MV Isle of Islay scheduled to enter service in October
The first of four ferries being built for Scotland’s west coast route has been successfully launched in Turkey.
MV Islay will be operated on CalMac’s Islay-Jura route after finishing work at the Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Yarovan.
MV Isle of Islay is scheduled to enter service in Scotland in October.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) chief executive Kevin Hobbs hailed the launch as a “significant milestone” for the project.
Once completed, the ship will be able to accommodate up to 450 passengers and 100 cars or 14 commercial vehicles.
The official naming ceremony will be held on Islay towards the end of the year.
Islay’s sister ship, MV Rock Indahl, is expected to follow in February 2025.
This comes after months of frustration among island communities over the current state of west coast services, many of which have been continually canceled or delayed.
“Reliable and resilient service”
Transport Secretary Fiona Hislop said the ferry’s completion would result in a “more reliable and resilient” service for passengers.
She said: “I am delighted to see the MV of Islay enter the seas and look forward to her arrival in Scotland later this year. I look forward to receiving a warm welcome from the communities she serves. I know that.”
“This is another significant milestone achieved in the Scottish Government’s commitment to deliver six new large vessels to service the Clyde and Hebrides network by 2026.
“With MV Isle of Islay on track for delivery in October, and sister ship MV Loch Indaal to follow soon after, ferry users can expect increased capacity on the Islay route from 2025. ”
CMAL currently owns 12 major vessels, six of which will be replaced by four ferries being built in Turkey and two ferries being built on the River Clyde.
CalMac CEO Robbie Drummond said:
“When she enters service, she will make a real and significant difference to the resilience and capacity of the Islay community and enable our future growth.”
