Second planned closure of Uig Harbour – Update 15 December
The planned opening of Uig Harbour which was due to take place on the 16 December will regrettably be delayed. The berthing trial of the MV Hebrides, on the 14 December, highlighted an issue where new restraint bollards, designed to aid the manoeuvring of the vessel during bad weather, did not function as planned. The Highland Council, RJ McLeod’s, our partners Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), Transport Scotland and CalMac are working on a solution to install an additional bollard to ensure safe operations to resume ferry services.
Other aspects of the trial were successful such as the linkspan, fendering and vehicle swept path tests were completed.
To avoid unnecessary uncertainty, the Highland Council has taken the decision, in consultation with our contractor RJ McLeod, our partners Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), Transport Scotland and CalMac, to delay the re-scheduled opening of Uig harbour until after the completion of revisions to the restraint bollards and a re-scheduled vessel berthing trial to be conducted on 21 December 2023. Following a successful berthing trial services would be expected to resume on Friday 22 December
The Highland Council’s, Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “Berthing trials took place yesterday (Thursday 14 December) and encountered an issue that will delay the commencement of the service. The team are working to remedy the issue, but understandably safe operations is a priority and with inclement weather forecast over the coming days it is vital that the rigorous sea trials commence in suitable conditions.
“Whilst commencement delays are understandably disappointing for passengers, it is reassuring to hear that the linkspan, fendering and vehicle swept path test were all successful and a solution for the restraint bollards issue should be rectified in the coming days and in time for festive sailings.”
Finlay MacRae, Head of Operations for CalMac, said: “Following the Highland Council’s clearance to do so, Caledonian MacBrayne undertook berthing trials at Uig Harbour on 14 December, an important part of the process to resume services. Unfortunately, the trials identified and issue with the bollard arrangements on the pier, and some additional work will be required to address these issues for safe berthing of vessels.
“This means that services between Uig - Tarbert/Lochmaddy cannot resume until 22 December at the earliest, which we appreciate will be very disappointing for our service users in the lead-up to the festive period.
“We are currently working with the Council regarding the required additional work. In the interim the current alternative Lochmaddy – Ullapool service, the adjusted Stornoway – Ullapool service and the adjusted Lochboisdale – Oban service arrangements will continue until the remedial works have been completed and a further berthing trial has been carried out.”
The Highland Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and will seek to minimise the delay to re-opening services. A weekly update will continue to be provided on the Councils website.