CalMacThe MV Isle of Islay, the first of the CalMac fleet to be built in Turkey, will enter service officially after “unplanned technical issues”.
The vessel will carry passengers for the first time on the 12.30pm sailing from Port Askaig, Islay, to Kennacraig in Kintyre.
She will then sail back to the island from the mainland later that afternoon.
Following sea trials carried out earlier this month, CalMac planned for the ferry to carry passengers ahead of the start of the summer timetable on Friday, March 27.
However, it remained out of service, along with MV Glen Sannox and MV Isle of Arran, due to “unplanned technical issues”.
The company has confirmed that snagging works have been carried out to ensure the vessel is ready to begin service.
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 CEO Duncan Mackison said: “I am very pleased to be able to say that MV Isle of Islay will welcome her first official passengers on the Islay route this week. Islanders will have spotted her out on trials over the past few weeks, but this will be the first time they will get to travel on board.
“The difference the vessel will make to available capacity – 40% – will be extremely welcome on this popular and busy route, both for customers and for freight passengers.
“The further three new large vessels and a further seven small vessels by 2029 will greatly improve reliability and resilience throughout the network.”
Plans for the vessel to conduct further commercial sailings beyond Tuesday on the Islay route will be agreed as soon as possible.
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