The delay comes as CalMac faces ongoing challenges, including a shortage of vessels and maintenance issues across its fleet. Transport Scotland described the latest delay as "disappointing" but attributed it to global supply chain and workforce constraints beyond the shipyard's control.
The first vessel, MV Isle of Islay, was launched a year ago by CMAL chairwoman Morag McNeill at the Cemre shipyard. The second vessel, MV Loch Indaal, was launched three months later. A BBC News freedom of information request revealed that 10 CMAL staff and guests attended the Loch Indaal launch, with flight and accommodation expenses totaling nearly £10,000.
When will the ships be delivered?
MV Isle of Islay, originally scheduled for delivery in October 2024, was first pushed to mid-February 2025 and is now expected no earlier than the end of Q2 2025. CMAL stated that the remaining three vessels would follow at six-month intervals after Isle of Islay. This schedule means MV Loch Indaal, originally expected in June 2025, will not be completed until the end of the year at the earliest. The final two vessels, MV Lochmor and MV Claymore, are planned for deployment on the Little Minch routes between Skye, Harris, and North Uist.
Transport Scotland acknowledged that shipyards worldwide are facing external supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages. The agency stated that Cemre is working to complete outfitting, testing, trials, and surveys as soon as possible. It emphasized that CMAL and CalMac are expected to closely monitor progress, and a clearer timeline for delivery will be provided following sea trials and commissioning work. Transport Scotland also noted that the construction quality meets CMAL's expectations and that the vessels will serve island communities for years to come.
Meanwhile, CalMac continues to adjust its services to address fleet shortages. Chief Executive Duncan Mackison stated that a third of its large vessels are either out of service or operating with reduced capacity. The privately owned catamaran Alfred, originally chartered for temporary support, will remain in service until the end of May at a cost of approximately £1 million per month. The summer-only Ardrossan-Campbeltown service will remain suspended for another year.
Workforce Shortage
MV Caledonian Isles, serving the Arran route, has been out of service since February 2023 due to structural issues, including rust and twisted frames. Initially expected to return in March, it has now been delayed to late April due to additional problems found with its propeller shaft tubes.
MV Isle of Lewis, which operates to Barra, requires steelwork replacement and is expected to resume service on March 23, nearly a month later than planned. MV Clansman has also experienced slight overhaul delays, while MV Isle of Mull is restricted to just 45 passengers due to emergency evacuation system issues, which will not be resolved before mid-May.
The Ferguson-built ferry Glen Sannox joined the fleet earlier this year, and its sister ship Glen Rosa is expected to be delivered in autumn. However, Glen Sannox, currently serving the Arran route, is unable to berth at Ardrossan and is operating from Troon instead.
