MV Isle of Islay Turkish-built CalMac ferry facing further delay

The first of four CalMac ferries being built in Turkey faces further delay.

The MV Isle of Islay could still arrive in Scotland in time for Christmas, but ferry owner Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) said it would be a “challenge”.

The ferry, being built at Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Yalova, will be able to carry up to 450 passengers and 100 cars, and it will serve Islay and Jura upon completion.

It was meant to be delivered in October 2024, but supply issues, labour shortages and bad weather caused months of delay.

In July, CMAL stated that the MV Isle of Islay would be finished by the end of September 2025, but this has been delayed again.

The ferry owner stated that the shipyard is actively addressing issues raised during compliance checks and completion surveys.

The UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are scheduled to return to the shipyard next week for final surveys and crew drills, and CMAL is hopeful that the ferry will get the final sign-off.

“The shipyard is working on actioning the remaining inspection remarks, completing the painting and cleaning of the vessel and to provide all necessary documentation for vessel handover,” an update letter to Holyrood’s net zero, energy and transport committee said.

“These final details can be time-consuming by their nature. If all completion activities go smoothly, the shipyard is targeting delivery of MV Isle of Islay prior to the Christmas period.

“This will be a challenge but CMAL, CalMac, Cemre and the regulatory authorities are all working hard and collaboratively towards reaching this target date for vessel delivery just before the Christmas holidays.”

CMAL emphasised that getting the MV Isle of Islay finished by Christmas is the target, but not guaranteed.

“One of the challenges around a delivery voyage around this time of year will be related to the availability of service engineers if they are required to attend the vessel,” the update letter said.

“If the Vessel is delivered prior to Christmas 2025, the crew can be arranged accordingly and prepare for and carry out the re-positioning voyage.”

The journey from Turkey to Scotland will take approximately two weeks, and it will include a refuelling stop in Gibraltar prior to the final leg into the Atlantic and across the Bay of Biscay.

Upon arrival, there will be a period of familiarisation and testing of the vessel at the ports in which it will operate.

The same shipyard is continuing work on the MV Loch Indaal, which is also destined for the Islay route.

Cemre Marin Endustri is also building two other ferries, MV Lochmor and MV Claymore, will eventually serve the Western Isles.

The launch of the MV Claymore is anticipated in the first quarter of 2026.

CMAL reported that all costs “remain on budget”.