Scotland's largest domestic ferry operator, CalMac has introduced freight-only sailings on the Firth of Clyde with a temporary route between Troon and Arran so to provide support to the island.
According to a press release, following trials last week, CalMac announced freight only sailings operating twice-daily but only between Monday-Friday had began yesterday. The dedicated freight only service on the Troon-Brodick route is operated by the MV Hebridean Isles (Afloat adds is a veteran of the CalMac fleet having entered service in 1985 and normally operates on the Kennacraig (Mull of Kintyre)- Islay routes). Also, see related newbuild replacement contract story.
The introduction of the freight only service to and from Troon will also free up additional deck capacity on the MV Isle of Arran, which will continue to operate Ardrossan-Brodick, the established main route, while the route's second ferry Caledonian Isles, Afloat has tracked to a dry-dock in Greenock.
Businesses and hauliers are being contacted directly about using this temporary service, which will operate only on weekdays, whilst the MV Hebridean Isles is currently unable to utilise Ardrossan, as a result of technical defect (to the bow visor, according to The Herald) which currently precludes safe operation at that port.
All other customers will continue to use Ardrossan-Brodick and Claonaig-Lochranza, and are advised not to turn up at Troon as they will not be able to travel on these sailings, due to a lack of passenger facilities.
Don McKillop, Area Operations Manager for CalMac for Clyde, said: "These new, freight only sailings, are aimed at relieving pressure between Ardrossan and Brodick, by freeing up much-needed space for our other customers. This will be a temporary measure until MV Caledonian Isles is back from her scheduled annual overhaul.
"I must stress that the temporary Troon service is for commercial traffic only, it will not be carrying any passengers other than commercial vehicle drivers. We are contacting identified commercial customers to offer them spaces, including those with block bookings.
"This will relieve deck capacity between Ardrossan and Brodick and will allow the Tarbert-Portavadie route to resume, which had been cancelled to increase capacity on the Claonaig-Lochranza route."