CalMac warns customers of disruption to services

CalMac is warning customers to expect disruption across its network in the coming days and weeks.

Several ferry services across the west coast of Scotland are expected to be affected by adverse weather this week. CalMac anticipates further disruption beyond that due to annual overhaul delays with vessels and an issue with the Irish berth at Ardrossan harbour, owned by Peel Ports.

Scotland is set to be hit by a second named storm in just a few days, with Storm Jocelyn forecast to bring high winds and heavy rain to large parts of the country. The Met Office has issued Amber weather warnings for wind and rain on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 January. CalMac crews are already working with port staff and other stakeholders to reduce the impact on communities and customers wherever possible.

Finlay MacRae, head of operations at CalMac, said: “It’s a challenging and difficult time for communities, with travel and supply chain interrupted throughout prolonged periods of adverse weather. Whilst disruption is unavoidable, we are continually looking at service resumption options when there’s a weather window and it is safe to do so.

“The safety of our crews, port staff and the customers we serve is our priority. We are always grateful to the communities who use the network for their patience and understanding during storms.”

CalMac has also made changes to its timetable until 6 March in response to vessels being delayed in annual overhauls, and an issue with the Irish berth at Ardrossan harbour.

MV Caledonian Isles, MV Coruisk and MV Isle of Mull will be in overhaul for longer than planned for essential repairs. CalMac is working with partners to finalise a timetable of repairs for each vessel.

During its annual overhaul, engine defects were identified on MV Coruisk, which would have affected its reliability. The engines will be disassembled, calibrated and cleaned as part of the additional maintenance. Repairs on the MV Isle of Mull are ongoing, with redocking planned for 27 January to complete the steel renewal of the underwater area of the vessel. The plan is for MV Isle of Mull to return to service on 9 February on the Oban-Craignure service. Until then, MV Loch of Frisa will operate as a single vessel on this route.

Work is ongoing to establish the full timeline of repairs for the MV Caledonian Isles.

Last week, CalMac was advised by Peel Ports, which owns the harbour, that the Irish berth at Ardrossan would have to close until at least 24 January for vital inspections, which are expected to take place this week. It is the only berth suitable for CalMac’s chartered vessel MV Alfred, which currently operates from Ardrossan to Brodick. In response to the berth issue at Ardrossan harbour, CalMac is working with partners to establish whether it will be possible to operate MV Alfred from Troon to Brodick and will provide further information later this week. MV Isle of Arran will continue to serve the Ardrossan to Brodick route.

Finlay MacRae added: “We recognise that timetable changes can cause disruption for customers, and that’s why our team acts quickly in these situations to make sure that all the communities we serve continue to have access to our routes.”

Customers can keep up to date on the status of CalMac’s network by checking the website or following @CalMac_Updates on X (formerly Twitter).