MV Loch Frisa to enter Mull service
CalMac has today announced that subject to successful trials, MV Loch Frisa will enter service on the Oban-Craignure route in mid-June.
The vessel is departing Leith today (29 May 2022) and will be repositioning to Oban where it will undertake detailed familiarisation and entry-in-to service activities.
The vessel will then progressively be phased into the Oban-Craignure timetable, in tandem with MV Coruisk, while MV Isle of Mull will continue to operate its normal timetable. Once MV Loch Frisa takes over the full MV Coruisk timetable, MV Coruisk will reposition to Mallaig where it will deliver services on the Mallaig - Armadale route.
Robbie Drummond, Managing Director of CalMac, said: "We are looking forward to adding MV Loch Frisa to the CalMac fleet and would like to thank Transport Scotland and CMAL (Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd) for their efforts in securing an additional vessel. Its arrival will allow us to move MV Coruisk to Mallaig, where she will take up service on the Mallaig-Armadale route."
Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: "I'm absolutely delighted to see the MV Loch Frisa join the CalMac ferry fleet and I look forward to making the journey to Mull in her capable hands in the near future.
"The purchase and deployment of the Loch Frisa is an example of the Government working to support second hand tonnage for island communities. I'm sure it will be welcomed by local residents and visitors to Mull, but I know there is more to do.
"The Government recognises that having confidence in ferry services is vital for those who live and work on the islands and that's why we have committed £580 million to fund new ferries and port investments over five years. We will continue to work with CMAL and CalMac in the meantime to secure much needed additional improvements for our island communities".
Notes to Editors
In addition to the Oban-Craignure summer timetable, MV Loch Frisa will also operate additional sailings on Tuesdays throughout the Summer season and on Saturdays between 18 June and 20 August.
The additional sailings will be at 2110 from Craignure and 2225 from Oban every Tuesday throughout the season and a 2125 from Craignure and a 2230 from Oban on Saturday nights between 18 June and 20 August.