MV Isle of Islay almost ready to enter service

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 said: “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.”