Scottish Stalwart from CalMac Fleet Hebridean Isles Goes for Repairs Just Months Before Retired & Recycled

3rd August 2024

Ferry stalwart: Hebridean Isles, at almost forty years old, is to be scrapped, which CalMac operates along with Finlaggen to Islay off the Mull of Kintyre, south-west Scotland. In addition, the veteran vessel also runs on the Oban-Colonsay (Isle)- Port Askaig- Kennacraig route, which AFLOAT highlights is disrupted, as the ferry it transpires since Thursday (1 Aug) is off service undergoing repairs in Troon, Firth of Clyde. The ferry built in 1985, as seen at Kennacraig, is to be replaced by new tonnage, starting with the first of twin newbuilds, the Isle of Islay, later this year. Credit: Jehan Ashmore

The Scottish government owned operator CalMac yesterday announced one of its oldest ferries, Hebridean Isles, is to leave this November after almost four decades in service as the company looks to modernise its ferry fleet.

The veteran ferry of 3,040 gross tonnes has served west coast communities with distinction since its maiden voyage in December 1985, when the ferry entered service with a capacity for 494 passengers, 68 cars and 10 lorries.

Affectionally known as the 'Heb Isles', the 85.1m ferry has primarily served Islay off the Mull of Kintyre in recent years on the Kennacraig (mainland)-Port Ellen / Port Askaig routes.

In addition Afloat reports today of disruption to the Oban-Colonsay (Isle)- Port Askaig- Kennacraig route.

CalMac cited due to an ongoing issue affecting the bow thruster on MV Hebridean Isles, the vessel has been removed from service and has re-located to Troon (Firth of Clyde) to allow for further investigations and repair. Therefore, all sailings on this service are cancelled. We have explored options to provide an alternative service, however, this has not been possible. Click here for further details

It transpires the ferry on 1 August went off service and on the same day arrived in Troon where Afloat tracked today. For other details on CalMac's extensive routes network, click this Link for such updates.

This latest episode highlights why the Hebridean Isles is to be replaced, as the announcement also related to the first of four new major vessels being built in Turkey, the Isle of Islay, which is to enter service later this year. A second newbuild for Islay service, Loch Indaal, will operate from early 2025.

The operator has said that works are ongoing to upgrade Kennacraig on the mainland, and Port Askaig on Islay, in preparation for the new vessels arriving. They will increase vehicle and freight capacity on the route by almost 40%.

Craig Ramsay, CalMac's Fleet Management Director, said: "MV Hebridean Isles' planned disposal marks the latest step in a period of significant change for CalMac, which will see the rapid modernisation of our fleet of major vessels by 2026.

"If the Heb Isles were to be retained, she would require a significant programme of work in overhaul due to her age and general condition, and this would keep her out of service for months. In providing an update on her disposal now, we're aiming to provide certainty to our communities and customers ahead of winter.

"Vessels become a part of the fabric of the island communities they serve, and CalMac colleagues and islanders, particularly on Islay, will be sorry to see the Heb Isles exit the fleet after a long period of service. That's why we are keen to mark her departure in some form come November."

Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL, said: "Our plan to bring six new major vessels to the network by the end of 2025 is well underway, and with two of them headed for the Islay route, it's time to retire the Hebridean Isles. She's been one of the most flexible vessels on the network, having served almost every route at some point in her distinguished career."

Hebridean Isles certification expires on 21 November, meaning the ferry will be removed from service by that date. CalMac expects the vessel to exit active service in mid-November, allowing time to travel to a recycling facility before its certification expires.

Given the ferry’s age and general condition, significant works had already been identified for overhaul were the ship to enter it. This, plus the requirement for a mandatory five-year survey, means the vessel would have spent a large period in drydock, certainly missing the bulk of the winter timetable.

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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