Global effort secures reintroduction of MV Hebridean Isles

MV Hebridean Isles, a vital lifeline vessel for CalMac, has made a return to service this week after an extensive 10-month repair period. This comeback, which at times in the process looked increasingly unlikely, showcases the tremendous effort and investment made to restore her seaworthiness and reintegrate her into the CalMac fleet.

The decision to proceed with the repairs and explore every option to return the vessel to service demonstrates CalMac's commitment to exhaust every available option within its fleet.

Six initial attempts were made to address issues with the controllable pitch propeller, with the final option seeing the tailshaft and pull push rod removed from the vessel and sent to a specialist machining company in Denmark. Fortunately, this was successful and MV Hebridean Isles has now carried its first passengers and freight for nearly 10 months, supporting the Islay route during the weekend and into the week ahead.

The final stages of redeployment will see MV Hebridean Isles continue to support the network in extended passenger and freight trials over the coming weeks, before going for annual maintenance, which was delayed during dry dock due to the large investment required at a time it looked unlikely that she would re-enter service. She will then be redeployed to support delivery of CalMac’s winter timetable.

The repairs involved a large number of specialists in Scotland and Norway and the final cost for repairs was around £2.5 million.

Robbie Drummond, Chief Executive, CalMac said: “Our commitment to serving island communities relies on the availability and reliability of our fleet, and losing the large vessel, MV Hebridean Isles, from service by retiring her early would have had a significant impact on our capacity to serve communities with the ferry links they deserve.

"Our maintenance costs have soared in recent years and investment has never been higher as we await six major and 10 smaller vessels coming into service. Thanks to the large number of partners who have supported our work to bring back MV Hebridean Isles, and the work of our world-leading maritime and engineering CalMac team, we are pleased to see this major vessel back on our network.”