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For the new Islay ferries, CMAL has ditched LNG in favour of mainly diesel ships with "fuel efficient hulls" and some electric power options while manoeuvring in port. But those "green" claims are questionable - LNG is still a fossil fuel, and it has to be imported from Qatar before being driven hundreds of miles from Kent to Scotland. The same has happend some (or many) years ago in fog with a freighter connected with 2 CalMac is ''renowned for its high prices, uncomfortable boats, and disregard for customers . Descubr lo que tu empresa podra llegar a alcanzar. CalMac says its maintenance budget has risen by 67% over the past five years, with a projected spend of 34.2m in 2022. Since the SNP took power in 2007, the rate at which new vessels are produced has more than halved. She has the capacity for 100 passengers. Can Nigeria's election result be overturned? The melodramatic claim that CalMac has lost ''25% of passengers in a decade'' does not fully explain that, since 1995, CalMac has lost its ferry services to Skye, Scalpay, and Bernera (thanks to bridges and a causeway); abandoned summer cruises on the Clyde, and between Mallaig and Kyle of Lochalsh; and been forced, with the big new Outer Isles boat, to abandon calls at Tobermory on Mull. [10] MVSaturn last served Dunoon on 29 June 2011, and was then scheduled to operate the summer relief on the Arran crossing. There are presently ten vessels over 80 metres (260 feet) in length in the CalMac fleet: That came after there was an outcry when MV Hebridean Isles was sent from its normal Islay route to assist when the safety issues surfaced for a second time the previous week. "The Outer Hebrides is in real risk of being a destination visitors may avoid because of ferry unreliability, indeed we are seeing a drop in visitor numbers already.". CalMac's chairman Dr Harold Mills and chief executive Lawrie Sinclair are identified for wounding, personal criticism. Initially scheduled to return to service on 2nd February,[14] she experienced significant delays during overhaul due to additional steel work and engine repairs being required. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Now and again we're reminded. They operate on shorter crossings, usually between 5 and 30 minutes, although MV Loch Portain takes 70 minutes to cross the Sound of Harris between Berneray and Leverburgh. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's The delays have added to pressure on CalMac's old and increasingly unreliable fleet. [19] This allows her to berth a considerable distance from slipways, protecting her exposed Azipod propulsion systems in shallow waters. It's a ''nationalised dinosaur'' succeeding in only one thing - ''getting the taxpayer to fork out.''. why; as on last Wednesday, our attention was drawn to an astonishing onslaught on ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne. It said its board had voiced concerns to Transport Scotland about the contract award to Fergusons, particularly in relation to the lack of refund guarantees, which were well-documented. Sailings are met at Ardrossan Harbour by the ScotRail train service to Glasgow Central. Outer Hebrides Tourism, the industry-led group expressed was "dismayed and angry" that there is no end to the ferry crisis causing "extremely serious issue for both tourism and our wider community". MVClansman, The passenger accommodation is similar to that onboard the Mull ship. Two new dual fuel ferries are being built by Ferguson Marine Engineering. Caledonian MacBrayne (Calmac) vessels can be readily identified by their black hulls and white superstructures. Most islands in the west of Scotland rely on services from state-owned CalMac, which operates 34 vessels - the largest fleet in the UK. John Kerr, a former CalMac technical director who was asked to review some of the leaked documents, was surprised Ferguson was then allowed to submit a revised, far lighter design after the tender deadline, describing it as effectively "a new bid". [14] A second hybrid ferry, MVLochinvar, was launched in May 2013 for the Tarbert to Portavadie route. But like the metaphor about the time it takes to turn a tanker around, the problems facing CalMac's fleet are going to take a long time to fix. It's getting worse every year and they are building only one new ferry. MVIsle of Lewis, MVIsle of Arran, As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. MVHebridean Isles, This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. An open deck extends right around the vessel on this level, including forward of the observation lounge and overlooking the bow. The next deck up has the forward observation lounge at the bow and crew accommodation. The BBC documentary, however, uncovered evidence of a number of irregularities: The Port Glasgow shipyard fell into administration in August 2014, but was bought a week before the independence referendum by Jim McColl, a businessman who sat on First Minister Alex Salmond's council of economic advisers. Representatives told the programme they became increasingly worried about the growing number of managers being taken on, which they felt undermined long-term competitiveness, with little evidence of progress. [7] The streakers' removal from Rothesay was delayed by pier work to install an end-loading linkspan, allowing full ro-ro operation. The Mull and Iona Ferry Committee has urged Transport Scotland to buy MV Pentalina. They remain in close local contact with communities and hauliers and are working with them to prioritise the movement of essential supplies. Then, a temporary repair which satisfied the appropriate authorities gained the ship a short term dispensation to sail. The Scottish Government's investment plan is hoping to bring the average age of the fleet to 15 years. Yet it is false to say that ''not one of Caledonian MacBrayne's 29 vessels'' makes a profit. The following year his new firm, Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd (FMEL), won a 97m contract to build two dual fuel LNG vessels for state-owned ferry operator CalMac. CalMac, apparently, runs a ''lucrative monopoly'', threatened by ''up to a dozen rivals who are expected to bid for the state-owned company's network'', according to a ''leading maritime expert'', Professor Neil Kay of Strathclyde University. In April 2015, MVIsle of Arran had problems with her prop shaft which delayed the introduction of her additional Arran summer sailings, leaving Caledonian Isles to carry all the traffic and run additional sailings at night. A procurement law expert told Disclosure claims of unequal treatment of bidders in tender processes can lead to breaches in EU law and potential legal action from unsuccessful bidders. So I buy plenty milk in to last me. Audit Scotland said the BBC's investigation raised "serious questions" about the use of public money. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Caledonian Isles has only ever operated between Ardrossan and Brodick on Arran. He said: "It is material that I take seriously, about which I have concerns, which raises fundamental issues for me about the fairness and the appropriateness of the tender process.". We are doing this to improve the experience forour loyalreaders and we believe it will reduce the ability of trolls and troublemakers, who occasionally find their way onto our site, to abuse our journalists and readers. You can make a complaint by using the report this post link . When deployed, these allow additional cars to be loaded. Reporting team: Mark Daly, Kevin Anderson, Calum Watson, Katie McEvinney, New data reveals train commuters spend up to 2450 more a year than car-owning colleagues, Pensioner charged over alleged headbutt assault, Inverclyde Youth Council seeks new recruits, Glasgow politicians call for Government intervention on Mortons Rolls closure as local celebs react on Twitter, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. They were made redundant by the opening of the Skye Bridge and eventually found redeployment elsewhere. Eddie Howe makes damning Ryan Fraser Newcastle admission as Scotland star's 'commitment' questioned. After a month the Caithness linkspan was destroyed by gales; the affair finally cost islanders some (pounds) 7m. Readers comments: You are personally liable for the content of any comments you upload to this website, so please act responsibly. .'' Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. After transport minister Jenny Gilruth convened a resilience meeting with the local MP, MSP, councillors and other stakeholders Alasdair Allan the SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar said the minister agreed to look at whether a compensation scheme can be created from financial performance penalties imposed on CalMac. MVLoch Frisa is a former Norled ferry bought by Caledonian MacBrayne in 2021. The spokesman said an additional sailing was due to set off yesterday (Saturday) evening between Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis and Ullapool on the mainland to help move freight. Its overhaul has been delayed due to the Clansman not being available to take over its duties; Lord of the Isles - Covering Coll-Tiree-Colonsay services and will have its overhaul once the Clansman returns to service We are making the subscriber-only change to support our valued readers, who tell us they don't want the site cluttered up with irrelevant comments, untruths and abuse. "The shops have been bare. We look forward to hearing from you on heraldscotland.com. If you run your business the way Calmac operate ferries, you would go bust a long time ago, because the customers will say you don't are.". We may then apply our discretion under the user terms to amend or delete comments. [1] The largest and newest, MVLoch Shira, is 54.27 by 13.90m (178ft 1in by 45ft 7in) and can carry 32 cars and 250 passengers. During adverse weather conditions, Caledonian Isles has been diverted to Gourock. In August 2015, it was announced that two new ferries would be built at Ferguson Marine Engineering at Port Glasgow on the Clyde. As it is one of CalMac's busiest routes, Caledonian Isles has the largest passenger capacity in the fleet, and can carry up to 1000 passengers and 110 cars, with a crossing time of 55 minutes. She is powered by a hybrid combination of batteries and a small diesel engine - a world first for a sea-going RO-RO vessel. They have red funnels with black caps that display the Lion Rampant badge with masts in buff. 2023 BBC. More information about this error may be available your request. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. "People aren't stupid, they know that there is not ferry and there is usually a daily lorry with fresh stuff. contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can [7], The former Clyde ferries, MVJupiter, MVJuno and MVSaturn had provided the Dunoon and Rothesay services for the best part of 35 years. Video, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, The workers who saw the ferries saga unfold, Ten things we learned about the ferries fiasco, Mackay accepts role in 'catastrophic' ferries failure, Overdue ferry sets sail for new construction phase, Ferries deal awarded without financial safeguards. Last edited on 26 February 2023, at 21:35, "Costs double on delayed CalMac ferry contract", "Shipyard turnaround is 'most challenging in UK', "Gourock passengers' anger as Arran ferry is given priority", "New Arran Ferry set to launch next June - government confirms", "New Brodick Ferry Terminal Opens To Passengers", "Technical failure causes major disruption to Arran ferry", "CalMac ferry breakdown and five Storm Corrie service suspensions cause disruption", "Ferry out of action for at least three weeks after crash breaks engine", "CalMac sorry for disruption with broken ferries sidelined", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=MV_Caledonian_Isles&oldid=1141798879, Main: 2 x Mirrlees Blackstone MB275/8T 2,200kW (2,900hp) each, This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 21:35.