List of ferries operated by Caledonian MacBrayne in Scotland
MV Argyle being prepared to enter service in 2007.
The Caledonian MacBrayne fleet is the largest fleet of car and passenger ferries in the United Kingdom, with 34 ferries in operation, 2 on charter and another 6 on order. The company provides lifeline services to 23 islands off the west coast of Scotland, as well as operating routes in the Firth of Clyde.
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) vessels can be readily identified by their black hulls and white superstructures. They have red funnels with black caps that display the Lion Rampant badge with masts in buff. The fleet can be categorised into various groups. Vessels are owned by the asset holding company Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, which is in turn wholly owned by the Scottish Government.
Groups of vessels
MV Isle of Lewis, the second-largest ship operated by Calmac
Major vessels
There are presently ten vessels over 80 metres (260 feet) in length in the CalMac fleet: MV Isle of Arran, MV Hebridean Isles, MV Isle of Mull, MV Lord of the Isles, MV Caledonian Isles, MV Isle of Lewis, MV Clansman, MV Hebrides, MV Finlaggan, and MV Loch Seaforth. These vessels usually operate on the longer crossings, with high passenger numbers.
MV Loch Seaforth, at 116 m (381 ft) in length the largest vessel in the fleet, operates on the Ullapool to Stornoway, Lewis crossing. MV Caledonian Isles has the highest passenger capacity and can carry 1000 people on the Ardrossan to Brodick, Arran crossing. MV Hebrides crosses The Minch from Uig, Skye, while MV Isle of Mull, and MV Clansman are based in Oban, serving Mull, Colonsay, Coll, Tiree and in the summer and for relief Barra. MV Isle of Lewis is based in Castlebay, serving Barra, sailing to Oban. MV Lord of the Isles is based in Lochboisdale, serving South Uist, sailing to Mallaig. MV Finlaggan and MV Hebridean Isles serve Islay and Colonsay from Kennacraig.[1] During the summer, MV Isle of Arran, replaced at Islay in 2011,[2] supplements the Ardrossan - Brodick service and sails to Campbeltown. She is a spare vessel during the winter months.
Two new dual fuel ferries are being built by Ferguson Marine Engineering.[3] The first, named MV Glen Sannox is due to enter service at Ardrossan,[4] and is now scheduled for delivery by 30 September 2024.[5][6] The second, MV Glen Rosa, is expected to be launched on 12 March 2024 and delivered by 31 May 2025.[7] See also ferry fiasco for the political controversies surrounding the construction of these units.
Four other identical new vessels, ordered in two batches, from Cemre Marin Endustri, Turkey are due to be delivered between October 2024 and February 2025.[8] The first two will be used on the Islay service, and will be named MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal.[9] The second two will be used on the Uig to Lochmaddy and Tarbert routes, and will be named MV Claymore and MV Lochmor.[10][11] All apart from the first vessel being built in Turkey has a raised aft mooring deck due to the higher piers on the Uig Triangle.[12]
Clyde services
MV Argyle off Gourock
The Wemyss Bay to Rothesay route is operated by two vessels, built in Poland, MV Bute (delivered in spring 2005) and MV Argyle, which entered service in 2007. There was much controversy following the decision to award the shipbuilding contracts to yards outside Scotland.[13] The streakers' removal from Rothesay was delayed by pier work to install an end-loading linkspan, allowing full ro-ro operation.[13]
The former Clyde ferries, MV Jupiter, MV Juno and MV Saturn had provided the Dunoon and Rothesay services for the best part of 35 years. They were nicknamed the "streakers", because of their speed and ability to manoeuvre rapidly both at sea and in port. Juno and Jupiter were withdrawn from service in 2010, and by June 2011 Juno had been broken up at Rosneath,[14] meanwhile Jupiter was sold to breakers in Denmark for recycling in that month.[15]
From 2002, the service to Dunoon was supplemented by passenger catamaran MV Ali Cat, owned by Solent and Wightline Cruises and chartered by CalMac from Red Funnel Line.[16] MV Saturn last served Dunoon on 29 June 2011, and was then scheduled to operate the summer relief on the Arran crossing.[17] From 30 June 2011, the Gourock - Dunoon service was awarded on a passenger-only basis to the newly formed David MacBrayne Ltd subsidiary Argyll Ferries.[18] Argyll Ferries purchased MV Ali Cat and a former Irish boat renamed MV Argyll Flyer to serve the route. Argyll Flyer was not available for the start of the passenger-only service due to prop shaft problems. The company leased the cruise boat MV Clyde Clipper from Clyde Cruises to start the service, but she was out of service with engine problems for most of the first day.[19]
Loch class
MV Loch Fyne approaching Fishnish
The Loch class are a group of smaller vessels with a single car deck, running the length of the ship, with a ramp at each end. They vary in length from 30.2 to 54.27 m (99 ft 1 in to 178 ft 1 in). Most are symmetrical when viewed from the side, with no operational bow or stern. Passenger accommodation is down one or both sides of the ship. MV Loch Portain, MV Loch Buie and MV Loch Shira also have a lounge above the car deck. They operate on shorter crossings, usually between 5 and 30 minutes, although MV Loch Alainn, MV Loch Portain, and MV Loch Striven take 40, 60 and 55 minutes on their respective routes, Sound of Barra between Ardmhor and Eriskay, Sound of Harris between Berneray and Leverburgh, and Oban and Lismore.
The original four Loch class vessels were based on MV Isle of Cumbrae. At 30.2 m (99 ft 1 in) in length, they can carry 12 cars and 200 passengers.[1] The largest and newest, MV Loch Shira, is 54.27 by 13.90 m (178 ft 1 in by 45 ft 7 in) and can carry 32 cars and 250 passengers.[1] She was built for and has run on the Largs to Cumbrae route since 2007. A mere 7 cm (3 in) shorter, MV Loch Fyne and MV Loch Dunvegan were built for the Skye crossing. They were made redundant by the opening of the Skye Bridge and eventually found redeployment elsewhere after some time laid up.
Of similar design, but larger than the Loch class, MV Hallaig was launched in 2012 for the Raasay service. She is powered by a hybrid combination of batteries and a small diesel engine - a world first for a sea-going RO-RO vessel.[20] A second hybrid ferry, MV Lochinvar, was launched in May 2013 for the Tarbert to Portavadie route.[21] The third hybrid ferry, MV Catriona, was launched on 11 December 2015 and entered service on the Claonaig to Lochranza route in September 2016.[22]
CMAL are currently undergoing a design and tender process for new battery-powered Loch Class ferries. The first phase is expected to consist of seven vessels being delivered between 2025 and 2028. They will be 49.9m long and have the capacity for 24/25 cars and 150 passengers or 15/16 cars and 250 passengers, depending on the design and route they will be on. There will be another phase for the ferries that do longer journeys or have port or sea constraints; these will be assigned to the Sound of Barra, Sound of Harris, Oban - Lismore and Mallaig - Armadale crossings.[23][24]
Passenger-only vessels
MVs Argyll Flyer and Ali Cat
MV Argyll Flyer (244 passengers) and the catamaran MV Ali Cat (250 passengers) are passenger-only ferries used on the Gourock - Dunoon service. The ferries, formerly operated by Argyll Ferries, were acquired when the company was incorporated into Caledonian MacBrayne in January 2019.[25]
MV Chieftain
MV Chieftain is a passenger-only vessel chartered from Clyde Marine Services to operate the Gourock to Kilcreggan service since 1 June 2020. She has the capacity for 80 passengers.
Other vessels
There are five vessels in the fleet which cannot be listed in the above categories.
MV Carvoria is a 12-metre-long (39-foot) vessel used on the Kerrera service. She was built in 2017 by Malakoff Limited in Shetland. She is a bow loading vessel of similar design to the old Island Class vessels and can take twelve passengers and one car, although due to vehicle restrictions on Kerrera she rarely carries cars. She is the smallest vessel in the fleet.
MV Coruisk
MV Coruisk is a 65 m (213 ft) "sheltered water vessel", operating on the Mallaig to Armadale route in summer, and relieving on the Clyde in winter.[26] Her design allows her to make the crossing in reverse when sea conditions allow.[26]
MV Lochnevis is a highly specialised ship serving the Small Isles of Eigg, Canna, Rùm and Muck from Mallaig. She is 49.2 m (161 ft 5 in) long, and has capacity for 190 passengers. Her vehicle deck can accommodate up to 14 cars, but is empty on most sailings due to the lack of roads and vehicle restrictions on the Small Isles. She is instead used mostly for goods and vital equipment for the islands. Lochnevis has a surprisingly large vehicle ramp, which dominates her appearance.[27] This allows her to berth a considerable distance from slipways, protecting her exposed Azipod propulsion systems in shallow waters.
CalMac ferry Loch Frisa fitting out at LeithMV Loch Frisa
MV Loch Frisa is a former Norled ferry bought by Caledonian MacBrayne in 2021. She was built in 2015 as Utne and operated for Norled for 6 years. She is a double-ender ferry with passenger capacity for 195, and capacity for 40 cars, or 4 HGVs. She measures 50 m (164 ft 1 in) long by 14.5 m (47 ft 7 in) metres wide.[28][29] Following a naming competition, CMAL announced renaming as MV Loch Frisa.[30]
MV Alfred
MV Alfred is a 84.5 m (277 ft) catamaran ferry chartered from Pentland Ferries for 9 months from April 2023.[31] She can carry 98 cars and 430 passengers. She operated the Ardrossan - Brodick route from May to September 2023. Berthing trials at Stornoway[32] in October 2023 were unsuccessful. She underwent bow thruster repairs before taking over the Arran service, allowing Caledonian Isles to carry out berthing trials at Islay, Colonsay, Mull, Coll & Tiree. Her charter was extended by 6 months on 6 November 2023 to last until 21 August 2024.[33] During November and December, due to a technical issue with MV Loch Portain, Alfred provided a service between Tarbert and Lochmaddy.[34] She then partnered Isle of Arran on the Arran service during Caledonian Isles' overhaul. In July 2024 it was announce that the charter has been extended for a further six months until March 2025[35]
Charter vessel from Seatruck Ferries for Stornoway freight service.
MV Muirneag
1979
Sept 2002
Sept 2013
Charter vessel from Harrison's (Clyde) Ltd for Stornoway freight service.
MV Hascosay
1971
May 2002
Aug 2002
Charter vessel from NorthLink Ferries for Stornoway freight service.
MV Lochmor II
1979
1979
2001
MV Claymore III
1978
1978 Oct 1997
May 1997 Apr 1998
Sold to Sea Container Service Ltd then to Pentland Ferries.
She was chartered back 1997/8.
MV Saturn
1977
1977
2011
Sold to Pentland Ferries, renamed MV Orcadia.
MV Raasay
1976
1976
2018
MV Canna
1975
1975
2017
MV Eigg II
1974
1974
2018
MV Juno III
1974
1974
2010
Scrapped
MV Pioneer III
1974
1974
2004
MV Suilven
1974
1974
1995
MV Jupiter II
1973
1974
2011
Scrapped
MV Bruernish
1973
1973
2006
MV Coll II
1973
1973
1998
MV Rhum
1973
1973
1998
MV Morvern
1972
1972, 1973
1995
From David MacBrayne
MV Kilbrannan
1972
1972, 1973
1992
From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Lochalsh III
1971
1971, 1973
1991
From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Iona VII
1970
1970, 1973 Apr 1998 Nov 2008
1997 May 1998 Dec 2008
From David MacBrayne.
Sold to Pentland Ferries renamed MV Pentalina-B. Chartered back to CalMac twice.
MV Kyleakin III
1970
1970, 1973
1991
From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Coruisk II
1969
1969, 1973
1986
From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Broadford II
1967
1967, 1973
1987
From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Caledonia III
1966
1970, 1973
1988
From Caledonian Steam Packet, former MV Stena Baltica
MV Portree II
1965
1965, 1973
1987
From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Columba II
1964
1964, 1973
1989
From David MacBrayne, current MV Hebridean Princess
MV Clansman IV
1964
1964, 1973
1984
From David MacBrayne
MV Hebrides II
1963
1963, 1973
1985
From David MacBrayne
FB Iona VI
1962
1962, 1973
1988
From David MacBrayne, Iona - Staffa Tender
MV Keppel
1961
1967, 1973
1993
From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Kyleakin II
1960
1960, 1973
1983
From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Glen Sannox III
1957
1957, 1973
1989
From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Lochalsh II
1957
1957, 1973
1979
From Caledonian Steam Packet
FB Ulva
1956
1956, 1973
2001
From David MacBrayne, Iona - Staffa then Eigg tender
MV Claymore II
1955
1955, 1973
1976
From David MacBrayne
MV Bute VI
1954
1954, 1973
1979
From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Cowal II
1954
1954, 1973
1979
From Caledonian Steam Packet
PS Maid of the Loch
1953
1953, 1973
1981
From Caledonian Steam Packet, restoration being done by preservation society
MV Arran II
1953
1954, 1973
1980
From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Maid of Cumbrae
1953
1953, 1973
1978
From Caledonian Steam Packet, converted to a car ferry
MV Maid of Argyll
1953
1953, 1973
1974
From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Maid of Ashton
1953
1953, 1973
1973
From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Maid of Skelmorlie
1953
1953, 1973
1973
From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Loch Carron
1951
1951, 1973
1976
From David MacBrayne
PS Waverley
1947
1947, 1973
1974
From Caledonian Steam Packet, currently run by a preservation society
MV Loch Seaforth I
1947
1947, 1973
1973
From David MacBrayne
MV Loch Dunvegan II
1946
1950, 1973
1973
From David MacBrayne
MV Loch Toscaig
1945
1955, 1973
1975
From David MacBrayne
FB Applecross
1944
1963 1973
1969 1985
Kylerhea, Tobermory and Iona Tender
MV Loch Arkaig
1942
1960, 1973
1979
From David MacBrayne
MV Loch Nell
1941
1947, 1973
1981
From David MacBrayne
FB Staffa VI
1934
1975
1981
Tender
TS Queen Mary
1933
1935, 1973
1978
From Caledonian Steam Packet, restoration being done by preservation society
FB Kildonan II
1923
1975
1985
Tender
FB Eigg I
1923
1966, 1973
1978
From David MacBrayne, Tender
FB Craignure
1904
1950 1973
1964 1979
Craignure and Iona Tender
FB Tiger
1904
1973
1975
Iona Tender
References
^ abc"On Board Your Ferry: The CalMac Fleet". Caledonian MacBrayne. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
^"Islay Ferry". Isle of Islay. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
^"Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited announces Scottish shipbuilder as preferred tenderer for two large ferries contract". CMAL. 31 August 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
^"CMAL announces name of first LNG ferry". CMAL. 1 June 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2017.
^Tydeman, David (29 September 2023). "Fergusons CEO Update 29 September 2023" (PDF). www.fergusonmarine.com. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
^"Delayed CalMac ferry named Glen Rosa after public vote". BBC News. 31 August 2023. Retrieved 31 August 2023.
^ abc"New vessels for Islay". CMAL Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
^"Names announced for new Islay and Jura ferries". BBC News. 18 May 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
^"Little Minch ferries reach major construction milestones". Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
^"Names chosen for new Western Isles ferries". BBC News. 19 December 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
^ abc"Two New Vessels for the Little Minch". CMAL Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
^ ab"History of MV Bute". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
^"End of road for former Rothesay ferry". The Buteman. 20 May 2011. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
^"A tribute to MV Jupiter, 1973-2011". National Steam Ship Preservation forum. Archived from the original (video) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
^"The Fleet - Ali Cat". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
^"The Fleet - Saturn". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
^"Gourock - Dunoon ferry". Transport Scotland. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
^Goodwin, David (1 July 2011). "Ferry Launch is hit by first-day breakdown". Greenock Telegraph. p. 2.
^"History of Hallaig". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
^Caledonian Maritime Assests Limited (2 February 2023). "SVRP - Public Webiner No 2 Presentation.pdf" (PDF). www.cmassets.co.uk. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
^"CalMac takes over the tiller at Argyll Ferries". Argyll Ferries. 21 January 2019. Archived from the original on 27 January 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
^ ab"Coruisk (iii)". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
^"History - MV Lochnevis". Ships of Calmac. Archived from the original on 27 December 2009. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
^"New ferry purchased for CalMac Scottish Island Services". NI Ferry Site. 5 October 2021.
^"UTNE (RoRo/Passenger Ship)". MarineTraffic. 5 October 2021.
^"MV Loch Frisa". CMAL Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. 21 December 2021. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
^"Customer Update - MV Alfred chartered as relief vessel for 9 months". CalMac. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
^"CalMac chartered catamaran ferry, MV Alfred, earmarked for Stornoway relief stint". www.hebrides-news.com. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
^"MV Alfred chartered for extra six months by CalMac". BBC News. 6 November 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
^"CalMac extends MV Alfred deployment in Western Isles". Hebrides News. 28 November 2023. Retrieved 6 January 2024.