CalMac’s latest faulty ferry is heading for a repair berth on the Clyde.
MV Clansman has been withdrawn from relief duties for Uist after sustaining engine failure.
She never had the chance to commence sailings on the route before she broke down on her way north from drydock on the River Mersey.
Since Sunday she has been blocking the Railway Pier in Oban with engineers examining problems with her starboard engine.
The Clansman is today heading to Inverclyde to continue investigations into the issues and repairs.
MV Hebrides will have to continue on the Uist to Ullapool service until further notice, delaying her own annual maintenance until the Clansman returns.
Knock-on disruption from the breakdown impacts services for Coll, Tiree and Colonsay which is presently covered by the smaller MV Lord of the Isles.
The fleet is already stretched to its limits and all CalMac available working ships are committed to serve lifeline sailings to island communities.
The Clansman only emerged in the last few days from a stay at Cammell Laird at drydock in Birkenhead, extended following the discovery of worn and corroded steel.
However, problems emerged as she sailed northwards and the vessel was pulled from service on arrival in Oban on Sunday.
CalMac’s MV Clansman despatched to the Clyde for urgent repairs
21 February 2023