Talks over obtaining MV Pentalina
22 August 2022
Discussions over the potential deployment of an extra ship to boost CalMac’s beleaguered fleet have taken place it is understood
But the outcome is presently not expected to be revealed until next month.
MV Pentalina -
The shipping firm has already endured a stressful summer marked by breakdowns, equipment failures and cancelled sailings.
Central to contingency plans by the Scottish Government and Cal Mac is the aim to provide back-
Other pressures facing the shipping company in the coming months will worsen without additional capacity.
Jenny Gilruth, the Transport Minister, has told different stakeholder groups she has asked transport officials to look at a Pentalina charter.
Ms Gilruth highlights she has been “spending a lot of time with transport officials” over the ferry crisis.
Between now and next summer will be the “most challenging” period for Hebridean and Clyde ferry services, she said.
Ms Gilruth said: “We are looking at all available options to get additional tonnage.”
A lease of the Pentalina for at least a year is being sought it is believed.
Her owner, Pentland Ferries, told Hebrides News the vessel is available for charter though a sale is their preferred choice.
The private shipping company confirmed they have had interest from a third party regarding the Pentalina but declines to identify the entity involved until any agreement is finalised.
Transport Scotland, the Scottish Government agency responsible for ferries, has repeatedly told Hebrides News that it would consider a time charter of the Pentalina.
So confident was CalMac last year that a deal to hire her was secured that they advertised for catering staff. But Pentland Ferries unexpectedly pulled out at the last minute.
The 70-
Pentland Ferries said it would fix the issue before its proposed CalMac charter but later decided not to enter a hire agreement.
Berthing trials had shown she could operate services to Arran and Mull though there would be operational issues with the vessel’s single ended design.
Deploying the Pentalina could release MV Isle of Mull or MV Isle of Arran as CalMac’s spare vessel. In turn, they could stand in for another vessel to cover Western Isles routes during the winter overhaul schedule.
Transport Scotland said: “We remain open to exploring a time charter option should this be reconsidered by the vessel owner.
“In considering any other charter options, which place more risk with the operator, we would of course have to consider condition and suitability of the vessel as well as the terms and affordability of any arrangement.”
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “The Transport Minister is acutely aware of the community concerns in relation to the planned Uig harbour closure and was pleased with the constructive nature of the recent meeting with stakeholders.
“Whilst this project is ultimately being led by the Highland Council, the Minister stressed that Transport Scotland will continue to work with all partners to consider further mitigations which the Government might be able to support.”
The Pentalina has limited vehicle deck space, carrying only about the same number of cars -
