CalMac fleet "back to normality"
CalMac has confirmed its ferry network has returned to full normality, with the return of two major vessels from extended repairs this week.
MV Hebrides returned to service on Wednesday and MV Isle of Lewis, which was in extended drydock for steelwork, is on her way to Stornoway to resume service from Saturday 16 May. The only major vessel still unavailable, MV Finlaggan, is in planned annual overhaul and due back on Wednesday 20 May.
The ferry operator had been facing one of its largest ever shortages in March and April, at points having ten vessels out of action.
It was a crisis which CalMac CEO Duncan Mackison called "unprecedented", but now at last, it is all over.
Duncan Mackison said: “Earlier this week, we restored normal service levels to Coll, Colonsay, Mull, South Uist and Tiree with the return of MV Hebrides. Now, with MV Isle of Lewis returning from repairs two weeks ahead of schedule, we can plan ahead with a level of confidence.
“We are delighted to have MV Alfred staying with us until the end of our summer timetable in October and, when all major units are available, we will have a resilience vessel throughout the peak summer months.
“Having a resilience vessel enables us to respond to any technical breakdowns quickly and to trial different vessels in different ports and better understand what can operate where. This allows us to make improvements to which vessels provide cover during our annual maintenance programme each winter and therefore improve the quality of service we offer island communities."
MV Alfred will remain on Troon-Brodick, operating alongside MV Caledonian Isles between Ardrossan-Brodick.
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