Corran Ferry repairs update – 5 September

The MV Corran dry dock repair work is progressing at pace with the welding and plating crew continuing to work 24/7. This section of work is programmed to be completed by the 24 September, when phase two of the repair works can commence including painting, electrical work and the fitting of the propellor unit by Wärtsilä and Voith at the Ardmaleish boatyard on the Isle of Bute.

The completion date for the full programme of repair works is 8 October. This will be followed by:

• GKS-Marine (specialists in marine control systems) - steering health check.
• MCA visit - Passenger Certificate renewal.
• 1 day sea trial around the Isle of Bute area.
• 2 - 3 days sail back to Corran, Lochaber.
• 1 day to fit ramps.

With the schedule of works programmed, the timeline for the MV Corran to return for service is mid-October. Weekly updates will continue to be issued to the Corran Ferry Steering Group as the repair work continues.

Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “MV Corran is now going into her third week of dry dock repairs and with crews working 24/7 in three shift rotations, we are pleased that progress is continuing at pace.

“I would like to assure the communities and businesses affected by the disruption to the vehicle carrying service across the Corran Narrows, that the daily foot passenger boats from Corran and Fort William to Ardgour and the shuttle bus service will continue to operate free of charge until the MV Corran returns to service in mid-October.”

For Corran Ferry temporary foot passenger timetables and service updates, please follow the new Corran Ferry Facebook page and the @CorranFerry Twitter/X page. You can also find information on the Council’s Corran Ferry website.