Hopeful results for CalMac problem ferry

Glimmer of hope for CalMac problem ferry during Stornoway manoeuvring trials

9 October 2023

Signs of hope may be on the horizon for CalMac as it struggles to repair long term defective ferry, MV Hebridean Isles.

An encouraging degree of improvement emerged during test berthing sessions in Stornoway harbour on Sunday it is understood.

If repeated at different ports over the next week, the development may steer a way towards the ship’s return to passenger service.

The latest episode of engineering work to the vessel’s propeller shafts took place during a month long drydock in Aberdeen.

Previous work involved installing different sets of propellers.

Propulsion failures - linked to severe problems with her propellers’ pitch control system - encountered during slow speed operations involved in berthing present a potential danger, ruling her out of action since February.

At 38 years of age, MV Hebridean Isles is one of CalMac’s oldest ships.

She has often been deployed a relief vessel for Western Isles routes or filled in absences elsewhere to release a back-up ferry to the islands.

The first of a series of berthing trials - conducted at very low speed to replicate the fault presenting scenarios - commenced on Sunday morning with test runs at Stornoway apparently delivering what are said to be favourable results.

Such was the outcome - albeit the very first, and so far, only set of propeller tests since departing Aberdeen - the decision was made to bypass Ullapool it is understood.

The vessel steamed south with a series of further exercises expected to be undertaken at some of the piers the vessel normally uses.

Only when pierside tests conclude in the next eight days or so will it be confirmed if the vessel is safe to resume service with CalMac.

► The longest breakdown: CalMac’s missing ship to undergo more steering trials

The Hebridean Isles spent all September in Dale’s Marine drydock while engineers worked through in the latest of many attempts to resolve the root cause of potentially dangerous lapses of manoeuvrability,speed and steering control.

The loss of control with the Heb Isles manifests when the system is engaged at slow speeds - for a ferry that means operating in confined waters such as berthing alongside a pier and approaching linkspans.

However, such manoeuvres demand precision control with no room for error. Anything going wrong in these situations risk the vessel grounding, suffering a collision, or a heavy landing against a pier.