Ferry changes during linkspan works

Changes are being arranged to ferry services during the forthcoming closure of Lochboisdale linkspan for essential repairs.

MV Hebrides will operate three return sailings daily between Lochmaddy and Uig during the two-week outage between Saturday 24 September and 8 October.

CalMac intend to temporarily move MV Lord of the Isles to take over the Hebrides’ Harris route. She is scheduled to operate two return runs between Tarbert and Uig per day.

She will relocate north after completing the early morning sailing out of South Uist on the first day of the pier closure.

Defects discovered during a recent inspection require new wire ropes to be installed on the the linkspan.

Preliminary works starting this weekend should h ave minimal impact on port operations and ferry services.

A routine annual inspection by specialist engineers and Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), which owns the ferry terminal, has revealed a number of lifting ropes on the linkspan need to be replaced at the earliest opportunity. Last year’s inspections showed no issues.

Loading restrictions have been in place since 16 August as a result. Loading capacity was reduced to 44 tonnes, a standard road-going truck, preventing abnormal and heavy loads using the linkspans.

Weekly tests and daily visual inspections are being conducted at the linkspan.

Morven Bridges, head of engineering at CMAL, said: “This is a safety concern and requires a swift response to replace the lifting ropes. Unfortunately, it means we must close the linkspan, impacting ferry services.

“In the run-up to the closure, to ensure the continued safe operation of the linkspan with the new loading restrictions, we will be conducting regular monitoring, tests and inspections, with support from CalMac’s port team.

“We understand islanders will be concerned about the impact on lifeline ferry services.

“We are working closely with CalMac and our contractor to minimise disruption as far as possible and certainly to ensure there is no delay in the replacement work programme and the linkspan returns to service no later than Saturday 8 October.”

Lifting ropes on the linkspan at Castlebay Ferry Terminal also need to be replaced, although mitigation measures in place will allow safe ongoing operation for a longer period. Dates for the replacement work will be identified by CMAL but will not coincide with the closure of Lochboisdale.

Ferry changes during linkspan works

14 September 2022