CalMac warns of a “perfect storm” for the ferry network this winter

The absence of the vessel, one of the largest in the fleet, will have a significant impact on the rest of the network as it coincides with the start of this year’s annual maintenance schedule for all of the ferry operator’s vessels.

Those responsible have had to tear down a winter schedule due to the availability of the MV Caledonian Isles and must now regularly review how and where they can deploy ships during the winter months.

The ferry operator is warning of impending disruption as it struggles to fill routes and serve passengers and communities across Scotland’s far-flung islands.

CalMac has extended a temporary operational schedule until Sunday, October 20, the end of the summer schedule.

The MV Caledonian Isles is one of the largest ships in the fleet (Image: NQ) Duncan Mackison, interim CEO of CalMac, said: “We expected a difficult winter, with our large ships spending a record number of days on annual maintenance, and it is becoming apparent that this is exactly what will happen.”

“The combination of ongoing technical issues on the MV Caledonian Isles and the start of this year’s maintenance window has created a perfect storm for the ferry service.

“We have a basic operational plan for the winter schedule that will allow the MV Caledonian Isles to operate. Now we will likely need to regularly review where ships are deployed to maintain service throughout the West Coast.”

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He added: “Our priority is to keep communities on the network informed of our plans and meeting service requirements wherever we can. However, it is inevitable that disruptions will occur and on behalf of CalMac I apologize.

“I know this will be disappointing news for local people and many of my colleagues who live and work in these communities share this disappointment. We are doing everything we can to keep the people who rely on us to travel safe and to make services more resilient wherever possible.”

CalMac will provide an update on future deployment plans by Thursday, October 17th.