MV Hebridean Isles will leave CalMac’s fleet this November after almost four decades of operation.
The vessel, which is one of the oldest in the CalMac fleet, has served west coast communities with distinction since her maiden voyage in December 1985.
Earlier this year, Hebrides News inquired about her future after indications arose
that the shipping firm decided not to commission further work to keep the 40-year-old
ship in seaworthy condition due to her age-related problems and the high costs involved.
CalMac now confirms disposal plans for the vessel.
Affectionally known as the Heb Isles’ she has primarily served Islay in recent years and carries out relief duties in the Western Isles.
The Heb Isles has been increasingly dogged by technical issues in recent years. She was missing in action for the majority of last year stemming from severe steering hazards due to mysterious issues with her controllable pitch propeller system.
Hebrides News regularly revealed exclusive details regarding various stages of repairs including installing different propeller sets as well as engineering work on shafts. The final bill ended up at £2.5 million.
But technical problems still affect the vessel. This week she has been withdrawn
from service following bow thruster failures leaving Islay with a series of cancelled
bookings and axed sailings, and an overall poorer ferry service than ever just days
away from the busiest week of the entire summer with the Islay show , livestock sales
and the Kildalton Cross golf tournament - in addition to the seasonal influx of tourists.
► The longest breakdown: CalMac’s missing ship undergoes more trials
► £2.5 million repairs saves CalMac’s MV Hebridean Isles from the axe
The first of four new major vessels being built in Turkey, MV Isle of Islay, will operate the Islay route when she enters service later this year.
A second vessel, MV Loch Indaal, will serve Islay from early 2025. Works are ongoing to upgrade Kennacraig port on the mainland, and Port Askaig on Islay, in preparation for the new vessels arriving. They will increase vehicle and freight capacity on the route by almost 40%.
Craig Ramsay, CalMac’s fleet management director, said: “MV Hebridean Isles’ planned disposal marks the latest step in a period of significant change for CalMac, which will see the rapid modernisation of our fleet of major vessels by 2026.
“If the Heb Isles were to be retained, she would require a significant programme of work in overhaul due to her age and general condition and this would keep her out of service for months. In providing an update on her disposal now, we’re aiming to provide certainty to our communities and customers ahead of winter.
“Vessels become a part of the fabric of the island communities they serve, and CalMac colleagues and islanders, particularly on Islay, will be sorry to see the Heb Isles exit the fleet after a long period of service. That’s why we are keen to mark her departure in some form come November.”
Kevin Hobbs, chief executive of CMAL, said: “Our plan to bring six new major vessels to the network by the end of 2025 is well underway, and with two of them headed for the Islay route, it’s time to retire the Hebridean Isles. She’s been one of the most flexible vessels on the network, having served almost every route at some point in her distinguished career."
MV Hebridean Isles certification expires on 21 November, meaning she'll be removed
from service by that date. CalMac expect her to exit active service in mid-November,
allowing time to steam to a recycling facility before her certification expires.
Given her age and general condition, significant works would have been required for
overhaul if CalMac were to keep the vessel. This, plus the requirement for a mandatory
five-year survey, means the vessel would have spent a large period in drydock, certainly
missing the bulk of the winter timetable.
End of the line for one of CalMac ferry oldest ferries -
2 August 2024
