detector alarm" for the port main engine was triggered as it approached Troon on Monday.
MV Caledonian Isles completed sea trials on Wednesday morning after undergoing repairs to technical faults.
Both MV Isle of Lewis and MV Hebrides are currently out of service for maintenance. A CalMac spokesperson acknowledged that "challenging decisions" have been necessary regarding fleet deployment.
CalMac also noted that the remaining berthing trials for MV Isle of Islay have been postponed, and the vessel is scheduled to berth at Kennacraig.
The ship has a capacity of 450 passengers and can carry 100 cars or 14 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
Fleet Deployment and Service Adjustments
The spokesperson explained the current vessel deployment situation:
"At present, MV Isle of Arran is operating single-vessel to Mull and MV Isle of Mull is providing a shared service to Barra and South Uist. MV Lord of the Isles is on Coll-Tiree.
All the above leaves us with little option in terms of vessel deployment to manage disruption.
Deploying MV Isle of Islay to operate Troon-Brodick and serve Arran on a temporary basis is being considered to meet expected demand if MV Glen Sannox remains unavailable."
"We are sorry for the disruption and are making every effort to reinstate normal services."
Background on MV Glen Sannox
MV Glen Sannox entered service in January 2025 after experiencing years of delays and cost overruns.
The vessel, the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual fuel ferry built in the UK, received positive feedback from passengers. However, a few months after entering service, a small weld crack was detected in the hull at the aft end.
An investigation determined that the crack was caused by excessive vibration during manoeuvring.
