Ferry’s faulty steering gear is repaired
25 August 2021
Successful repairs has allowed MV Arrow to return to the Stornoway freight service this evening (Wednesday).
MV Loch Seaforth had to stand in when the chartered vessel broke down with faulty steering gear yesterday.
The Seaforth undertook a third sailing to transport lorries across the Minch.
With funding from the Scottish Government, the Arrow was hired in July from Seatruck to operate extra haulage sailings on between Lewis and Ullapool, thus freeing up the Seaforth for extra passenger runs during the peak summer season.
However, MV Loch Seaforth only operates two additional passenger sailings a week and is on standby on nights she is not timetabled.
This is the second time MV Arrow has been out of action during her short seven week charter.
Stornoway’s second ferry returning to service after repairs
2 August 2021
Stornoway’s temporary freight ferry is returning to duty.
MV Arrow withdrew from service after less than a week, completing just five return runs when damage was sustained to propeller seals.
She will arrive in Stornoway today (Monday) after completing repairs in drydock.
However, MV Loch Seaforth’s third passenger run tonight is cancelled with Cal Mac trying to make alternative travel arrangements for people with pre-
The 123-
An oil leak developed when a creel rope or other marine debris became pulled into a propeller shaft seal.
Repairs were impossible while the vessel was in service. She was despatched for remedial action at the Harland and Wolff base in Belfast.
Cal Mac arranged the freight charter to boost capacity on the Ullapool route, by freeing up MV Loch Seaforth to operate extra passenger runs during the peak summer season.
