Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed a new overhaul contract with Corpach Boatbuilding Company of Corpach near Fort William, which could go a long way towards offering the yard continuity and security for the future.

Two of the three ships in the CalMac fleet due for overhaul this autumn have now been completed, with MV Canna the latest to be returned to service.

Speaking at the yard, John Salton, CalMac Technical Manager said: "The continuity this order gives ourselves and the yard is mutually beneficial and with the investment planned for the site at Corpach, we have a very strong operator bidding for our work in what is a very competitive and demanding area. We have been tremendously impressed with the quality of work produced at Corpach and the commitment and flexibility of the workforce. Their extension from work in the yard itself to being able to effect repairs and maintenance while our ships are in service is an added bonus, offering the fleet further flexibility. The yard has plans for further investment in a new slipway, which could see them bidding for work on some of our bigger ships beyond the Island class, which this current contract covers. Eventually the yard could cope with our bigger vessels up to nearly 65 metres and that is another great option for us when allocating work."

The three CalMac ships covered by the new contract this year are MV Canna and MV Raasay which have already been overhauled and MV Eigg, which will be going to Corpach around the middle of February in 2007.

While the new arrangement is a three-year contract, a break clause is included which allows for the possible eventuality of CalMac Ferries Ltd not winning the tender for Clyde and Hebridean services. Should CalMac Ferries Ltd fail to win the bid, this contract with Corpach Boatbuilding Company for the overhauls would lapse. CalMac Ferries contues to maintain the fleet on behalf of the owner, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited.

Pictured at the Corpach yard on completion of work on MV Canna are Corpach Boat builders' Managing Director Don Hind (left), John Salton (centre) and David Taylor, CalMac’s Regional Manager Hebrides.