CalMac ferry refit thrown off schedule

A refit schedule for CalMac ferries has been thrown off course after one ship damaged her propellers in a drydock accident.

Ferry passengers are also suffering travel chaos as relief timetables on two busy Western Isles routes were ditched as a result.

The MV Clansman propeller was damaged by impact when she entered the James Watt dock in Greenock.

New propeller blades had to be manufactured from scratch to replace the twisted parts.

It means the annual refit for MV Hebrides was delayed so the vessel is remaining on her Lochmaddy and Tarbert runs for longer than expected.

The disruption means many passengers have been forced to rebook transport links at additional cost.

A CalMac spokesman confirmed the ship’s propeller was damaged during an impact in the drydock and the replacement parts were specially produced.

He added: “Technical issues with major vessels do unfortunately have a knock on effect across the fleet with some services more disrupted than others.

“We have to make a judgement on what will cause the least amount of disruption while maintaining lifeline services.

“We apologise for any inconvenience these service changes cause.”