Update on MV Clansman breakdown

Phil Preston, Managing Director of Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) said: “The specialised service engineers provided by engine manufacturer MAK to undertake the repairs to MV Clansman’s crankshaft, have encountered a problem while re-assembling the engine which is likely to delay the vessel’s return to service. It is too early to say how long that delay will be, but every effort will be made to keep it to a minimum.

“We share everyone’s frustration that we are not able to provide our full service and are grateful for the patience and understanding of our customers while we work this through.”

“As previously stated, the current fault is one of the worst ever experienced by CalMac and due to the complexity of the repair we have always been reluctant to give a definitive completion date. The most recent problem highlights the necessity of this caution.

”Further updates”

“We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience caused, and know this further delay will be disappointing for many, but we can assure everyone that we are doing everything we can to minimise the disruption to services.

“A temporary timetable for the routes affected has been in place for some time and all indications are that we are getting people to where they want to be, albeit that some flexibility in their travel plans has been required.

“Worldwide searches for vessels to provide cover have been unsuccessful and we therefore have no option than to make the most of the fleet we have at our disposal. Although only one vessel has been taken out of service, it serves several island communities and we have had to ensure that no island is left without a ferry service when making alterations to the timetable.

“Although our resources are stretched, we are continuing to review the situation on a daily basis and should an opportunity for providing additional capacity present itself we will certainly consider doing so, but I must stress that our options are severely limited and will only ever be a stop gap until the MV Clansman returns to service. We will give further updates when we have them.”

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