CalMac plans to send Islay ferry MV Finlaggan to test out the new Skye triangle berthing infrastructure.
Upgraded piers and mooring bollard layout have been installed at all three harbours since the vessel last provided relief cover at Uig, Lochmaddy and Tarbert some years ago.
The aim is to expand CalMac’s deployment options throughout the winter timetable period and add resilience to the whole service.
If case of future breakdowns in the fleet, the Finnlagan could temporarily replace MV Hebrides on the route.
Exact dates depend upon MV Caledonian Isles finally returning back to service. The
31-year-old CalMac vessel has not been in action this summer season following the
discovery of a large amount of corroded and weakened metal in an extremely awkward
location beneath her engines. Time consuming repairs are expected to cost £5 million.
The Finlaggan is expected to carry out the berthing trials over a two day period on the route.
Finlaggan set to trial new Western Isles piers
30 August 2024