CALMAC has announced MV Caledonian Isles is now expected to return to service a month later than previously scheduled.
The west coast ferry operator said it is confident this will be the final delay as the service is expected to return to normal by the end of May, instead of April, as previously stated.
A further delay to the return of MV Hebrides from scheduled annual maintenance was also announced.
In a statement, CalMac confirmed extensive steel repairs have been made to MV Caledonian Isles and that there are no signs of further structural issues.
However, the vessel, which is one of the largest in the fleet connecting the Scottish mainland and islands, will remain at dock to allow additional machining on the intermediate shafts to be completed.
Duncan Mackison, CEO of CalMac, said he wanted to reassure the local communities that the vessel will be “back soon”.
He said: “We know MV Caledonian Isles’ ongoing absence has caused significant disruption on Arran and the wider network, and that’s why we’ve taken steps to ensure that when she returns, she provides a resilient and reliable service.
“The now completed extensive steel repairs have been subject to rigorous inspections and we’re confident the root cause of the steel deformation has been resolved, with no further signs of deformation.
“The shafts have been subject to thorough checks from engine to propeller, and any issues identified and remedied as we go. We’re in regular contact with Arran’s ferry committee and want to reassure the local community that we expect MV Caledonian Isles back soon.”
Until MV Caledonian Isles returns to the Ardrossan-Brodick route, service will continue from Troon with a two-vessel service of MV Glen Sannox and MV Alfred with CalMac liaising with Pentland Ferries to make sure passenger numbers are maximised until end of May.
MV Hebrides return from scheduled annual maintenance is also to be delayed.
The vessel, which operates on the Uig triangle, requires an extra six days to allow work to the bow visor and stern ramp to be carried out.
It is set to return on April 22 instead of April 6.
Mackison added: “I know that this delay will cause our customers even more inconvenience, and I apologise for this.
“This situation has been compounded by the delays, which we know are due to issues outside of anyone’s control, with the delivery of MV Isle of Islay to service Islay. If the new vessel had been with us on time, we’d have had an additional major vessel in the fleet for a large part of winter and would not need to deploy one of MV Isle of Arran or MV Lord of the Isles to Islay during MV Finlaggan’s overhaul.
“I would like to thank communities and customers for their understanding and patience during this latest period of disruption, and we will continue to provide the best service possible to our customers using the vessels we have available.”
