The latest of a series of delays to CalMac ferries being built in Turkey has been described as a “double whammy” coming on top of the years-late construction of two larger vessels at Ferguson Marine on the Clyde. Isle of Islay, the first of four being built at the yard in Yalova, is not expected to be completed until the end of March compared to the previously expected mid-February, although it was originally scheduled to be finished in October. The vessel is now likely to enter service on the Islay routes from Kennacraig in Kintyre in May.
The Scottish Government’s ferry buying and owning firm Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (Cmal) attributed the setback to multiple issues outwith the Cemre Marin Endustri yard’s control, including supply delays caused by political instability. More and more people have subscribed to Alastair Dalton’s transport newsletter - join them here Cmal chief executive Kevin Hobbs said in a letter to MSPs that Isle of Islay’s delivery day “will be extended beyond the mid-February 2025 date” advised in its previous update in September. Glen Sannox, the first of two ferries being built at the nationalised Ferguson Marine yard, was delivered to CalMac last month more than six years late, with the second, Glen Rosa, not due until next September.
Glen Sannox will officially enter service on the main Arran route to Brodick - CalMac’s busiest - on January 13, as The Scotsman revealed on Thursday. But the ferry is likely to carry its first.
