CalMac says two of its major ferries are now ready to step in as backup vessels this summer, following a period of widespread disruption across the network.
MV Isle of Arran has become available after MV Isle of Islay entered service on the route it is named after, allowing it to be deployed as a resilience vessel for Clyde and Argyll routes. Meanwhile, MV Alfred is currently operating on the Troon-Brodick service to Arran, freeing MV Glen Sannox to provide resilience cover for major routes in the Western Isles.
The Glen Sannox can be sent to Barra, Ullapool-Stornoway and the Little Minch, meaning it can quickly replace a vessel if another route is affected by technical problems or disruption. CalMac said the ferry has already been used in previous spring disruption on routes including Oban-Castlebay and Ullapool-Stornoway.
The operator said the arrangement reflects a broader long-term aim to keep a dedicated resilience vessel in the fleet, and that having two major vessels available this summer should improve reliability for island communities.
Duncan Mackison, CalMac’s CEO, said: “Part of the long-term plan for fleet renewal involves retaining a resilience vessel, but we’re pleased to be able to offer that this summer with two major vessels ready to respond to unplanned technical issues quickly.
“We appreciate it was a challenging spring for CalMac and the communities we serve, but we’ve now enjoyed a month of relatively stable service across all routes, and we can plan with a level of confidence for the rest of summer thanks to having back-up vessels in place.”
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CalMac also said MV Isle of Arran will cover MV Isle of Mull for seven days on the Oban-Craignure route from Tuesday 23 June while repairs are carried out on the Mull vessel’s bow visor. Mr Mackison said that cover would be provided without disrupting booked customers or forcing changes elsewhere in the fleet.
The resilience vessels will also be used to support island events and festivals, including extra capacity for the Tiree Music Festival, with options being reviewed for additional sailings for the Eilean Dorcha Festival on Lewis. The summer timetable runs until Sunday, 18 October.
