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CalMac delays return of MV Loch Seaforth to Ullapool-Stornoway service again; but signs of possible return on May 31


By Philip Murray

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The MV Loch Seaforth in Stornoway.
The MV Loch Seaforth in Stornoway.

THE long-awaited return of a broken down ferry to the Ullapool-Stornoway route has been pushed back again, and will now miss most of the latest Bank Holiday weekend.

CalMac bosses have confirmed that the MV Loch Seaforth, which has been out of action for a month-and-a-half, will not return to service before Monday, May 31 at the earliest – three days later than the previous update.

But, in a glimmer of hope for fed-up communities and passengers, the company added that plans for its return "are being finalised" and that "no further damage" has been found during the latest "intrusive inspections".

Robbie Drummond, managing director of CalMac, said: "Specialists are working throughout the day and night on the MV Loch Seaforth to ensure her safe return to Stornoway-Ullapool.

"This has been an extremely frustrating time for passengers and our staff and I am grateful to them all for their continued patience."

The ferry has been out of service since mid-April after one of its engines failed. Subsequent repairs by specialist engineers in Greenock uncovered further damage to the likes of the crankshaft – forcing its return to be repeatedly delayed.

A spokesman for the company said: "Essential repairs to the MV Loch Seaforth continue to progress well and plans are being finalised for her return to service.

"Specialist engineers are currently rebuilding her engine and report that she should be able to leave wet dock in Greenock on Friday, May 28, once successful testing has been carried out. The vessel will then undergo the required 50-hour period of sea trials whilst in transit to Stornoway.

"Following the initial repair to the MV Loch Seaforth engine, damage to the crankshaft was identified during post-repair testing that required further action.

"The crankshaft bearings have now been disassembled and inspected and the damaged bearing has been replaced. Related damage has been repaired by polishing. The sump and oil system has also been cleaned and inspected.

"Intrusive inspections have been conducted and no further damage has been found."

On arrival at Stornoway, the Loch Seaforth is expected to undertake further inspection to ensure that no further issues have arisen from the sea trials.

The MV Loch Seaforth. Picture: Alan Jamieson, via Wikimedia Commons.
The MV Loch Seaforth. Picture: Alan Jamieson, via Wikimedia Commons.

Until the MV Loch Seaforth is back in service, existing temporary arrangements and timetables will remain in place, including the replacement freight service on Stornoway-Ullapool.

While the Loch Seaforth has been out of action, the likes of the MV Isle of Lewis and other ferries were drafted in to help on the daytime route and the night-time freight services. This sparked knock-on disruption for a number of other routes elsewhere in the Inner and Outer Hebrides as a result of those ships being tied up on operation in The Minch.

If the Loch Seaforth successfully resumes the Ullapool-Stornoway service on Monday, May 31, then the following services are also expected to restart:

  • Barra-Oban will recommence on Wednesday, June 2 with the MV Isle of Lewis.
  • Islay-Kennacraig two-vessel service on Wednesday, June 2 – the MV Hebridean Isles will return to this service
  • Brodick-Ardrossan two vessel service will resume on Thursday, June 3 – MV Isle of Arran will return from the Islay service
  • Campbeltown Summer season will start on Thursday, June 3 with the MV Isle of Arran
  • Lochboisdale-Mallaig and Mallaig-Armadale will recommence on Wednesday, June 2 with the MV Lord of the Isles.

Related news: 'Fix the ferries' demand from Highland MSP


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