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CMAL had used the same firm to help draft the tender pack which went to bidders, but has previously told MSPs it saw nothing problematic in this. Highland Seabird, despite carrying 60,000 passengers in a season, proved utterly uneconomic. It should have been a safe space for informed debate, somewhere for readers to discuss issues around the biggest stories of the day, but all too often the below the line comments on most websites have become bogged down by off-topic discussions and abuse. CalMac, apparently, runs a ''lucrative monopoly'', threatened by ''up to a dozen rivals who are expected to bid for the state-owned company's network'', according to a ''leading maritime expert'', Professor Neil Kay of Strathclyde University. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, Sonic boom heard as RAF Typhoon jets escort plane, Walkie Talkie architect Rafael Violy dies aged 78. When deployed, these allow additional cars to be loaded. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter'. CMAL said in a statement that new information contained in the programme would need to be "carefully investigated". has a calmac ferry ever sunk. These vessels usually operate on the longer crossings, with high passenger numbers. It's a ''nationalised dinosaur'' succeeding in only one thing - ''getting the taxpayer to fork out.''. [1] Initially scheduled to return to service on 2nd February,[14] she experienced significant delays during overhaul due to additional steel work and engine repairs being required. Audit Scotland said the BBC's investigation raised "serious questions" about the use of public money. During her repairs, MVHebridean Isles took up service on the Arran crossing, while MVCatriona operated a shuttle service from Claonaig to Lochranza to clear the backlog of traffic unable to board the smaller Hebridean Isles at Ardrossan. Yet it is false to say that ''not one of Caledonian MacBrayne's 29 vessels'' makes a profit. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. 29 April 2022. He said he had no knowledge of being given special treatment for the larger ferries but accepted that having CalMac's requirements document was an advantage. But yesterday nearly all the sailings on the affected routes remained wiped out despite the move, with just two sailings planned. The documents indicate that no other bidder was given a similar opportunity to revise its submission so significantly. [19] This allows her to berth a considerable distance from slipways, protecting her exposed Azipod propulsion systems in shallow waters. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. Technology means that readers can shape a discussion. Next on the shopping list is a replacement for 33-year-old MV Lord of the Isles, which operates between Mallaig and South Uist - but that's at an early stage and a new ship could be several years away. Of similar design, but larger than the Loch class, MVHallaig was launched in 2012 for the Raasay service. [1] She normally undertakes up to 5 crossings a day in each direction, leaving Ardrossan at 0700, 0945, 1230, 1515 and 1800, and leaving Brodick at 0820, 1105, 1355, 1640 and 1920. The delays have added to pressure on CalMac's old and increasingly unreliable fleet. MV Caledonian Isles (Scottish Gaelic: Eileanan Chaledonia) is one of the largest ships owned by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited.She is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), which runs ferries to the Hebridean and Clyde Islands of Scotland. The additional service was provided by MVSaturn from 2005 until 2011, and by MVIsle of Arran from 2012. His 454-day tenure in the role cost the taxpayer almost 1.3m but BBC Disclosure has learned that it ended in more disillusionment for the workforce. Privately-run Pentland Ferries has successfully used such ships to and from Orkney for years, and has recently replaced MV Pentalina with a new catamaran. Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) provide answers to many common questions about booking and travelling, including information around routes, vehicles, children, dogs, online bookings and refunds. One of the dilemmas facing Scotland's ferry network is that it needs to commit to new ships now that could be in service for decades - yet it is still unclear which future technology will win out. This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's The introduction of heavily-subsidised road equivalent tariffs - aligning fares with the cost of road travel - has increased ferry traffic over the past decade, with 5.7m passengers and nearly 1.5m vehicles being carried in 2019 before the pandemic. Please contact the server administrator at This has been rejected, although leasing the ship as a temporary measure remains a possibility. The same has happend some (or many) years ago in fog with a freighter connected with 2 [1] The 2 larger lifeboats were replaced in 2017 to make way for the new marine evacuation system. The car deck incorporates a set of mezzanine decks, one down each side of the central casing and each divided into three sections. Sign up to our daily newsletter here. The truth is brutal. The delays have added to pressure on CalMac's old and increasingly unreliable fleet. [8] The new terminal has two ferry berths: the west side berth and the east side berth. John Daniel Peteranna of the group, whose South Uist-based renewable energy company supplies wind turbines to make help make homes self-sufficient said: "It is just not sustainable. Deputy First Minister John Swinney said the information presented by BBC Disclosure would be investigated further. CMAL and Jim McColl's former management team have blamed each other for problems that later developed with the construction of the ships. Two years later tenders went out for two new large ships - one for the Arran route and the other destined for the "Uig triangle", serving Skye, North Uist and Harris. During this period, MVLoch Riddon operated additional services from Claonaig to Lochranza. During Caledonian Isles' absence, she was relieved by Isle of Arran. "Why isn't there an automatic plan in place, so that when a ferry goes off there is another there and you do this and that. Alas, they are those of his paper. [15] The third hybrid ferry, MVCatriona, was launched on 11 December 2015 and entered service on the Claonaig to Lochranza route in September 2016. inaccuracy or intrusion, then please She is a bow loading vessel of similar design to the Island Class vessels and can take twelve passengers and one car, although due to vehicle restrictions on Kerrera she rarely carries cars. It would be interesting to see Kerevan's obsession with the profit-motive applied, say, to the police, or our prisons, or the armed forces. We will continue to prioritise urgent deliveries and return the service to full timetable as quickly as we can.". The past two years have seen a significant drop in numbers due to Covid restrictions but the ferry network is once again struggling to cope. CMAL confirmed that an in-person meeting for the purposes of clarification did take place at the shipyard on 4 June, but said it believed this was normal and appropriate. The following month it was announced that Mr Hair was moving on. tony bloom starlizard. Islanders from Arran to Islay have lodged complaints. [7] The streakers' removal from Rothesay was delayed by pier work to install an end-loading linkspan, allowing full ro-ro operation. Hebrides - This ferry has been providing relief cover between Lochmaddy and Ullapool while work is being done to Skye's Uig pier. Western Ferries competes directly on the Clyde's Gourock-Dunoon service; a private operator runs an alternative Skye ferry, and other car ferries at Jura, Luing, and Corran are run by local authorities. Michael Beales men were desperate to put last weeks 2-1 Hampden defeat behind them and faced a Kilmarnock side crying out for success on the road. "There is no milk produced locally. The company, based in Drumchapel, has reportedly ceased all trading with its annual results currently overdue by more than two months. The West Highland ferry network must operate as one, to allow cross-subsidy of routes and a fleet large enough to cover for breakdown and overhaul. The Loch class are a group of smaller vessels with a single car deck, running the length of the ship, with a ramp at each end. Four of the 10 largest ferries are beyond their expected operational life. contact the editor here. SHOPS across some Scots islands have been forced to ration essential items amid widespread ferry cancellations due to a broken down vessel, the Herald on Sunday can reveal. History. Eddie Howe makes damning Ryan Fraser Newcastle admission as Scotland star's 'commitment' questioned. Scarcely a major ship in the network sails without a Harrisman; island sea skills draw on generations of experience. CalMac have insisted that all food was being shipped and said it was not fair to say that any shortages were the direct result of the ferry issues. We are lucky at The Herald. The ferry operator is facing frequent issues as it has to constantly repair the aging fleet which is blighted with problems due to the lack of back ups. . CalMac initially announced a provisional return date of 28th February, but this was later pushed back to 31st March. Ship management accounting is complex, with costs and the intricacies of ship depreciation spread over CalMac operations as a whole. MVLord of the Isles, Argyll Flyer was not available for the start of the passenger-only service due to prop shaft problems. error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request. Read about our approach to external linking. The group said on Thursday in a message to CalMac's managing director Robbie Drummond and Ms Gilruth: "Maybe the plan is that without visitors we wont need many supplies. Ferguson copied a large section of its bid from a CalMac document. has a calmac ferry ever sunk. The upper deck has the bridge and outside seating from the huge red funnel towards the stern. One design was eliminated because it was considered overpowered. Read about our approach to external linking. Jim McColl said "with hindsight" having the CalMac document put Ferguson in a strong position. With reports that some had taken to sleeping in cars because of the ferry meltdown, the North Uist Agricultural Show organisers circulated news on Tuesday that the Hosta Hall would be left open till 7pm for anyone who needs somewhere to shelter. CalMac, the state-owned ferry company, has decided motorhomes, camper vans and caravans will only be allowed on their services if they have a confirmed reservation, in a bid to placate. They have red funnels with black caps that display the Lion Rampant badge with masts in buff. This will be closely monitored, with feedback being obtained directly from island communities and local resilience partnerships providing a more rounded assessment of impact than transport operators alone can provide.". Last edited on 26 February 2023, at 21:35, "Costs double on delayed CalMac ferry contract", "Shipyard turnaround is 'most challenging in UK', "Gourock passengers' anger as Arran ferry is given priority", "New Arran Ferry set to launch next June - government confirms", "New Brodick Ferry Terminal Opens To Passengers", "Technical failure causes major disruption to Arran ferry", "CalMac ferry breakdown and five Storm Corrie service suspensions cause disruption", "Ferry out of action for at least three weeks after crash breaks engine", "CalMac sorry for disruption with broken ferries sidelined", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=MV_Caledonian_Isles&oldid=1141798879, Main: 2 x Mirrlees Blackstone MB275/8T 2,200kW (2,900hp) each, This page was last edited on 26 February 2023, at 21:35. MV Caledonian Isles (Scottish Gaelic: Eileanan Chaledonia) is one of the largest ships owned by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited. We're reminded of the stushie surrounding Dr Mills's 1999 appointment, and that Mr Sinclair used to run Ailsa Shipbuilding at Troon - ''main supplier of ferries for CalMac''; the company folded shortly after he assumed his Gourock post. Her vehicle deck can accommodate up to 14 cars, but is empty on most sailings due to the lack of roads and vehicle restrictions on the Small Isles. has a calmac ferry ever sunk. contact IPSO here, 2001-2023. As it is one of CalMac's busiest routes, Caledonian Isles has the largest passenger capacity in the fleet, and can carry up to 1000 passengers and 110 cars, with a crossing time of 55 minutes. The company provides lifeline services to 23 islands off the west coast of Scotland, as well as operating routes in the Firth of Clyde. Let's tally Kerevan's mistakes. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. Kerevan quotes Captain Norman Martin's testimony to the Scottish Parliament's transport committee, but neglects to explain the context to Martin's seemingly damning remarks on company profit motive: he was outlining the huge burden on CalMac's resources imposed by new, ferocious Maritime and Coastguard. Caledonian Isles serves the Isle of Arran on the Ardrossan to Brodick route. CMAL has previously said that Ferguson was named preferred bidder because it produced the most detailed concept design, outscoring other shipyards on quality even though it was the most expensive. As the third-largest vessel in the fleet, she brought new levels of capacity and passenger comfort to the routes. Caledonian MacBrayne (Calmac) vessels can be readily identified by their black hulls and white superstructures. The 0700 sailing from Ardrossan the following morning is then cancelled. 2023 BBC. Never miss the latest top headlines from the Scottish Daily Express. Read about our approach to external linking. We need to do something different, because the government isn't interested in helping us. An open deck extends right around the vessel on this level, including forward of the observation lounge and overlooking the bow. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. MVHebrides, This happened on 4 January 2012, following storm damage to the linkspan at Ardrossan.[6]. The rank outsider to become First Minister has only received the public backing of one serving politician, Joanna Cherry, amid struggles to get her campaign going. A replacement programme for seven smaller vessels has begun, and is currently at the "concept design" phase. MVClansman, Documents obtained by BBC Disclosure indicate that successful bidder Ferguson Marine Engineering benefited from preferential treatment. Mr Swinney told the Scottish Parliament that he welcomed this move, and that the government's permanent secretary had been in contact with the Auditor General to discuss the matter. your request. Something needs to change.". The following year his new firm, Ferguson Marine Engineering Ltd (FMEL), won a 97m contract to build two dual fuel LNG vessels for state-owned ferry operator CalMac. She is a spare vessel during the winter months. Then, a temporary repair which satisfied the appropriate authorities gained the ship a short term dispensation to sail. A spokeswoman for CalMac added: "A long-term strategy to replace vessels and improve port infrastructure would improve the capacity we can offer to meet demand and increase resilience. [7], Before heading to Birkenhead for her overhaul in January 2018, she called at Campbeltown to test the berth. The government then appointed a "turnaround director", Tim Hair, who reported it would cost an extra 110m to finish the vessels. In 1974 the average life of a ferry was 13 years old. She is powered by a hybrid combination of batteries and a small diesel engine - a world first for a sea-going RO-RO vessel. And it insists it remains on the lookout for suitable second hand boats. MVFinlaggan, and Hebridean Isles was scheduled to operate alongside Isle of Arran, however significant technical faults saw her providing a freight-only service between Brodick and Troon, before being withdrawn from service altogether in late February.[15]. Last year the Scottish government promised 580m of investment in Scotland's ferry network over the next five years - about half of it for new ships - but some claim, given the scale of the problem, that's nowhere near enough. One, by ferry operator CalMac, found that a rival bid from a Polish shipyard best met its requirements, while an independent naval architect noted that FMEL's initial design was heavier and less efficient than the others. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Dr Mills's appointment as chairman did attract fierce criticism - not least an unpleasant vendetta from the West Highland Free Press - but the commissioner for public appointments, who made full investigation, declared no impropriety had occurred. Scottish Government-controlled ferry operator Calmac were forced to make moves to provide an emergency ferry from one of Scotlands busiest routes to Mull to serve the stricken islands in the Outer Hebrides. VideoRussian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. ", Mr Drummond responded: "We are prioritising food deliveries and weve shipped everything the local haulier has asked for. The documentary learned that last November union representatives told Finance Secretary Kate Forbes they had lost confidence in the senior management team. Hardly anything is coming in the shops we are limited to one carton of milk. Mr Peteranna of the Lochboisdale Ferry Business Impact Group said restrictions on purchase of milk and bread were understandable if people were panic buying because of the ferry issues. ''It is a state-owned transport company that does not make a profit on any of its routes.'' Announcements that Caledonian MacBrayne ferries have been withdrawn from service for repairs are becoming an increasingly common occurrence. More: Kerevan and his paper attack not a company, but a community. The average life of a ferry increased from 17 to nearly 26 years since the SNP came to power in 2007. [1] During the summer, MVIsle of Arran, replaced at Islay in 2011,[2] supplements the Ardrossan - Brodick service and sails to Campbeltown. They vary in length from 30.2 to 54.27m (99ft 1in to 178ft 1in). . CalMac is ''renowned for its high prices, uncomfortable boats, and disregard for customers . Passenger accommodation is down one or both sides of the ship. Post moderation is undertaken full-time 9am-6pm on weekdays, and on a part-time basis outwith those hours. The Jupiter, for instance, may have wooden decks, but she played no part in the evacuation of Dunkirk, nor was Vasco da Gama ever captain of her. A band of rain, sleet and snow is expected to move south during Monday followed by frequent snow and hail showers, Ken Bruce leaves BBC with veiled jibe after they ended his show early over concerns was free advertising for a rival, The 72-year-old Glaswegian left Radio to join Greatest Hits Radio in April after the Beeb told him to step down 17 days early, Teaching strikes held off as union on brink of striking pay deal. This caused significant disruption to the Arran service, with all vehicle bookings cancelled and a significant reduction in capacity. John Kerr, a former CalMac technical director who was asked to review some of the leaked documents, was surprised Ferguson was then allowed to submit a revised, far lighter design after the tender deadline, describing it as effectively "a new bid". 'For god's sake do something': Food rationing fury as islanders blame CalMac ferry cancellations. CalMac's chairman Dr Harold Mills and chief executive Lawrie Sinclair are identified for wounding, personal criticism. The former SNP Westminster leader claimed he had not spoken to Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell about the Police Scotland probe into the party's 'missing' 600k. Caledonian MacBrayne is not quite a monopoly. When closed, the bow ramp seals the car deck and when open, forms the bridge between the ship and the linkspan. You can make a complaint by using the report this post link . It's untrue that Ailsa of Troon supplied most CalMac ferries - of the present operational fleet, Ferguson's of Port Glasgow constructed seven; Lamont's, six, Richard Dunstan (Hessle) four, and Ailsa only three. Humza Yousaf 'should be anti-nationalist choice' for First Minister - because he's so useless, The Majority reckons the health secretary will create a 'raging bin fire' for the SNP if he gets the keys to Bute House when the party votes on a new leader, Rangers players rated as dominant first half enough to see off Kilmarnock to close gap on Celtic at top. As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. The first thing they do is they better buy two cartons of milk, or two two packs of Lurpak. Comments have been closed on this article. An investigation found a failure to replace piston screws during scheduled maintenance may have been to blame. If you run your business the way Calmac operate ferries, you would go bust a long time ago, because the customers will say you don't are.". But the project has been beset by problems and the yard has been nationalised after going back into administration.