Caledonian MacBrayne fleet

Last updated

MV Argyle being prepared to enter service in 2007. MV Argyle 4507a.jpg
MV Argyle being prepared to enter service in 2007.

The Caledonian MacBrayne fleet is the largest fleet of car and passenger ferries in the United Kingdom, with 36 ferries in operation. [1] A further 5 vessels are currently under construction for the fleet. The company provides lifeline services to 23 islands off the west coast of Scotland, as well as operating routes in the Firth of Clyde.

Contents

Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) vessels can be readily identified by their black hulls and white superstructures. They have red funnels with black caps that display the Lion Rampant badge with masts in buff. The fleet can be categorised into various groups. 32 of the vessels are owned by the asset holding company Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited which is in turn, like CalMac, wholly owned by the Scottish Government. [2] Two ferries, MV Ali Cat and MV Argyll Flyer, are directly owned by Caledonian MacBrayne, and a further two, MV Alfred and MV Chieftain, are on charter from other owners.

Groups of vessels

MV Isle of Lewis, the second-largest ship operated by Calmac Mv isle of lewis summer isles.jpg
MV Isle of Lewis, the second-largest ship operated by Calmac

Major vessels

There are presently ten monohull vessels over 80 metres (260 feet) in length in the CalMac fleet: MV Isle of Arran, MV Isle of Mull, MV Lord of the Isles, MV Caledonian Isles, MV Isle of Lewis, MV Clansman, MV Hebrides, MV Finlaggan, MV Loch Seaforth, and MV Glen Sannox. These vessels usually operate on the longer crossings, with high passenger numbers.

MV Loch Seaforth, at 116 m (381 ft) in length is the largest vessel in the fleet, and operates on the Ullapool to Stornoway, Lewis crossing. MV Caledonian Isles has the highest passenger capacity and can carry 1000 people on the Ardrossan to Brodick, Arran crossing. MV Hebrides crosses The Minch from Uig, Skye, while MV Isle of Mull, and MV Clansman are based in Oban, serving Mull, Colonsay, Coll, Tiree and in the summer and for relief Barra. MV Isle of Lewis is based in Castlebay, serving Barra, sailing to Oban. MV Lord of the Isles is based in Lochboisdale, serving South Uist, sailing to Mallaig. MV Finlaggan serves Islay and Colonsay from Kennacraig. [3] During the summer, MV Isle of Arran, replaced at Islay in 2011, [4] supplements the Ardrossan - Brodick service and sails to Campbeltown. She is a spare vessel during the winter months.

The first of two new dual-fuel ferries built by Ferguson Marine Engineering, MV Glen Sannox, was handed over to CalMac on 21 November 2024. She entered service on the Troon-Brodick route on 12 January 2025. [5] The second dual-fuel ferry, MV Glen Rosa, was launched on 12 March 2024 and is expected to delivered by 31 May 2025. [6] The construction of these two vessels were much delayed in their construction, having been delayed by over 6 years due to a variety of factors. This sparked the Scottish ferry fiasco, surrounding the political controversies that had arisen as a result of the severe delay.

Four other identical new vessels, ordered in two batches, from Cemre Marin Endustri, Turkey are due to be delivered during 2025. [7] [8]

Loch class

MV Loch Fyne approaching Fishnish MV Loch Fyne approaching Fishnish.jpg
MV Loch Fyne approaching Fishnish

The Loch class are a group of smaller vessels with a single car deck, running the length of the ship, with a ramp at each end. They vary in length from 30.2 to 54.27 m (99 ft 1 in to 178 ft 1 in). Most are symmetrical when viewed from the side, with no operational bow or stern. Passenger accommodation is down one or both sides of the ship. MV Loch Portain, MV Loch Buie and MV Loch Shira also have a lounge above the car deck. They operate on shorter crossings, usually between 5 and 30 minutes, although MV Loch Alainn, MV Loch Portain, and MV Loch Striven take 40, 60 and 55 minutes on their respective routes, Sound of Barra between Ardmhor and Eriskay, Sound of Harris between Berneray and Leverburgh, and Oban and Lismore.

The original four Loch class vessels were based on MV Isle of Cumbrae. At 30.2 m (99 ft 1 in) in length, they can carry 12 cars and 200 passengers. [3] The largest and newest, MV Loch Shira, is 54.27 by 13.90 m (178 ft 1 in by 45 ft 7 in) and can carry 32 cars and 250 passengers. [3] She was built for and has run on the Largs to Cumbrae route since 2007. A mere 7 cm (3 in) shorter, MV Loch Fyne and MV Loch Dunvegan were built for the Skye crossing. They were made redundant by the opening of the Skye Bridge and eventually found redeployment elsewhere after some time laid up.

Of similar design, but larger than the Loch class, MV Hallaig was launched in 2012 for the Raasay service. She is powered by a hybrid combination of batteries and a small diesel engine - a world first for a sea-going RO-RO vessel. [9] A second hybrid ferry, MV Lochinvar, was launched in May 2013 for the Tarbert to Portavadie route. [10] The third hybrid ferry, MV Catriona, was launched on 11 December 2015 and entered service on the Claonaig to Lochranza route in September 2016. [11]

CMAL are currently undergoing a design and tender process for new battery-powered Loch Class ferries. The first phase is expected to consist of seven vessels being delivered between 2025 and 2028. They will be 49.9m long and have the capacity for 24/25 cars and 150 passengers or 15/16 cars and 250 passengers, depending on the design and route they will be on. There will be another phase for the ferries that do longer journeys or have port or sea constraints; these will be assigned to the Sound of Barra, Sound of Harris, Oban - Lismore and Mallaig - Armadale crossings. [12] [13]

Passenger-only vessels

MVs Argyll Flyer and Ali Cat

MV Argyll Flyer (244 passengers) and the catamaran MV Ali Cat (250 passengers) are passenger-only ferries used on the Gourock - Dunoon service. The ferries, formerly operated by Argyll Ferries, were acquired when that company was incorporated into Caledonian MacBrayne in January 2019. [14] Ali Cat, then owned by Solent and Wightline Cruises and chartered by CalMac from Red Funnel Line, entered service on the route in 2002. [15] MV Saturn last served Dunoon on 29 June 2011, and was then scheduled to operate the summer relief on the Arran crossing. [16] From 30 June 2011, the Gourock - Dunoon service was awarded on a passenger-only basis to the newly formed David MacBrayne Ltd subsidiary Argyll Ferries. [17] Argyll Ferries purchased Ali Cat and a former Irish boat renamed MV Argyll Flyer to serve the route. Argyll Flyer was not available for the start of the passenger-only service due to prop shaft problems. The company leased the cruise boat MV Clyde Clipper from Clyde Cruises to start the service, but she was out of service with engine problems for most of the first day. [18]

MV Chieftain

MV Chieftain is a passenger-only vessel chartered from Clyde Marine Services to operate the Gourock to Kilcreggan service since 1 June 2020. She has the capacity for 80 passengers.

Other vessels

There are seven vessels in the fleet which cannot be listed in the above categories.

Coruisk at Armadale Scotland Armadale Mallaig ferry.jpg
Coruisk at Armadale
MV Carvoria

MV Carvoria is a 12-metre-long (39-foot) vessel used on the Kerrera service. She was built in 2017 by Malakoff Limited in Shetland. She is a bow loading vessel of similar design to the old Island Class vessels and can take twelve passengers and one car, although due to vehicle restrictions on Kerrera she rarely carries cars. She is the smallest vessel in the fleet.

MV Coruisk

MV Coruisk is a 65 m (213 ft) "sheltered water vessel", operating on the Mallaig to Armadale route in summer, and relieving on the Clyde in winter. [19] Her design allows her to make the crossing in reverse when sea conditions allow. [19]

Lochnevis calls at Canna. MV Lochnevis.JPG
Lochnevis calls at Canna.
MV Lochnevis

MV Lochnevis is a highly specialised ship serving the Small Isles of Eigg, Canna, Rùm and Muck from Mallaig. She is 49.2 m (161 ft 5 in) long, and has capacity for 190 passengers. Her vehicle deck can accommodate up to 14 cars, but is empty on most sailings due to the lack of roads and vehicle restrictions on the Small Isles. She is instead used mostly for goods and vital equipment for the islands. Lochnevis has a surprisingly large vehicle ramp, which dominates her appearance. [20] This allows her to berth a considerable distance from slipways, protecting her exposed Azipod propulsion systems in shallow waters.

CalMac ferry Loch Frisa fitting out at Leith Loch Frisa.jpg
CalMac ferry Loch Frisa fitting out at Leith
MV Loch Frisa

MV Loch Frisa is a former Norled ferry bought by Caledonian MacBrayne in 2021. She was built in 2015 as Utne and operated for Norled for 6 years. She is a double-ender ferry with passenger capacity for 195, and capacity for 40 cars, or 4 HGVs. She measures 50 m (164 ft 1 in) long by 14.5 m (47 ft 7 in) metres wide. [21] [22] Following a naming competition, CMAL announced renaming as MV Loch Frisa. [23]

MV Alfred

MV Alfred is a 84.5 m (277 ft) catamaran ferry chartered from Pentland Ferries. [24] She can carry 98 cars and 430 passengers. She operated as the second summer vessel on the Ardrossan - Brodick route from May to September 2023. Berthing trials at Stornoway [25] in October 2023 were unsuccessful and she underwent bow thruster repairs before returning to Arran, allowing Caledonian Isles to carry out berthing trials at Islay, Colonsay, Mull, Coll & Tiree. Her charter was extended by 6 months on 6 November 2023 to last until 21 August 2024. [26] During November and December, due to a technical issue with MV Loch Portain, Alfred provided a service between Tarbert and Lochmaddy. [27] She then partnered Isle of Arran on the Arran service during Caledonian Isles ' overhaul. In July 2024, it was announced that the charter had been extended for a further six months until March 2025. [28]

MV Argyle and MV Bute
MV Argyle off Gourock MV Argyle 4507b.jpg
MV Argyle off Gourock

The Wemyss Bay to Rothesay route is operated by two vessels, built in Poland, MV Bute (delivered in spring 2005) and MV Argyle, which entered service in 2007. There was much controversy following the decision to award the shipbuilding contracts to yards outside Scotland. [29] Their introduction into service was delayed by pier work to install an end-loading linkspan, allowing full ro-ro operation. [29]

Current fleet

NameCarsPassengersTypeRoutesLaunchedShipbuilderImage
MV Isle of Cumbrae 18160Double-ended car ferry Tarbert - Portavadie (Summer)
Relief vessel (Winter)		1976 Ailsa Shipbuilding Company, Troon MV Isle of Cumbrae entering Oban Bay - geograph.org.uk - 1746915.jpg
MV Isle of Arran 76448Car ferryrelief vessel1983 Ferguson Ailsa Ltd, Port Glasgow MV Isle of Arran, 22 October 2017.jpg
MV Loch Striven 12203Double-ended car ferry Oban - Achnacroish, Lismore 1986 Richard Dunston, Hessle MV Loch Striven Approaching Oban, 9 May 2017.jpg
MV Loch Linnhe 12203Double-ended car ferryRelief vessel1986 Richard Dunston, Hessle Kilchoan to Tobermory Ferry - geograph.org.uk - 354337.jpg
MV Loch Riddon 12203Double-ended car ferry Largs - Cumbrae Slip (Tattie Pier)(summer)
Relief vessel (winter)		1986 Richard Dunston, Hessle Largs pier and MV Loch Riddon.jpg
MV Loch Ranza 12203Double-ended car ferry Tayinloan - Ardminish, Gigha 1986 Richard Dunston, Hessle MV Loch Ranza.jpg
MV Isle of Mull 80962Car ferry Oban - Craignure
Oban - Scalasaig (Winter Only)
Oban - Castlebay / Lochboisdale (Winter Relief)		1987 Ferguson Shipbuilders, Port Glasgow MV Isle of Mull.jpg
MV Lord of the Isles 56505Car ferry Mallaig - Lochboisdale
Oban - Lochboisdale (Winter Only)
Oban - Arinagour - Scarinish (Winter Relief)
Oban - Scalasaig (Winter Relief)		1989 Ferguson Shipbuilders, Port Glasgow MV Lord of the Isles Approaching Lochboisdale, 10 May 2017.jpg
MV Loch Dunvegan III36200Double-ended car ferry Colintraive - Rhubodach 1991 Ferguson Shipbuilders, Port Glasgow MV Loch Dunvegan.jpg
MV Loch Fyne II36200Double-ended car ferry Mallaig - Armadale (Summer)
Relief vessel (Winter)		1991 Ferguson Shipbuilders, Port Glasgow MV Loch Fyne Approaching Mallaig, 11 May 2017.jpg
MV Loch Buie III10250Double-ended car ferry Fionnphort - Baile Mòr, Iona 1991 J W Miller & Sons Ltd, St Monans "Loch Buie" arriving at Iona - geograph.org.uk - 983803.jpg
MV Loch Tarbert 18142Double-ended car ferry Tobermory - Kilchoan
Relief (Winter)		1992 J W Miller & Sons Ltd, St Monans MV Loch Tarbert Leaves Tobermory, 8 May 2017.jpg
MV Caledonian Isles 1101000Car ferry Ardrossan - Brodick 1993 Richards (Shipbuilders) Ltd, Suffolk MV Caledonian Isles.JPG
MV Isle of Lewis 123680Car ferry Oban - Castlebay
Ullapool - Stornoway (Winter Relief)		1995 Ferguson Shipbuilders, Port Glasgow MV Isle of Lewis At Castlebay.jpg
MV Loch Bhrusda 18150Double-ended car ferryRelief vessel1996 McTay Marine, Merseyside MV Loch Bhrusda At Leverburgh, 7 February 2015.jpg
MV Loch Alainn 24150Double-ended car ferry Ardmhòr - Eriskay 1997 Buckie Shipbuilders Ltd MV Loch Alainn Arriving At Eriskay, 7 May 2017.jpg
MV Clansman V100638Car ferry Oban - Arinagour - Scarinish ( - Castlebay (Summer Only))
Oban - Scalasaig
Oban - Craignure (Winter Only)		1998 Appledore Shipbuilders, Devon MV Clansman Tarbert.jpg
MV Ali Cat 0250Passenger catamaran Gourock - Dunoon 1999; joined CalMac fleet 2019 [30] South Boats of East Cowes Ali Cat in CalMac livery.jpg
MV Lochnevis II14190Car ferry Mallaig - Rùm - Canna - Eigg - Muck
Mallaig - Armadale (Winter)		2000 Ailsa Shipbuilding Company, Troon MV Lochnevis Departs Mallaig, 11 May 2017.jpg
MV Hebrides III100612Car ferry Uig - Lochmaddy / Tarbert 2000 Ferguson Shipbuilders, Port Glasgow MV Hebrides Approaching Uig, Skye, 9 May 2015.jpg
MV Argyll Flyer 0244Passenger ferry Gourock - Dunoon 2001; joined CalMac fleet 2019 [31] OCEA, France MV Argyll Flyer arriving Gourock pier 10 06 19.jpg
MV Loch Portain 32146Double-ended car ferry Leverburgh - Berneray 2003Feniks, Gdańsk and McTay Marine MV Loch Portain Approaching Leverburgh, 9 May 2016.jpg
MV Coruisk III40250Car ferry Mallaig - Armadale (Summer)
Wemyss Bay - Rothesay (Winter relief)		2003 Appledore Shipbuilders, Devon MV Coruisk Approaching Craignure, 8 May 2017.jpg
MV Bute VII60450Car ferry Wemyss Bay - Rothesay 2005 Remontowa Group, Poland Eilean Bhoid arriving at Rothesay , Isle of Bute.jpg
MV Argyle VII60450Car ferry Wemyss Bay - Rothesay 2006 Remontowa Group, Poland MV Argyle 4507d.jpg
MV Loch Shira 36250Double-ended car ferry Largs - Cumbrae Slip (Tattie Pier) 2006 Ferguson Shipbuilders, Port Glasgow MV Loch Shira 2Aug09 stern.jpg
MV Chieftain II
(on charter)		080Passenger ferry Gourock - Kilcreggan 2007; joined CalMac fleet 2020Voyager Boatyard Gourock 210701a Chieftain approaching Kilcreggan Steps.jpg
MV Finlaggan 85550Car ferry Kennacraig – Port Askaig/Port Ellen
Kennacraig – Port Askaig - Colonsay (Winter)		2010 Remontowa Group, Poland MV Finlaggan at Port Askaig.jpg
MV Hallaig 23150Double-ended hybrid car ferry Sconser - Clachan, Raasay 2012 Ferguson Shipbuilders, Port Glasgow MV Hallaig Approaching Sconser, 9 May 2015.jpg
MV Lochinvar II23150Double-ended hybrid car ferry Lochaline - Fishnish 2013 Ferguson Shipbuilders, Port Glasgow Lochinvar (14541001762).jpg
MV Loch Seaforth II143700Car ferry Ullapool - Stornoway 2014 Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft, Germany MV Loch Seaforth Departing Stornoway For Ullapool, 24 February 2015.jpg
MV Catriona 23150Double-ended hybrid car ferry Claonaig – Lochranza (summer)
Tarbert – Portavadie (winter)
Tarbert – Lochranza (winter)		2015 Ferguson Marine, Port Glasgow MV Catriona at Lochranza.jpg
MV Loch Frisa II40195Double-ended car ferry Oban - Craignure 2015; joined CalMac fleet 2022 [32] Sefine Shipyard, Turkey MV Loch Frisa.jpg
MV Carvoria 112Bow-loading landing ferry Gallanach - Kerrera 2017 Malakoff Limited, Lerwick, Shetland MV Carvoria.jpg
MV Alfred
(on charter)		98430Catamaran car ferry Ardrossan - Brodick (May - Sept, Nov 2023, Jan 2024)
Tarbert - Lochmaddy (Nov - Dec 2023)
Troon - Brodick (March 2024 – present)		2019; joined CalMac fleet 2023 Strategic Marine, Vietnam Mv alfred pentland ferries.jpg
MV Glen Sannox IV127852 [33] LNG/MGO dual-fuel car ferry Troon - Brodick [34] 2017; entered service 2025 [35] Ferguson Marine, Port Glasgow 240213a MV Glen Sannox beginning sea trials, seen from Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock.jpg

Future fleet

There are currently five "major vessels" under construction for the Caledonian MacBrayne fleet. The second of the two dual-fuel ferries under construction by Ferguson Marine Engineering, MV Glen Rosa, is expected to be delivered in September 2025. [36]

A £91 million contract to build two ferries for the Islay service was awarded to Cemre Shipyard in Turkey in March 2022. [37] [38] The first steel for two ferries was cut at a ceremony in Turkey in October 2022, [39] with the second vessel's being done in January 2023, in the same week as the first vessel's keel was laid. In May 2023, the same week as the second vessel's keel was laid, it was announced that these ferries would be named MV Isle of Islay and MV Loch Indaal. [40] [41] Isle of Islay is expected to be delivered by the first quarter of 2025, with the second vessel following in the second quarter of 2025. [7] In October 2022 it was announced that two further vessels would be built to a very similar specification as the ferries under construction for Islay. CMAL signed a contract in January 2023 for Cemre Shipyard to also build the two ferries, which would allow a dedicated, peak season services to Tarbert and Lochmaddy from Uig and provide additional resilience in the fleet. [42] The two Uig vessels will be named MV Claymore and MV Lochmor. [43] [44] All apart from the first vessel being built in Turkey has a raised aft mooring deck due to the higher piers on the Uig Triangle. [45]

As the new major vessels come into service, it is expected that a number of vessels will be withdrawn, although one is to be retained as a "resilience vessel" to cover for breakdowns elsewhere in the fleet. [46] MV Hebridean Isles was withdrawn from service on 17 November 2024. [47] CalMac have indicated that MV Isle of Lewis and MV Isle of Mull are next most likely vessels to be disposed of, however this initial assessment remains under review, and is subject to change. [48]

NameCarsPassengersTypeRoutesBuild DetailsShipbuilderImage
MV Glen Rosa 127852 [33] LNG/MGO dual-fuel car ferry Troon - Brodick (initially) [34]
Ardrossan - Brodick [49] 		Under construction, delivery expected September 2025. [50]
Launched April 2024. [51] 		Ferguson Marine, Port Glasgow 240810 610a MV Glen Rosa at Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow.jpg
MV Isle of Islay 107450 [52] Car ferry Kennacraig – Port Askaig/Port Ellen Under Construction, delivery expected in the first quarter of 2025. [7] [53] [8]
Launched March 2024 [54] 		Cemre Marin Endustri, Turkey MV Isle of Islay image on CMAL website
MV Loch Indaal 107450Car ferry Kennacraig – Port Askaig/Port Ellen
Kennacraig – Port Askaig - Colonsay - Oban 		Under Construction, delivery expected in the second quarter of 2025. [7] [8]
Launched June 2024. [55] 		Cemre Marin Endustri, Turkey
MV Claymore 107450Car ferry Uig - Lochmaddy Under Construction, delivery expected in the third quarter of 2025. [7] [45] Cemre Marin Endustri, Turkey
MV Lochmor 107450Car ferry Uig - Tarbert Under Construction, delivery expected in the fourth quarter of 2025. [7] [45] Cemre Marin Endustri, Turkey

Former fleet

MV Hebridean Isles was a ro-ro vehicle ferry that was operated by Caledonian MacBrayne on the west coast of Scotland. She was the first MacBrayne vessel to be ordered and built for them outside Scotland and the first to be launched sideways. With bow, stern and side ramps, Hebridean Isles was suitable for all the routes served by the large fleet units. After 15 years crossing the Little Minch on the Uig triangle, she served Islay and Colonsay before being retired in November 2024, after almost 40 years of service. [47]

The former Clyde ferries, MV Jupiter, MV Juno and MV Saturn had provided the Dunoon and Rothesay services for the best part of 35 years. They were nicknamed the "streakers", because of their speed and ability to manoeuvre rapidly both at sea and in port. Juno and Jupiter were withdrawn from service in 2010, and by June 2011 Juno had been broken up at Rosneath, [56] meanwhile Jupiter was sold to breakers in Denmark for recycling in that month. [57]

NameBuiltEntered ServiceYear LeftAdditional InformationImage
MV Hebridean Isles 198519852024Currently being broken up, with spare parts to be removed and retained for use in other vessels. [58] MV Hebridean Isles At Oban.jpg
FB Laig Bay200020002004Eigg Tender
MV Gylen Lady19991 July 2017 [59] 5 Sept 2017Continues to do relief duties to cover for the overhaul of MV Cavoria. Loading the Kerrera Ferry (geograph 5463660).jpg
MV Arrow 1998July 2021
Jan 2023
Nov 2023		Sept 2021
Mar 2023
Nov 2023		Charter vessel from Seatruck Ferries and Isle of Man Steam Packet Co. for Stornoway freight service. Portside of MS Arrow turning in Douglas Harbour - geograph.org.uk - 4879113.jpg
MV Clipper Ranger 199820132015Charter vessel from Seatruck Ferries for Stornoway freight service. MV Clipper Ranger At Stornoway, 19 September 2013.jpg
MV Muirneag 1979Sept 2002Sept 2013Charter vessel from Harrison's (Clyde) Ltd for Stornoway freight service. CalMac ferry Muirneag - geograph.org.uk - 3479407.jpg
MV Hascosay1971May 2002Aug 2002Charter vessel from NorthLink Ferries for Stornoway freight service. MV Hascosay at Stornoway - geograph.org.uk - 4754721.jpg
MV Lochmor II197919792001 Mallaig Harbour - geograph.org.uk - 1970516.jpg
MV Claymore III19781978
Oct 1997		May 1997
Apr 1998		Sold to Sea Container Service Ltd then to Pentland Ferries.

She was chartered back 1997/8.

 MV Claymore.jpg
MV Saturn 197719772011Sold to Pentland Ferries, renamed MV Orcadia. Saturn 2009.jpg
MV Raasay 197619762018 MV Raasay - geograph.org.uk - 4375964.jpg
MV Canna 197519752017 The Rathlin ferry (4) - geograph.org.uk - 795666.jpg
MV Eigg II197419742018 MV Eilean Eige - Eigg at Largs Pier - geograph.org.uk - 5299493.jpg
MV Juno III197419742010Scrapped MV Juno 10 2 2006.jpg
MV Pioneer III197419742004 Mallaig - 1987 (geograph 2481056).jpg
MV Suilven 197419741995 MV Suilven departing Ullapool - geograph.org.uk - 3944462.jpg
MV Jupiter II197319742011Scrapped MV-Jupiter-090829c.jpg
MV Bruernish197319732006 MV Iona and MV Bruernish, the Gigha ferry.JPG
MV Coll II197319731998 MV Coll at Tobermory slip - geograph.org.uk - 2427576.jpg
MV Rhum 197319731998 MV Rhum at Lochranza Castle slipway in September 1979 - geograph.org.uk - 4818219.jpg
MV Morvern19721972, 19731995From David MacBrayne
MV Kilbrannan 19721972, 19731992From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Lochalsh III19711971, 19731991From Caledonian Steam Packet "Lochalsh" vehicle ferry - geograph.org.uk - 2425155.jpg
MV Iona VII19701970, 1973
Apr 1998
Nov 2008		1997
May 1998
Dec 2008		From David MacBrayne.

Sold to Pentland Ferries renamed MV Pentalina-B. Chartered back to CalMac twice.

 Pentalina B.JPG
MV Kyleakin III19701970, 19731991From Caledonian Steam Packet Ferry to Kyle of Lochalsh - geograph.org.uk - 2286736.jpg
MV Coruisk II19691969, 19731986From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Broadford II19671967, 19731987From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Caledonia III19661970, 19731988From Caledonian Steam Packet, former MV Stena Baltica MV Caledonia.jpg
MV Portree II19651965, 19731987From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Columba II19641964, 19731989From David MacBrayne, current MV Hebridean Princess Arinagour Pier.jpg
MV Clansman IV19641964, 19731984From David MacBrayne Armadale Pier - geograph.org.uk - 625821.jpg
MV Hebrides II19631963, 19731985From David MacBrayne Tarbert - geograph.org.uk - 201573.jpg
FB Iona VI19621962, 19731988From David MacBrayne, Iona - Staffa Tender
MV Keppel 19611967, 19731993From Caledonian Steam Packet MVKeppel.jpg
MV Kyleakin II19601960, 19731983From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Glen Sannox III19571957, 19731989From Caledonian Steam Packet Glen Sannox at Fairlie Pier, Summer 1957 (geograph 1924747).jpg
MV Lochalsh II19571957, 19731979From Caledonian Steam Packet
FB Ulva19561956, 19732001From David MacBrayne, Iona - Staffa then Eigg tender
MV Claymore II19551955, 19731976From David MacBrayne MV Claymore's early arrival at Tobermory, April 1971 - geograph.org.uk - 5469716.jpg
MV Bute VI19541954, 19731979From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Cowal II19541954, 19731979From Caledonian Steam Packet
PS Maid of the Loch 19531953, 19731981From Caledonian Steam Packet, restoration being done by preservation society Maid of the Loch side.JPG
MV Arran II19531954, 19731980From Caledonian Steam Packet The MV "Arran", Dublin - geograph.org.uk - 3280718.jpg
MV Maid of Cumbrae 19531953, 19731978From Caledonian Steam Packet, converted to a car ferry
MV Maid of Argyll 19531953, 19731974From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Maid of Ashton 19531953, 19731973From Caledonian Steam Packet MV Maid of Ashton leaving Blairmore.jpg
MV Maid of Skelmorlie 19531953, 19731973From Caledonian Steam Packet
MV Loch Carron19511951, 19731976From David MacBrayne
PS Waverley 19471947, 19731974From Caledonian Steam Packet, currently run by a preservation society PS Waverley at Garvel Dry Dock - geograph.org.uk - 4937226.jpg
MV Loch Seaforth I19471947, 19731973From David MacBrayne MV Loch Seaforth.jpg
MV Loch Dunvegan II19461950, 19731973From David MacBrayne
MV Loch Toscaig19451955, 19731975From David MacBrayne
FB Applecross19441963
1973		1969
1985		Kylerhea, Tobermory and Iona Tender
MV Loch Arkaig19421960, 19731979From David MacBrayne MV Loch Seaforth car ferry and MV Loch Arkaig.jpg
MV Loch Nell19411947, 19731981From David MacBrayne
FB Staffa VI193419751981Tender
TS Queen Mary 19331935, 19731978From Caledonian Steam Packet, restoration being done by preservation society TS Queen Mary 1981.jpg
FB Kildonan II192319751985Tender
FB Eigg I19231966, 19731978From David MacBrayne, Tender
FB Craignure19041950
1973		1964
1979		Craignure and Iona Tender
FB Tiger190419731975Iona Tender

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MV Caledonian Isles, usually referred to locally as Caley Isles, is one of the largest ships operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), which runs ferries to the Hebridean and Clyde Islands of Scotland. Caledonian Isles serves the Isle of Arran on the Ardrossan to Brodick route. As its CalMac's busiest route, Caledonian Isles has the largest passenger capacity in the fleet, and can carry up to 1000 passengers and 110 cars, with a crossing time of 55 minutes. She is used extensively by day-trippers to the Isle of Arran during the summer.

MV <i>Lord of the Isles</i> Scottish ferry launched 1989

MV Lord of the Isles is one of the larger Caledonian MacBrayne vessels, and operates from Mallaig on the west of Scotland. Built in Port Glasgow, she is the most-travelled vessel in the CalMac fleet.

MV <i>Hebrides</i> Scottish ferry

MV Hebrides is a ferry operated by Caledonian MacBrayne from Uig to Lochmaddy and Tarbert, the main settlements of North Uist and Harris respectively.

MV <i>Hebridean Isles</i> Ship built in 1985

MV Hebridean Isles was a ro-ro vehicle ferry that was operated by Caledonian MacBrayne on the west coast of Scotland. She was the first MacBrayne vessel to be ordered and built for them outside Scotland and the first to be launched sideways. With bow, stern and side ramps, Hebridean Isles was suitable for all the routes served by the large fleet units. After 15 years crossing the Little Minch on the Uig triangle, she served Islay and Colonsay before being retired in November 2024, after almost 40 years of service.

MV <i>Isle of Arran</i> Scottish ferry

MV Isle of Arran is a drive-through ferry operated on the west coast of Scotland by Caledonian MacBrayne. Also known by her local nicknames IOA and The Auld Trooper, she entered service in 1984 on the Ardrossan to Brodick route, serving Arran for nine years before being moved to Kennacraig. She returned to her original route in 2012, supplementing MV Caledonian Isles in summer and becoming a relief vessel for Arran in winter as well as other routes where required. In 2013, she started a new pilot route from Ardrossan to Campbeltown, which became a permanent fixture in 2015. As of 2023, she is one of the oldest vessels in the fleet, having been in service for 40 years; upon arriving into Oban in the West Highlands, celebrations were mounted ashore to mark the 40th anniversary of her launch and service on 2 December 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West Loch Tarbert, Argyll</span> West Loch Tarbert, Argyll, Scotland

West Loch Tarbert is a long, narrow sea loch on the western side of the Kintyre Peninsula, in Argyll and Bute, west of Scotland.

MV <i>Loch Tarbert</i>

MV Loch Tarbert is a Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited ro-ro car ferry, built in 1992 and currently operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. She has spent most of her career on the seasonal Claonaig – Lochranza crossing.

MV <i>Finlaggan</i>

MV Finlaggan is a drive-through vehicle and passenger ferry built in Poland for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited. From 2011, she has been operated by Caledonian MacBrayne on the Islay service from Kennacraig.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David MacBrayne</span> Government-owned Scottish Ferry holding company

David MacBrayne is a limited company owned by the Scottish Government. Formed in 1851 as the private shipping company David Hutcheson & Co. with three partners, David Hutcheson, Alexander Hutcheson and David MacBrayne, it passed in 1878 to David MacBrayne.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caledonian Maritime Assets</span>

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited owns the ferries, ports, harbours and infrastructure for the ferry services serving the west coast of Scotland, the Firth of Clyde and the Northern Isles.

MV <i>Loch Seaforth</i> (2014) Scottish ferry which entered service in 2015

MV Loch Seaforth is a ferry operated by Caledonian MacBrayne between Stornoway and Ullapool. She was launched on 21 March 2014 and entered service in mid-February 2015, replacing both the former vessel, 1995-built MV Isle of Lewis and a chartered freight vessel.

MV <i>Lochinvar</i>

MV Lochinvar is a pioneering diesel electric hybrid ferry built for Caledonian MacBrayne. Initially, she operated between Tarbert and Portavadie, was moved to the Mallaig to Armadale route in 2016 and currently operates on the Lochaline to Fishnish route. She is one of only three passenger and vehicle roll-on, roll-off ferries in the world to incorporate a low-carbon hybrid system of diesel electric and lithium-ion battery power and is the second hybrid ferry commissioned and owned by Caledonian Maritime Assets. The ferries are sea-going and are 43.5 m (143 ft) long, accommodating 150 passengers, 23 cars or two HGVs. The first ferry, MV Hallaig, entered service on the Sconser to Raasay route in October 2013. The third sister ship, MV Catriona, entered service in 2016.

MV <i>Catriona</i>

MV Catriona is a diesel electric hybrid passenger and vehicle roll-on, roll-off ferry built for Caledonian MacBrayne for the Claonaig–Lochranza crossing. She is the third hybrid ferry commissioned and owned by Caledonian Maritime Assets, one of three such ferries in the world to incorporate a low-carbon hybrid system of diesel electric and lithium-ion battery power. The ferries are sea-going and are nearly 46 metres (150 ft) long, accommodating 150 passengers, 23 cars or two HGVs.

MV <i>Glen Sannox</i> (2017) Car and passenger ferry for Caledonian MacBrayne

MV Glen Sannox is a car and passenger ferry constructed at Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow for the Scottish Government asset company CMAL, to lease to its ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne. Entering service to the Isle of Arran in 2025, she is the first of two dual-fuel CalMac ferries, capable of operating on either marine gas oil, or LNG which offers a marked reduction in sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emissions. The ship's name recalls an earlier Arran ferry.

MV <i>Loch Frisa</i> Car/passenger ferry launched 2014

MV Loch Frisa is a ferry bought by Caledonian Maritime Assets for operation by Caledonian MacBrayne to serve between Oban and Craignure in Scotland. She was originally named MV Utne and operated by Norled from 2015 to 2021. In December 2021, following a naming competition, CMAL announced her renaming as MV Loch Frisa.

MV Isle of Islay is a roll-on/roll-off vehicle and passenger ferry being constructed for use by Caledonian MacBrayne on routes on the west coast of Scotland. She is the first of four ferries being built in Turkey for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, and is expected to be delivered in early 2025 for service on routes linking Islay with Kennacraig on the mainland.

MV Loch Indaal is a roll-on/roll-off vehicle and passenger ferry being constructed for use by Caledonian MacBrayne on routes on the west coast of Scotland. She is the second of four ferries being built at Cemre Shipyard in Turkey for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, and is expected to be delivered in 2025 for service on routes linking Islay with Kennacraig on the mainland. She is named for the sea loch of Loch Indaal, which lies on the west coast of Islay. The loch is well known as the inspiration for the folk song "The Lights of Lochindaal" by Iain Simpson.

MV Claymore is a roll-on/roll-off vehicle and passenger ferry currently under construction for use on Caledonian MacBrayne routes on the west coast of Scotland. She is the third of four ferries being built at Cemre Shipyard in Turkey for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, and is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2025. She will operate services on the "Uig Triangle" routes linking Tarbert in Harris and Lochmaddy in North Uist with Uig in Skye.

MV Lochmor is a roll-on/roll-off vehicle and passenger ferry currently under construction for use on Caledonian MacBrayne routes on the west coast of Scotland. She is the fourth of four ferries being built at Cemre Shipyard in Turkey for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, and is expected to be delivered in the final quarter of 2025. She will operate services on the "Uig Triangle" routes linking Tarbert in Harris and Lochmaddy in North Uist with Uig in Skye.

References

  1. ↑ "The Fleet". CalMac Ferries. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
  2. ↑ "Ferries". Caledonian Maritime Assets. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 "On Board Your Ferry: The CalMac Fleet". Caledonian MacBrayne . Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  4. ↑ "Islay Ferry". Isle of Islay. Retrieved 7 December 2012.
  5. ↑ Scott, Kevin (12 January 2025). "Glen Sannox takes first paying passengers on trial run to Arran". STV News. Retrieved 12 January 2025.
  6. ↑ "Delayed CalMac ferry named Glen Rosa after public vote". BBC News. 31 August 2023. Retrieved 31 August 2023.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Kevin Hobbs (CMAL) (30 September 2024). "Update on New Vessels for Islay & Little Minch" (PDF). Scottish Parliament. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  8. 1 2 3 "New vessels for Islay". CMAL Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  9. ↑ "History of Hallaig". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  10. ↑ "Hybrid Ferries Project". Caledonian Maritime Assets . Retrieved 24 August 2013.
  11. ↑ "New £12m CalMac hybrid ferry launched at Ferguson yard". BBC News. 11 December 2015. Retrieved 11 December 2015.
  12. ↑ "Small Vessel Replacement Programme". CMAL Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  13. ↑ Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (2 February 2023). "SVRP - Public Webiner No 2 Presentation.pdf" (PDF). www.cmassets.co.uk. Retrieved 11 May 2023.
  14. ↑ "CalMac takes over the tiller at Argyll Ferries". Argyll Ferries. 21 January 2019. Archived from the original on 27 January 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  15. ↑ "The Fleet - Ali Cat". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  16. ↑ "The Fleet - Saturn". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  17. ↑ "Gourock - Dunoon ferry". Transport Scotland. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  18. ↑ Goodwin, David (1 July 2011). "Ferry Launch is hit by first-day breakdown". Greenock Telegraph. p. 2.
  19. 1 2 "Coruisk (iii)". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 4 January 2020.
  20. ↑ "History - MV Lochnevis". Ships of Calmac. Archived from the original on 27 December 2009. Retrieved 17 July 2010.
  21. ↑ "New ferry purchased for CalMac Scottish Island Services". NI Ferry Site. 5 October 2021.
  22. ↑ "UTNE (RoRo/Passenger Ship)". MarineTraffic. 5 October 2021.
  23. ↑ "MV Loch Frisa". CMAL Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. 21 December 2021. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  24. ↑ "Customer Update - MV Alfred chartered as relief vessel for 9 months". CalMac. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  25. ↑ "CalMac chartered catamaran ferry, MV Alfred, earmarked for Stornoway relief stint". www.hebrides-news.com. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
  26. ↑ "MV Alfred chartered for extra six months by CalMac". BBC News. 6 November 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  27. ↑ "CalMac extends MV Alfred deployment in Western Isles". Hebrides News. 28 November 2023. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  28. ↑ "CalMac announces charter extension for mv Alfred". 9 July 2024.
  29. 1 2 "History of MV Bute". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 1 July 2011.
  30. ↑ "MV Ali Cat". CalMac. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  31. ↑ "MV Argyll Flyer". CalMac. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  32. ↑ "MV Loch Frisa". CMAL. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  33. 1 2 "'Beyond belief': Scots fiasco ferries to have 300-passenger cut for safety reasons". 3 October 2023.
  34. 1 2 "Ardrossan Harbour Upgrades". CalMac Ferries. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
  35. ↑ Calum Watson (21 November 2024). "Ferries saga ship Glen Sannox finally delivered". BBC News. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  36. ↑ "Update on Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa" (PDF). Ferguson Marine Engineering. 19 April 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  37. ↑ "First Major Build Milestone for Islay Ferries". CMAL. 4 October 2022. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
  38. ↑ "TBN NB1093". Cemre Shipyard. Retrieved 27 October 2022.
  39. ↑ Alex Smith (7 October 2022). "Steel cut at Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard for new Islay ferries". Cruise and Ferry Review. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  40. ↑ "Names announced for new Islay and Jura ferries". BBC News. 18 May 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  41. ↑ "Key Construction Milestones met for MV Loch Indaal and the First of Two Little Minch Ferries". CMAL. 25 May 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  42. ↑ "New ferries for the Clyde & Hebrides". Transport Scotland. 26 October 2022. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  43. ↑ "Little Minch ferries reach major construction milestones". Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
  44. ↑ "Names chosen for new Western Isles ferries". BBC News. 19 December 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  45. 1 2 3 "Two New Vessels for the Little Minch". CMAL Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  46. ↑ "Islands Connectivity Plan - Vessels and Ports Plan - Draft for consultation: Investment plans". Transport Scotland. 31 January 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  47. 1 2 Calum Watson (18 November 2024). "Islanders bid a fond farewell to MV Hebridean Isles". BBC News.
  48. ↑ Erin Maguire (19 September 2024). "CalMac confirms ferries 'most likely' for disposal". Greenock Telegraph. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  49. ↑ "Competition Launched to Name Dual Fuel Ferry". Caledonian Maritime Assets Lts (CMAL). 2 August 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  50. ↑ https://www.fergusonmarine.com/media/01cnnbm1/nzet-letter-19th-april-2024-fv.pdf
  51. ↑ "Launch date set for delayed CalMac ferry MV Glen Rosa". BBC News. 10 November 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
  52. ↑ "Work starts on first of two new Islay ferries". BBC News. 4 October 2022. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  53. ↑ Matthew Fulton (9 August 2024). "New CalMac ferry built in Turkey delayed until 'end of year'". STV News. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  54. ↑ "MV Isle of Islay successfully launched". CMAL. 16 March 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
  55. ↑ "Calmac ferry launched at Turkish shipyard ahead of delivery in Scotland". STV News. 8 June 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
  56. ↑ "End of road for former Rothesay ferry". The Buteman. 20 May 2011. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  57. ↑ "A tribute to MV Jupiter, 1973-2011". National Steam Ship Preservation forum. Archived from the original (video) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  58. ↑ Calum Watson (18 November 2024). "Islanders bid a fond farewell to MV Hebridean Isles". BBC News. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
  59. ↑ "CalMac takes over running of Kerrera ferry". CalMac Ferries. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
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