CalMac vessel shortages worsen as eighth ferry MV Lord of the Isles out of action

Ferry operator CalMac has issued an update as it deals with an “unprecedented level of challenges” on its network.

Eight of its ferries are now out of action, with disruption impacting “virtually every island” served by a major vessel.

Four vessels are currently undergoing scheduled maintenance, while the other four are facing a range of unplanned technical issues.

The MV Glen Sannox was taken out of commission due to engine issues, the MV Isle of Arran due to damaged couplings on its bow thrusters and the MV Isle of Islay due to issues with its power management system.

On Saturday, CalMac CEO Duncan Mackison announced the MV Lord of the Isles is now also out of service.

He said: “The critical situation we find ourselves in has worsened due to MV Lord of the Isles reporting an engine issue today.

“The timeline for her to be fixed is unknown and she is unlikely to be able to transit to a repair berth until Monday.”

It’s currently unknown when disruption to its services between Coll, Tiree and Colonsay.

Meanwhile, Barra and South Uist are running on a reduced service, with both islands sharing the MV Isle of Mull.

MV Clansman is covering Uig-Tarbert-Lochmaddy with MV Hebrides in planned maintenance.

The MV Alfred, MV Loch Frisa and MV Hebrides are not due back into service until April.

CalMac confirmed services will continue to be impacted over the weekend and early next week.

Mr Mackison added: “As well as trying to manage disruption over the weekend, we’re urgently looking at deployment plans into next week to put services in place on islands facing disruption or cancellation due to vessel availability.

“Disruption will certainly continue into next week but we’re working hard to permanently address the issue with MV Glen Sannox’s exhaust and to rectify the outstanding issues on MV Isle of Islay, to get both vessels in service as soon as possible.”