After being out of service for eight months, the MV Hebridean Isles may be back in operation this weekend. The CalMac ferry has been plagued by faults since February, leading to speculation that it would never return. Nevertheless, after undergoing repairs in Aberdeen, the ship will be used for carrying passengers, vehicles, and freight on the Islay route as part of its operational trials.
The MV Hebridean Isles is one of the oldest vessels in the CalMac fleet, having been launched in 1985. In January and February of this year, the ship was withdrawn from service due to technical faults. Despite being laid up in various locations for repairs, problems with the variable pitch propellers persisted.
In August, the vessel arrived at Dales Marine Services in Aberdeen for further repairs. It will provide support services for Islay from October 14 to 20 with a maximum of two return sailings per day between Kennacraig and Port Askaig.
The ship’s full recovery and return to service will be determined later this week. Meanwhile, CalMac faces a difficult period as it struggles to maintain its aging fleet while awaiting the arrival of new vessels. The Glen Sannox, still being constructed at the Ferguson shipyard, is not due for delivery until next year, while the first of four ferries being built in Turkey is not expected until late 2024. The MV Alfred, a catamaran chartered as a relief vessel, is also currently out of action with gearbox problems
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