Talks over date for MV Alfred ferry to join CalMac on charter
19 April 2023
CalMac’s latest addition to the fleet is expected to dock at Stornoway harbour at some point to test out the linkspan for size.
MV Alfred is being hired from Pentland Ferries for over £9 million until the end of the year to strengthen CalMac’s aging fleet.
The start date relies on a successful changeover on the Pentland Firth service with her owner’s second ship, MV Pentalina, which has been issued with a temporary operating licence for one month.
A CalMac spokeswoman said: “Pentland Ferries have informed us that MV Pentalina is now on passage to Orkney.
“We are working closely with them to finalise a date when MV Alfred can join our fleet.”
The Alfred was originally due to come on charter yesterday (Tuesday) but delays in getting the Pentalina seaworthy hampered arrangements.
Berthing trials will be carried out to ascertain which linkspans and ports are suitable for her.
The Alfred has not been assigned any designated route but will be an extra vessel this summer for CalMac to switch around to support routes.
A number of services -
Although MV Alfred has similar vehicle carrying capacity to existing vessels such as MVs Caledonian Isles, Clansman and Hebrides, on a practical basis it is likely that the overall capacity offered would be reduced due to increased turnaround times because of her stern-
The Alfred will be on hire until January with Orkney based Pentland Ferries providing her crew and delivering the service on behalf of CalMac.
Pentland Ferries will retain full operational, technical and safety management of the vessel, including maintenance, repair, overhaul and provision of crew throughout the charter period.
When not in use Alfred is due be based on hot lay-
On occasions, she may be called into action to help clear backlogs of freight.
CalMac is seriously struggling at the moment with increasing number of travellers and vehicle traffic seeking ferry connections against a shortage of vessels.
Many island communities are suffering less than promised ferry services with restricted bookings and reduced capacity across most main links.
This week there is uncertainty over the Skye triangle routes which links Harris and Uist with Skye. Regular vessel MV Hebrides is required to enter drydock for a repeatedly delayed overhaul but relief ship, MV Clansman, is unlikely to be available on time. MV Hebridean Isles has also been out of service for a prolonged period.