MV Isle of Islay set to arrive on island after sea trials

The MV Isle of Islay is set to arrive on the island she is to serve for the first time later this week.

The vessel will depart on network trials from Tuesday after completing a period in drydock for a mandatory hull survey.

The Isle of Islay will complete some sea trials before taking in Troon, Brodick and Campbeltown on Wednesday.

The vessel will then head to Port Askaig on Islay and remain there for several days for commissioning works and crew training on the winch aid.

MV Isle of Islay will complete trials at Port Askaig, Colonsay, Oban, Coll, Tiree, Castlebay, Lochmaddy, Stornoway, Ullapool, Tarbert and Uig between Saturday, March 14 and Tuesday, March 17.

Upon returning to Kennacraig on Wednesday, March 18, the crew will complete the final preparations for entering service.

CalMac plans for the vessel to carry passengers ahead of the start of the summer timetable on Friday, March 27.

MV Isle of Islay is the first of four 95-metre-long ferries being built at Turkey’s Cemre shipyard.

It has a capacity of 450 people, 100 cars, or 14 commercial vehicles.

CalMac’s fleet management director, Louis de Wolff, said: “Network trials are a key part of getting MV Isle of Islay ready for service, as we will get a clear picture of where she and her three sister vessels can operate.

“That is vital for building in the resilience and flexibility in services we expect these new vessels to bring, and should allow us to shorten the time it takes to get MV Loch Indaal, MV Lochmor and MV Claymore into service once they are delivered.

“We’re excited that communities across the Clyde and Hebrides will get to see the vessel steaming their way in the coming days. Soon, she’ll greatly enhance the ferry service to the mainland that the people of Islay and Jura depend on.”

Cabinet secretary for transport Fiona Hyslop added: “Full focus remains on preparing the MV Isle of Islay to enter service as soon as is practicable for the people and economy of Islay and Jura.

“These next steps will enable the crew to fully test the vessel’s capabilities, and the results of the network trials should allow for the following three Islay-class vessels to enter service sooner, once they are delivered.”

Kevin Hobbs, chief executive of CMAL, said: “Following the successful build and handover of MV Isle of Islay in Turkey, it’s great to see the CalMac team carrying out the berthing trials and final preparations for her entry to service.

“Our focus is now on expediting the delivery of her sister vessel, MV Loch Indaal, as well as the next two vessels in this class for the Little Minch, and the seven ferries in the Small Vessel Replacement Programme.

“This long-term investment means a third of the CalMac fleet will be renewed by the end of the decade.”