Several sailings between Stornoway and Ullapool have been cancelled due to engine problems with CalMac’s largest ferry.
Commuters are facing a day of disruption due to issues with MV Loch Seaforth’s engine control system.
Sailings leaving from Stornoway at 7am and 2pm have been cancelled as well the 10.30am service departing from Ullapool.
After a review, the 5.30pm sailing from Ullapool and the 7am service from Stornoway on Wednesday has also been cancelled. The ferry is currently berthed at Ullapool Harbour.
Another review will be held tomorrow at 7am.
They encouraged passengers to use the Uig to Tarbert route in the meantime.
Additional sailings have been put in place this evening to help with the traffic backlog.
🔶AMBER #Ullapool #Stornoway 11Apr There will be a review approx. 14:00 for the 17:30 sailing from Ullapool.
Please note limited capacity is available on the alternative route via Uig-Tarbert.— CalMac Service Info (@CalMac_Updates) April 11, 2023
Priority to food and medical supplies
A CalMac spokeswoman said: “On arrival into Ullapool last night, MV Loch Seaforth reported an issue with its engine control and monitoring system.
“Engineers are currently investigating the defect and are in contact with specialist contract support and will resolve the issue as soon they possibly can.
“At the moment, traffic is being redirected onto alternative routes and additional sailings for essential traffic will operate between Uig-Tarbert-Uig tonight.
“Port staff will contact customers directly regarding these sailings, which will give priority to services such as food, medical supplies and time-sensitive loads. Remaining space will then be offered to general traffic.
“We are very sorry for the disruption and inconvenience that this technical fault is causing to our customers, and we are grateful for their patience. We will continue to contact them directly or through updates through the usual social media channels.”
Corran Ferry cancellations
Built in 2014, MV Loch Seaforth has faced breakdowns in the past.
In 2021, the ferry – the newest large ferry in Calmac’s fleet – suffered a “major breakdown” and had to be transported to Greenock for specialist repairs.
It was out of action for several weeks.
Today’s breakdown follows after residents in the western Scottish Highlands and Argyll and Bute have expressed outrage after the Corran Ferry was also pulled service.
Reduced sailings were already in place while repair work is being carried out on MV Corran when the relief vessel also broke down last week.
Business owners and healthcare workers said their work and income has been negatively impacted as a result.
Some have even said they are withholding council tax to help cover increased fuel costs.
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