Proposed second ferry remains at Stornoway after berthing trials
18 July 2021
Freight vessel, MV Arrow, remains at Stornoway after testing out linkspans on the Ullapool route.
The ship will have to pay harbour dues while she stays in port, suggesting there is a reason for her continued presence rather than returning to her usual berth in Northern Ireland.
The vessel tied up in Stornoway after trying out her stern ramp at the port’s number three pier.
Artic trailers were driven on and off the vessel and around her vehicle decks without problem.
Negotiations are at a well advanced stage over a potential charter between Scottish Government and Seatruck, the Arrow’s mangers, to lease the vessel during periods of high demand on the Stornoway - Ullapool route.
She would release a significant amount of extra car deck space on the passenger vessel, MV Loch Seaforth, if the majority of artics and commercial traffic transferred onto the dedicated her sailings.
Further space for travellers would open up if Cal Mac introduced a third daily passenger sailing for the Seaforth at peak times.