Future Barra Vessel Deployment Options Consultation

Overview and Background

• CalMac issued the baseline Vessel Deployment, Disposal and Cascade Plan (VDD&CP)
  This aligns to Island Connectivity Plan (ICP) Vessels and Ports Plan.
• This plan sets out a baseline view of how our major vessels will be deployed across the
  network through to 2028.
• This plan is not final – it is an initial draft that we are publishing to invite discussion and
  collaboration.
• We want to shape the final version through meaningful engagement and consultation, and
  that is why we are here today.
• We are keen gather community views on these plans and understand your priorities
  We commit to giving updates on the progress.
• Our goal is to ensure that vessel changes reflect community feedback and support
  wellbeing and connectivity.

Deployment Plan

• Over the next four years, we will deploy a series of new vessels to improve capacity, reliability and resilience.
• These deployments are carefully planned to align with infrastructure readiness, service demand, and community priorities.

The following major vessels are scheduled to enter service between 2026 and 2028:

• • Q1 2026 - MV Isle of Islay entry into service - deployed to Kennacraig - Islay
  • Q3 2026 - MV Loch Indaal entry into service - deployed to Kennacraig - Islay
  • Q4 2026 - MV Glen Rosa entry into service - deployed to Ardrossan - Brodick
  • Q1 2027 - MV Lochmor entry into service - deployed to Uig - Tarbert / Lochmaddy
  • Q3 2027 - MV Claymore entry into service - deployed to Uig - Tarbert / Lochmaddy

• The introduction to service of MV Lochmor will result in a vessel cascade which could change deployment on Castlebay – Oban.
• Each deployment option is supported by a detailed assessment of route needs, vessel
  capability, and operational readiness.

Redelivery Principles and Indicative Programme

Our approach to deciding vessel redelivery is guided by the following principles:

• Prioritise older vessels to reduce the risk of unplanned breakdowns and service disruption.
• Engage with affected communities to understand local impacts and explore alternative options.
• Maintain resilience by retaining vessels to support maintenance or contingency planning.
• Ensure environmental compliance through responsible disposal or repurposing.
• Redelivery is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each vessel is assessed individually, and decisions are made in the context of wider network needs.
• The following vessels are currently identified for potential redelivery between 2026 and 2028:
  • Q3 2026 - MV Isle of Mull redelivered (tbc)
  • Q4 2026 - MV Isle of Arran redelivered (tbc)
  • Q2 2027 - MV Isle of Lewis redelivered (tbc)
• As MV Isle of Lewis has been identified as potential vessel for redelivery, this consultation with communities is required to ensure local views and needs are taken into consideration.
• Once this is completed a recommendation will be made to Ministers on vessel redelivery.

Cascade Principles and Indicative Programme

Our approach to cascade planning is guided by:

• Maximising operational value of existing vessels.
• Improving service reliability on routes with older or less capable vessels.
• Supporting community needs through targeted redeployment.
• Maintaining flexibility to respond to changing demand or disruption.
• Infrastructure compatibility, crew availability, and seasonal service patterns

The following cascade movements are currently planned:

• • Q3 2026 - MV Finalggan cascaded to resilience vessel
  • Q4 2026 - MV Caledonian Isles cascaded to TBC
  • Q1 2027 - MV Clansman cascaded to resilience vessel
  • Q1 2027 - MV Hebrides cascaded to Oban - Coll/Tiree
  • Q2 2027 - MV Finlaggan and MV Clansman moved from resilience vessel to TBC

• As MV Isle of Lewis identified as potential redelivery, a cascade of existing vessel being considered.
• The baseline plan outlines the potential redelivery of MV Isle of Lewis and the subsequent
  vessel cascade options
• The alternative option of retaining MV Isle of Lewis is also being considered.

Baseline Plan and Options

• The baseline plan outlines the potential redelivery of MV Isle of Lewis and the subsequent
  vessel cascade options
• The alternative option of retaining MV Isle of Lewis is also being considered. 

Options and Impact

Next Steps

Thank you for taking the time to attend and provide any feedback

• All information displayed well be made available on CalMac’s website
• Please provide any comments today via the feedback clipboards supplied or via email your Area Manager Opens in new windowian.graham@calmac.co.uk by 13 February 2026
• Feedback will be collated, analysed and used to inform deployment and redelivery
  recommendations
• We will publish a summary of consultation outcomes and explain how community input has
  influenced the plan.

Vessel Capacities

• The below table shows the average carrying capacities for each vessel.
• For commercial traffic, this is calculated in high lane meters. This is the amount of lane meters
  available for commercial traffic.