Customer Update - Latest network update, 23 January 2024
Customer Update - Latest network update
Update: 23 January 2024
As can be the case for this time of year, adverse weather conditions are expected over the next few days. The Met Office has issued an Amber warning associated with Storm Jocelyn on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 January.
In addition, and following on from our recent update on 18 January, we want to provide customers with the latest information on the routes we expect to be affected by extensions to annual overhaul and how these will be managed through vessel deployment during the period 26 January - 6 March. You'll find a summary of this information on a route-by-route basis below.
We are engaging with those communities affected, and we'll continue to keep you updated via our website as we move through this period - and as always, our team is working hard to minimise the effect on our customers and the communities we serve.
If you are planning to make a new reservation for any of these routes, our booking system is currently being updated to reflect the changes shared below. This is being carried out in stages. While this work is underway, it may appear that some sailings appear unavailable, so please do check back.
At this time of year especially, we encourage our customers to stay connected with us by checking our Service Status and Information pages which carries the very latest information on each route - and by following @CalMac_Updates on X (formerly Twitter).
Arran services - Ardrossan to Brodick
Update 6 February 2024 - We have updated customers with further details on Arran services and specifically the additional works MV Caledonian Isles will undertake as part of her period of annual overhaul. Full details in the relevant customer update on Arran services. We'll continue to keep our customers updated on any emerging challenges or changes.
In addition to the current weather conditions, there are three separate issues affecting this route. We've detailed below the latest information and how these are being managed. Our team is in the process of contacting all customers who have a booking affected by any aspect of the disruption on this service.
MV Caledonian Isles, which normally operates the route between Ardrossan-Brodick will return to service later than anticipated. We are currently working with our partners to establish timescales for repairs.
MV Isle of Arran will operate the Ardrossan-Brodick service following completion of repairs which we expect to take place through the course of today, 23 January 2024. The vessel will then undertake a sea trial, and if successful will return to service, depending on weather conditions. We anticipate that sea trials will be affected by Storm Jocelyn - we'll continue to share the latest details via our service status and information page.
As communicated on 19 January, local harbour authority, Peel Ports has closed the Irish berth at Ardrossan harbour. As one of our vessels, MV Alfred, uses this berth only, she has been withdrawn from service during the closure. We are exploring temporary solutions, and we will keep you informed as this work progresses. Update 2 February - Read the latest information on the Irish berth at Ardrossan.
Arran services - Lochranza to Claonaig
We have scheduled additional sailings between Lochranza and Claonaig during this period.
Given the weather conditions, these may be impacted, however, customers will find the latest details on our service status and information page.
Mull services - Oban to Craignure
A single vessel service will operate between Oban-Craignure from 26 January until at least 8 February inclusive. Our team is in the process of contacting those customers with reservations which may be affected by this.
This is a result of a delay to MV Isle of Mull's return from overhaul. She is now scheduled to return on 9 February following the completion of additional steel renewal works, which were recently identified. During this time, MV Loch Frisa will operate as a single vessel on this service. It is anticipated that a two-vessel service will be in place from 9 February, depending on completion of the works and the necessary trials inside suitable weather conditions.
Islay and Colonsay services - Port Ellen / Port Askaig to Colonsay to Kennacraig
As a result of delays in the overhaul schedule, a single vessel service will operate on this route up to 6 March 2024, inclusive - one day later than previously published. We also expect, that due to vessel changes, there will be a slight reduction in capacity between 26 January and 2 February, and on 6 March.
These changes also mean that there will be no Colonsay connection on 2 March 2024.
Our team will contact those customers with reservations which may be affected by this.
Barra and South Uist services - Oban to Castlebay and Oban to Lochboisdale
A combined service will operate between Oban and Castlebay and Lochboisdale between 7 February and 28 February 2024 inclusive by MV Hebridean Isles. Our team will contact those customers with reservations which may be affected by this.
Our team is focused on minimising the effect of changes to the overhaul schedule on customers and the communities we serve with the vessels we have available to us. We sincerely apologise for the disruption and are grateful for the patience you have shown while we work hard on managing this work.
With that in mind, we are continuing to review vessel deployment across the network. We will continue to keep customers and local communities updated with the latest information on our timeline for repairs and services impacted.