New CalMac Islay ferry begins journey from Turkey to start service

A new ferry, which is set to serve Islay and Jura, began its journey from a Turkish shipyard on Thursday.

A CalMac crew boarded the MV Isle of Islay at the Cemre shipyard to start its maiden voyage to Scotland after the official handover to owners CMAL last week.

The repositioning voyage is expected to take around two weeks, depending on weather conditions. The vessel will call at two or three European ports during the journey.

Once in Scottish waters, the crew will test the vessel in several ports and harbours and carry out local operational trials before it enters service.

A community event is due to take place on Islay to welcome the ferry to the fleet. Those in attendance will be able to tour the vessel and witness the ceremonial naming, during which a special edition bottle of Ardnahoe whisky will be used to christen it.

Cabinet secretary for transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: “I am pleased that the MV Isle of Islay will soon be in Scottish waters, bringing us another step closer to the vessel entering service.

MV Isle of Islay is the first of four new CalMac vessels. CalMal

“The MV Isle of Islay will support the people and economies of Islay and Jura, as well as enhance resilience across the Clyde and Hebrides network due to the cascade of other vessels. Full focus remains on preparing the vessel for entry into service as soon as possible.

“I want to thank everyone involved in the delivery of the MV Isle of Islay and look forward to officially welcoming the vessel to the CalMac fleet in the coming weeks.”

The MV Isle of Islay is the first of four ferries being constructed by the Turkish shipyard. Its sister vessel, MV Loch Indaal, is expected to join the fleet later this year.

The vessel has a capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars, or 14 commercial vehicles.

Duncan Mackison, CEO at CalMac, said: “There has been a real sense of excitement at CalMac since MV Isle of Islay was delivered, particularly among the crew and local port teams where she’ll operate.

“Knowing that she is now on her way home has only added to this feeling, and we’re looking forward to seeing her reach Scottish shores and start serving Islay and Jura following crew familiarisation and trials.

“All islands served by major vessels will benefit when MV Isle of Islay enters service, and network trials during crew familiarisation will allow us to understand where she and her three sister vessels could potentially operate to.

“This, coupled with the fact she’ll add an extra vessel to the major fleet, means that flexibility and resilience in service provision will be greatly enhanced.”