MV Isle of Islay completes first sea trials in Turkey after months of delays

The MV Isle of Islay has successfully completed its first sea trials in Turkey following months of delays.

The trials took place from May 22 to 30 in the Sea of Marmara, and staff from CMAL and CalMac were in attendance.

It comes after the handover date for the vessel was pushed back from the week of August 19 last year.

CalMac previously said the ferry was due to be delivered from the yard in the Middle East by the end of the year.

The ferry operator said the first part of the trials saw the set-up of the propulsion systems, generators, thrusters, stabilisers and associated electrical systems

The systems were then tested, trialled and measured with Lloyd’s Register and the Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA) in attendance.

The tests evaluated the vessel’s performance at full load, including speed, stability, manoeuvrability, anchor deployment/recovery and endurance.

CalMac added that the trials also established the effectiveness of the vessel’s propulsion plant, automation and navigational systems.

Jim Anderson, director of Vessels at CMAL, said the trials were a “great step forward” in the building process.

“The team at Cemre are working hard to prepare the vessel for delivery”, he added.

“There is a great feeling of momentum following the successful completion of this first phase of sea trials.”

The second set of sea trials will take place later this summer, following the installation of the vessel’s battery system and harbour acceptance trials of the hybrid system.