Unsuccessful berthing trial for CalMac relief ferry
19 April 2024
CalMac’s trials with MV Isle of Mull in Skye have shown the vessel is no longer a
good fit at the upgraded Uig pier.
The ship was pulled off her normal Mull service to cover for MV Lord of the Isles
which has been despatched to Islay while their ship, the Finlaggan is undergoing
a late drydocking.
The Mull’s temporary timetable between Lochboisdale and Oban was cancelled on Thursday
to test out the berthing infrastructure.
CalMac desired a better outcome - had trials been successful the Mull would have
provided an future alternative option for a contingency South Uist service and improve
connections for Lochboisdale and Castlebay said the shipping operator.
However, changes in the pier structure following recent construction works means
the vessel cannot operate regular sailings to the destination.
CalMac explained: “Unfortunately, the berthing trial carried out with MV Isle of
Mull at Uig has demonstrated that we would not be able to deliver a regular timetabled
service” to the port.
“This is due to the vessel only being able to fit at certain tides.
“Due to this we have made further changes to the (South Uist) timetable.”
Passengers face an extra 35 minutes on their journey time on the Uist route for three
days a week until mid-May to allow MV Isle of Mull to call in at Craignure on her
way in and out of Oban.