A newbuild ferry, which is due to enter service for Scottish west coast islands operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), has been successfully launched in Turkey.
The MV Loch Indaal, which is to serve Islay and Jura, was launched at the Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Yalova. The new ferry, scheduled to enter service in February 2025, has been described as “another important milestone” in the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering six new major vessels into service by 2026.
This vessel is the second of four ferries being built at the Turkish yard and will serve the two islands off the Mull of Kintyre in addition to the twin vessel, MV Isle of Islay, as Afloat reported of its launch in March.
The 450 passenger/100 car capacity (or 14 freight vehicles) of MV Loch Indaal will significantly boost capacity by 40% on the Islay routes, strengthening the overall fleet's resilience.
Following the launch, the twin-funnel newbuild will undergo further outfitting and preparations in the water before conducting comprehensive sea trials. Once they are completed, the ferry will be handed over to its owners, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. (CMAL).
More on the story, STV News reports.
