CalMac intends to put its latest hire to work this week.
MV Alfred is on charter from Pentland Ferries for a price exceeding £1 million a month until January to strengthen CalMac’s aging fleet.
The 84-
The vessel remains with CalMac despite the vital role she could play on her own Orkney route which faces mass cancelled sailings until further notice following an onboard fire, mechanical failure and grounding of her relief.
The Alfred is also earmarked to provide contingency sailings for the Isle of Arran if required.
Berthing trials at Lochmaddy, Uig and Ullapool at the end of last week were deemed successful it is understood which would allow her to operate a relief service between these locations.
A visit to other Western Isles ports including Stornoway were not thought to be absolutely necessary as CalMac has contingency plans to cover these routes in case of a lengthy vessel breakdown.
CalMac is pleased with the outcome of Saturday’s berthing trials at Port Askaig, one of the two ferry harbours on the island, but the pier at the usual mainland destination of Kennacraig cannot accommodate her due to the ship’s offset ramp.
Thus any service to Islay would require to use linkspans at Troon or Campbeltown -
However, questions remain over what frequency of sailings will be provided. A diminished service is feared and the longer journey times will not be welcomed by Islay travellers particularly with the limited facilities onboard the Alfred.
CalMac highlighted: “The vessel will undertake further trials at Campbeltown and Troon on Tuesday 2 May -
“Confirmation of Islay services will be published as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, MV Hebridean Isles remains out of service due to a technical issue with the vessel's control system.
MV Alfred set for maiden voyage with CalMac
1 May 2023
