The delivery of one of four new CalMac ferries being built in Turkey has been delayed.
MV Isle of Islay was to be handed from the yard in the Middle East in October, but has been pushed back by at least two months towards the end of 2024.
It comes after the handover date for long-delayed Glen Sannox, under construction at Ferguson Marine, was pushed back once again.
The shipyard says its new official handover date will be September 30 for the vessel, despite last month saying it hoped to deliver the vessel in the week beginning August 19.
Kevin Hobbs, chief executive of ferries procurement company CMAL said delivery of equipment and materials for the Isle of Islay was part of the reason for delay.
He said it was “not clear to provide an exact delivery date” as work continues.
A letter to MPS dated August 8 read: “There have been major challenges the yard has had to overcome in the programme; the war in Ukraine affecting the supply of steel, the devastating earthquakes in south-eastern Turkey, which led to a serious loss of manpower in the shipyard, with many of the workers in the yard and subcontractors travelling to the region to assist in the rescue operations.
“I can report the quality of the workmanship and construction of the vessel is fully meeting requirements, with high levels of activity, supervision, engineering and co-ordination.
“The relationship between CMAL, CalMac and Cemre is strong and we are working together every day to achieve the ships that will serve Island communities for many years to come.”
CalMac have been contacted for comment.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
