Customer Update - Latest update on services, 29 March 2023
Customer update - latest update on services, 29 March 2023
**This information has now been updated, please see the latest update from 06 April 2023 Thank you. **
Our service continues to be affected by a series of delays to the annual overhaul schedule and its subsequent impact on vessel deployment. With no spare vessels available to us - we regret that it continues to be a very challenging period for our customers. We will continue to share the latest information we have with you - on a route-by-route basis - to help you manage your plans. You'll also find up to the minute information on our service status, dedicated and information pages of our website.
Islay services
Islay Service Update 31/03/2023 - 8 April - 2 May - Due to delays to repairs to MV Hebridean Isles, there will be a knock-on effect to vessel deployment and therefore a further delay to the commencement of MV Finlaggan's overhaul. Vessel deployment options which will support services to Islay are currently being assessed and we'll provide a further update week commencing 3 April. In the meantime, bookings will be temporarily restricted until early next week on Islay services up to 2 May while we confirm timetables. Please continue to check our services status pages, and our @CalMac_Updates Twitter page which carry the latest information we have on this service.
For info: MV Hebridean Isles has re-entered dry dock in Birkenhead, following last week's sea trials, which identified a rudder fault. We await advice from our technical colleagues with regard to progress of works in dock, and when the vessel will be able to resume its sea and berthing trials. Following release from dock, and the successful completion of all trials, this vessel will then be deployed to Islay service.
Arran services
MV Caledonian Isles, which normally operates this route, is currently expected to return to service from 13 April operating a single vessel timetable. The service is scheduled to return to a two-vessel, summer timetable from 5 May, with MV Caledonian Isles and MV Isle of Arran.
Lochboisdale services
Services between Mallaig/Oban and Lochboisdale will be cancelled between 5 April - 13 May due to the need to re-deploy vessels elsewhere on the network while we continue to manage the delays experienced in vessel overhaul and additional technical issues within the fleet. To provide a connection for Uist traffic, we will be offering additional daily services to the Sound of Barra.
Uig-Lochmaddy/Uig-Tarbert services
We expect that services on 22 and 23 April will be at risk of disruption or cancellation to allow for transit of vessels as MV Hebrides will depart for overhaul on 22 April and MV Clansman is currently estimated to complete repairs on 22 April. The service is expected to be operated by MV Clansman from 23 April.
MV Hebrides is currently scheduled to return on 13 May.
Coll and Tiree services
The service will operate seven days per week and MV Lord of the Isles will remain on the route until 12 May, when MV Clansman will take over service from 13 May. However, there will be no Barra connection on Wednesdays until 17 May.
Colonsay services
This service is currently operating on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday by MV Lord of the Isles, with the Sunday service operating via Port Askaig. The normal timetable is expected to resume on 13 May, by MV Clansman.
Small Isles services
Services to and from the Small Isles will be affected while MV Loch Bhrusda is re-routed to provide additional support for Uist traffic to access Sound of Barra services. During this period, services will operate to the Small Isles on Saturdays. Booking is essential - and reservations can be made via our Mallaig port office .
With so many of our team living and working on the network, we do understand the impact this period is having on our customers, and members of the communities we serve - especially at this busy time. We are focused on returning those vessels which have required extended repairs, back to service as soon as possible, and returning to a normal service as quickly as we can. We will continue to keep you informed of our deployment plans as we move through this period of managing overhaul delays and technical issues, without access to spare vessels.
Please continue to check our services status pages, our customer updates and our @CalMac_Updates Twitter page which carry the latest information we have on each service.
Please note: To allow for our systems to be updated, some bookings will not be available until Tuesday 4 April at the latest. All customers who have a current booking which is affected will be contacted.
Last updated: 31 March 2023