The Scottish Government has provided funding for an additional ferry to improve resilience on the Clyde and Hebrides network.
MV Alfred is due to join CalMac’s fleet on a nine month time charter after an agreement was reached with Pentland Ferries.
Berthing trials have to be carried out to ascertain which linkspans and ports are suitable.
If trials are successful, the Alfred is expected to be based on hot lay-
Essentially, she will be an extra vessel this summer CalMac can switch around to support routes.
Although MV Alfred has similar vehicle carrying capacity to existing vessels such as MVs Caledonian Isles, Clansman and Hebrides, on a practical basis it is likely that the overall capacity offered would be reduced due to increased turnaround times, passage times and additionally limits to the working day due to the crewing model.
The Alfred will be on hire from 18 April until January with Orkney based Pentland Ferries providing her crew and delivering the service on behalf of CalMac. Pentland Ferries will retain full operational, technical and safety management of the vessel, including maintenance, repair, overhaul and provision of crew throughout the charter period.
MV Alfred entered service with Pentland Ferries in November 2019. She has spacious seating areas, outdoor seating, and an indoor dog-
There is also a lift for access from the car deck to the lounges, space for 98 cars, or 54 cars with 12 articulated vehicles/coaches and 430 passengers.
The ship is said to be the cleanest and greenest ferry of its kind, with over 60% less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than similar ferries serving the Scottish islands.
MV Alfred was built in Vung Tao, Vietnam, at the Strategic Marine shipyard.
Scottish Government investment of around £9 million will cover her berthing dues, fuel, commercial charter rate and other costs.
CalMac said it will engage with communities and confirm the details of her deployment in due course.
Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: “I’m pleased to announce an agreement has been reached with Pentland Ferries to charter the MV Alfred, bringing improved resilience to the Clyde and Hebrides ferry network.
“This is a key step in our longer term commitment to retain a fully crewed vessel in the fleet for this purpose, as set out in the draft islands Connectivity Plan.
“The Scottish Government is committed to improving the lifeline ferry fleet and better meeting the needs of island communities.
“Since May 2021, we have bought and deployed an additional vessel in the MV Loch Frisa, chartered the MV Arrow and now the MV Alfred to provide additional capacity, commissioned four new vessels and progressed investment to improve key ports and harbours.”
Robbie Drummond, CalMac’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted that MV Alfred will be joining the CalMac fleet, her addition will provide much-
“While her design means that she can only operate to some ports, having this extra vessel will help support the rest of the fleet during times of annual maintenance or disruption.”
Helen Inkster, managing director of Pentland Ferries,said: “I can confirm that we have signed an agreement with CalMac Ferries for the charter of MV Alfred.
“During the charter period the MV Pentalina will operate on the Pentland Firth route. This move ensures we continue to provide a reliable service to Orkney, while assisting CalMac to offer resilience over their West Coast services.
“We look forward to welcoming the Pentalina back to service as the Alfred departs for the west coast where she will complete berthing trials to assess her suitability for CalMac services.
“We look forward to working with CalMac on the next stage of the charter and see both vessels in operation providing reliable, dynamic and efficient services to island communities on the North and West of Scotland.”
CalMac charters catamaran from Pentland Ferries to boost fleet
20 March 2023
