CalMac confirm chartered catamaran MV Alfred to remain on route until summer

CalMac have confirmed that the chartered catamaran the MV Alfred will be deployed on the route between Ardrossan and Arran until June 29.

The vessel set sail on May 12 after a near month-long delay due to a fault with its hydraulic systems before it could take to the water.

The ferry was brought into service between Arran and Ardrossan to support the main ferry, MV Caledonian isles after months of problems and cancellations.

CalMac has also announced that additional services will be provided by MV Alfred from Friday May 26.

The vessel will operate three return sailings per day, between Friday and Monday, and two earlier departure return sailings Tuesday to Thursday, berthing at the Irish berth in Ardrossan.

Existing MV Isle of Arran bookings will be migrated to MV Alfred sailings and customers who are affected will be contacted directly, and any remaining capacity on the vessel will operate on a non-bookable basis.

Robbie Drummond, chief executive of CalMac, said: “We very much welcome the introduction into service of MV Alfred and the resilience that she is providing on the main Arran route.

“This route has been operating with only one vessel for some time, so the addition of MV Alfred will provide much-needed support to the local community.”