FERRY operator CalMac hopes to introduce its latest vessel into service tomorrow after a mechanical breakdown prevented its debut last Friday.
The £25 million MV Finlaggan, the first new ferry on the Islay route for nearly 40 years, was hit by an engine failure.
A CalMac spokesman said passengers had not been affected as the previous ship on the route, the MV Isle of Arran, had been kept on standby.
Engineers from the Finlaggan’s engine manufacturer examined the vessel and ordered spare parts to be flown in.
“An unexplained component failure occurred in the MV Finlaggan’s port main engine on Friday afternoon shortly before she was due to go into service,” he said.
“Teething problems of this kind are not unusual so the vessel she replaced, MV Isle of Arran, was kept on full standby and has picked up the service meantime.
“The engine’s manufacturer was contacted to investigate the cause and arrange for a repair. A spare part has been flown in and we hope to get her into service as soon as possible.
“We share everyone’s disappointment and frustration that the ship suffered a breakdown so soon after she was handed over to us and we are working with the engine manufacturer’s engineers to find out why the component failed and ensure it won’t happen again.”
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