Permanent repair scheduled for MV Clansman
A delivery date for CalMac ferry MV Clansman's new propeller shaft has been announced.
Following on from a temporary repair to the vessel's propulsion system, the vessel will dock again for a permanent replacement part to be fitted from June 1 returning on June 12.
During this period an amended service will operate on the Mallaig Armadale route and the Mallaig Lochboisdale route will be suspended.
Customers wishing to travel on the Mallaig-Lochboisdale service will be directed via Oban-Castlebay and Uig-Lochmaddy. Additional sailings have been organised on the Barra to Eriskay route enabling passengers to travel to South Uist via Oban-Castlebay on the same day. The MV Loch Bhrusda will also be deployed on the Skye route to provide additional sailings for the duration of this maintenance period.
'This is an essential piece of work that we wanted to schedule in before the summer season fully started and have built a temporary timetable that causes the least disruption whilst maintaining all lifeline services,' said CalMac, managing director, Robbie Drummond.
'We fully appreciate the impact this will have on the communities affected which we apologise for. In the circumstances we have tried to limit the disruption to as few routes as possible and will deliver extra sailings to help manage passenger movements as best we can within the resources we have available.'
'Although it will be frustrating for communities to see the Clansman come back into service and then leave again so soon, this was a preferable option to having her laid up until the new propeller shaft was manufactured, delivered and fitted,' said Mr Drummond.
A full scheduled timetable will run again from June 13.