CalMac extends MV Alfred charter until October as MV Caledonian Isles set for summer return

CalMac has once again extended the emergency MV Alfred charter for another five months to support Scotland’s ferry network.

Pentland Ferries announced on Tuesday that they had signed an agreement with the state-owned ferry operator to extend the charter of MV Alfred until the end of October.

Confirming the announcement, Louis de Wolff, interim fleet management director for CalMac, said the charter extension “will give the network much-needed resilience until the end of the summer timetable”.

Helen Inkster, managing director of Pentland Ferries, said: “I am pleased to confirm that we have signed an agreement with CalMac Ferries to extend the charter of MV Alfred until the end of October 2025.”

A two-vessel service with MV Glen Sannox and MV Alfred will remain in place between Troon and Brodick until the end of Wednesday, June 11, with Glen Sannox remaining on the route following that date.

MV Alfred’s deployment will be finalised and announced soon.

The Alfred has been chartered by CalMac since April 2023 to provide additional support within the Clyde and Hebrides network while the MV Caledonian Isles has been in the dry-dock for repairs.

The vessel went in for its annual service in January 2024, but has been out of action ever since – putting pressure on the rest of CalMac’s ageing ferry fleet.

CalMac confirmed on Tuesday that the MV Caledonian Isles will now return on Thursday, June 12.

The ageing vessel had been expected back on Monday, June 9.

Mr de Wolff said CalMac is “now in the final stages of the repair plan for MV Caledonian Isles”, and is “looking forward to seeing her back in service soon”.

“She’ll significantly increase capacity and frequency of service for Arran, operating from Ardrossan,” de Wolff said.

“We are looking forward to seeing the vessel back on the water for sea trials from this Sunday, which, given the length of time she has been off service, will be thorough and will include berthing trials at Ardrossan and Brodick.

“The extension to MV Alfred’s charter will give the network much-needed resilience until the end of the summer timetable. Plans for her deployment are being finalised and will be announced soon.”

As a result of the MV Alfred extension, the Resident Discount Scheme for the ferry has also been extended for the same timeframe.

Orkney residents who have already booked travel between June 1 and 7, are encouraged to contact the office for a refund.

Refunds will automatically be applied to residents who have booked to travel between June 8 and October 31.

“With both MV Alfred and MV Pentalina in service, we are pleased to maintain a reliable service for our passengers, support over 80 jobs, and ensure that the business continues to invest in the local community and is well-positioned for the future,” Ms Inkster said.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with CalMac Ferries and serving the island communities in both Orkney and the west of Scotland.”