Major disruption to Stornoway ferry service
The expected partial resolution to the problem which has caused havoc with the Stornoway-Ullapool ferry service failed to materialise today (Monday).
Following a partial repair to the car deck ventilation system, it was announced that the 30 year-old MV Isle of Lewis would accommodate 30 cars, up to and including the 10:45 departure from Ullapool on Tuesday.
However, when cars booked and turned up at Ullapool on Monday they were turned away as the status had reverted to no vehicles of any kind.
CalMac then intimated: “Due to a further fault identified with the re-fitted fan we will be operating as passenger only for the remainder of the day. A further update will be provided later this afternoon”.
CalMac had previously said: “Unfortunately, due to restrictions the vessel will still not be in a position to carry any HGVs, LGVs, livestock, electric vehicles or any dangerous goods until a full repair is carried out”.
The MV Isle of Lewis is due to serve the route until November 18th.
If the proposed “30 car limit” takes effect, ”bookings will be limited and must be made in advance by contacting the Customer Engagement Centre on 0800 066 5000. Priority will be given to displaced customers”.
They add that there are no restrictions in place for foot passengers or non-electric bicycles.
There are knock-on effects for the Uig-Lochmaddy-Tarbert services with the MV Hebrides required to accommodate some of the diverted Stornoway-Ullapool traffic to and from the mainland. Lochmaddy sailings are delayed to allow for additional Tarbert calls.
Full details for Monday and Tuesday can be found on the CalMac website.
The MV Isle of Lewis – which is already scheduled for withdrawal altogether from the CalMac network – had been serving the Barra run but this is now being operated jointly with Lochboisdale by the 38 year of MV Isle of Mull.
Many on Barra regard this vessel as “not fit for purpose” while CalMac have blaimed “a particularly poor period of weather” for the ‘Mull’ missing sailings on half the days since taking over.
The MV Isle of Lewis is due to return to the Oban-Castlebay run on November 18th when the MV Loch Seaforth is expected to return to Stornoway-Ullapool.