CalMac’s chartered catamaran, MV Alfred, is set to cancel berthing trials at Stornoway tomorrow (Thursday).
The 5,499 tonne ship is pencilled in to cover freight duties when MV Loch Seaforth departs for her annual overhaul next month.
But the Alfred is broken down in Ayr with a gearbox problems.
A repair plan is being drawn up by her owners, Pentland Ferries.
Berthing trials will be postponed to a later date with the timescale dependent on repairs.
Despite being in the vicinity, CalMac never tested out the Alfred at the Stornoway pier when she undertook trials at Ullapool and Lochmaddy in April.
There is no guarantee she will be able to operate at Stornoway
If she doesn’t fit the linkspan, then Stornoway will have a passenger ferry timetable will be cut to a once-a day service - instead of two - by MV Isle of Lewis for around 11 days from 21 October to 1 November. .
Given the presence of doubt, all bookings for the first ten days of the winter timetable remain closed for the route.
If the berthing trial works out, the 84-metre long catamaran will operate alongside MV Isle of Lewis, delivering one freight return sailing per day from 21 October to 1 November. Then MV Arrow takes over from the Alfred.
However, if the outcome is unsuccessful, Stornoway passenger sailings will be cut by half - down to a once-a day service - instead of two, by MV Isle of Lewis until the Arrow appears on station.
CalMac says no alternative vessels are available.
CalMac’s relief ferry, MV Alfred, postpones Stornoway trials
27 September 2023
