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Glen Sannox to take over Lewis route after main ferry withdrawn

News imageGetty Images Loch Seaforth ferry. It is on the water with a hill behind it. The ferry is mainly white at the top with blue underneath. It has a red and black funnel and its name and Caledonian MacBrayne written in white on the sideGetty Images
Engineers are working on an issue with a ramp on the MV Loch Seaforth

The main Calmac ferry to Lewis has broken down, with MV Glen Sannox taking over the route while it is repaired.

MV Loch Seaforth, which sails between Ullapool and Stornoway, has a problem with the ramp at its bow. Engineers are carrying out repairs.

Problems across the Calmac network caused by breakdowns and maintenance demands have eased in recent days.

However, passengers are being warned of possible disruption across 15 out of 30 west coast routes.

CalMac said that if Loch Seaforth returned to the route soon, it was considering whether Glen Sannox could be moved to the Islay route to operate alongside MV Finlaggan.

MV Alfred would then return to the Troon-Brodick route from Islay.

Although trials last autumn were successful on the Islay run, tidal surges at Kennacraig, which have become apparent recently, would make it challenging to operate consistently.

MV Isle of Islay was redeployed from Islay to Barra last week to allow timetabled services to resume between Castlebay and Oban, and for the normal timetable to be restored on the Little Minch, operated by MV Clansman.

CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison said: "MV Loch Seaforth provides a passenger service during the day and a freight service overnight between Ullapool and Stornoway.

"She's a vital leg in the supply chain for the whole of the Western Isles, and though we're working urgently to repair her, we need to be proactive in taking steps to protect that supply chain. That's why MV Glen Sannox will head north to provide relief.

"This redeployment comes in the context of a critical situation with five major and four small vessels off service.

"Though several routes are operating normally, we are sorry for the ongoing disruption to islands and communities across the network and particularly on those still experiencing reduced services."

The MV Loch Seaforth, which cost £42m to build, made its first passenger sailing 11 years ago.

It has capacity for 700 passengers, 143 cars or 20 commercial vehicles.

It was named after a mail boat that sailed between Lewis and the Scottish mainland from the 1940s until the 1970s.

Which CalMac vessels are currently unavailable?

MAJOR VESSELS

  • Loch Seaforth - technical issue with ramp
  • MV Lord of the Isles - Unable to sail due to issue with starboard main engine "holding down" arrangement and has been relocated to the Clyde for repairs.
  • MV Isle of Arran - CalMac has struggled to source a second replacement coupling for the bow thruster due to the vessel's age and "unique components". New parts may have to be manufactured.
  • MV Isle of Lewis - Major steelwork corrosion identified during annual maintenance and not expected to return until the end of May.
  • MV Hebrides - Remains in planned annual overhaul and is scheduled to return to service on 18 April.

SMALL VESSELS

  • MV Loch Tarbert - Unplanned technical issue
  • MV Loch Bhrusda - Due back on Wednesday after being sent toMallaig for repairs following issue with forward main engine
  • MV Loch Portain - Planned annual overhaul and not due to return until 12 May.
  • MV Loch Frisa - Sea trials following annual overhaul. Expected to be back in service on Wednesday.