Arran ferry setback as main vessel return delayed
The boat was meant to return in June
Residents and businesses on Arran are set for a summer of further uncertainty after Caledonian MacBrayne announced further delays to the return of one of its ferries.
The main ship serving the busy route between the island and the mainland, the MV Caledonian Isles, will be out of action until the end of August, CalMac said.
The 31-year-old vessel was deemed unfit to return to service during its annual inspection in January, leaving the main means of crossing between Ardrossan and Brodick relying on a single, smaller ship, the 40-year-old MV Isle of Arran.
In February, the ferry operator insisted the Caledonian Isles would return in June but this has now been revised until at least August.
CalMac’s interim CEO Duncan Mackison said: “MV Caledonian Isles is now expected to return to service by the end of August.
“In the last week, we have been advised that the scope of repairs will take significantly longer than anticipated.
“We know this news is disappointing, particularly for people on Arran, which is normally served by the vessel.
“We issued a revised summer timetable when we knew MV Caledonian Isles would be unavailable for a significant period of time. That timetable will remain in place until she is ready to return, though we will continue to explore what we can do to support the service on that route.”
The steel repair work required is understood to involve removing all the engines at a cost of £5 million.
And Calmac admitted it is a bigger job than originally thought.
“The scope of work provided in February was indicative and subject to change based on a full analysis of the vessel’s repair needs,” Mr Mackison continued.
“The nature of the vessel’s structure is such that this analysis has been ongoing alongside repairs. This is a highly complex repair effort where we have to be mindful of the vessel’s age and condition.
“As part of the works, the auxiliary engines and their bedplates were removed from the vessel to allow access to the double bottom water ballast tank tops. The structure below the main engines is being supported using hydraulic jacks, whilst the steel around these engines is renewed.
“The main engines will need to be lifted off their bedplates to allow access under the engines for renewal of the tank top steel directly below the sump.
“With our partners, we exhausted every possible avenue to avoid removing the engines, but this is the only way to complete the works to the standard required.
“Our aim is to get the vessel back into service as quickly as possible, and it is in that spirit that we are in regular contact with the dry dock operator, which is working around the clock to complete these repairs at speed. We will continue to liaise with the Arran Ferry Committee and other local stakeholders on the vessel’s progress.”