Fresh problems have been uncovered on one of CalMac’s largest ferries which could see it out of action for the rest of the winter.  

The ageing MV Caledonian Isles was due to return to service later in November after more than eight months on the sidelines.  

But a series of new defects have been uncovered after it was drydocked for repairs on the eve of its return to the network, with a “worst-case” timetable for repairs possibly keeping the vessel berthed till after the end of the winter timetable.  

The MV Caledonian Isles has suffered a series of breakdowns, with a huge knock-on effect for Scotland’s island communities which depend on lifeline ferry services.  

After and initial eight months of repairs were carried out, problems with its gearbox meant it had to be docked in Greenock for fresh work just as it was about to return to service.  

Now a new inspection has revealed a plethora of faults with the vessel – which will require either the repair or replacement of its stern tube bearings and additional steelwork replacement works. 

MV Caledonian Isles has not returned to service MV Caledonian Isles has not returned to service (Image: NQ) Work is underway to remove the stern tube bearings for further assessment and if it is decided they can be repaired, the parts will have to be sent to Norway to be machined.  

If this is not possible, CalMac will have to wait on new bearings, which have been ordered but the first of which will not arrive until at least mid-December.  

The ferry operator said that more information should be available later in the week. 

Further steelwork problems were also discovered during the inspection, with eight frames found to be deformed in two areas of the vessel, which will need to be replaced.  

This work is already underway, and CalMac is consulting a naval architect about the root cause of the deformation, and liaising with the drydock operator and other parties on the repair timeline and the cost. 

READ MORE:

 

 

The company said that with MV Caledonian Isles originally scheduled to exit dock in mid-November, the timetable for repairs can only be finalised when availability to dock for the additional works is confirmed.  

It is anticipated that there will be at least three weeks of works required to align the shafts, gearboxes and engines after the vessel refloats. 

Due to the uncertainty around dock availability and the full repair scope, the ferry operator anticipates MV Caledonian Isles could remain out of service until the end of the winter timetable in late March, in a worst-case scenario.  

An earlier return to service may be possible, depending on several other factors such as dock availability.  

CalMac previously warned of a “perfect storm” for the network when the MV Caledonian Isles was sent for repairs on its gearbox.  

The absence of the vessel, one of the largest in the fleet, coincides with the start of this year’s annual maintenance schedule for all the ferry operator’s ships.  

MV Caledonian Isles Docks at Brodick on ArranMV Caledonian Isles Docks at Brodick on Arran (Image: NQ) Bosses had to tear up the original winter schedule based on having the MV Caledonian Isles available, and will now have to regularly review how and where it can deploy vessels during the winter months. 

CalMac said it will now consult with island communities later this week on a revised vessel deployment plan for winter.  

CalMac’s interim CEO Duncan Mackison said: “The planned scope of work we’d identified for drydock is progressing well, but the discovery of these latest issues has eliminated any chance of a return to service in the short-term. 

“We are in no doubt about the current challenges facing the network and the people who rely on it. We anticipated a challenging winter, and that is exactly what we’re seeing play out.  

“Any decisions we take around the service off the back of this news will cause disruption in places, and we will now consult with communities to get their valuable input into that service plan.” 

He added: “Our recent efforts to add resilience to the service, such as through trialling third-party vessels and by bringing forward the drydock work for MV Caledonian Isles, will continue. We will leave no stone unturned as we try to meet the needs of the island communities we serve.” 

CalMac has a winter deployment plan in place through until Friday 15 November. The new plan will take effect from Saturday 16 November, and be published by Wednesday 13 November.