Ferries being built in Turkey face further delays due to labor shortages and bad weather, impacting island communities.
CMAL sent a letter about it. Islay Community Council saw the letter. The ferry for Islay will be delayed too. It will be at least three months late.
Four ships are being built in Turkey. These are MV Loch Indaal, Lochmor, and Claymore. The Isle of Islay ferry is under construction as well. CMAL is watching the progress.
They are speaking with Cemre shipyard. They want to know when the ships arrive. They face serious issues, mainly labor. Specialist engineers are especially scarce.
Machinery needs specialists for commissioning. This ensures the system works. It also makes the warranties valid. The lack of engineers is a global issue. This is causing delays across the industry.
Freezing weather has slowed down the shipyard. The Isle of Islay arrival is now later. It moved to the end of the second quarter. The other ferries will arrive six months apart. The original plan was four months.
Transport Scotland called the news “disappointing.” They say it’s due to global issues. These events are “outwith” anyone’s control. Cemre wants to finish the ships fast. They will test and survey them.
CMAL and CalMac must monitor progress closely. This focus is on delivery and schedules. Sea trials will happen, along with commissioning. CMAL will then give a clearer delivery date. This will include the sister ships.
The ship’s quality is meeting expectations. CMAL is happy with construction. They look forward to the ships joining the fleet. The vessels will serve the islands well soon.
A politician called the delay another blow. She said islanders are suffering badly. She thinks a minister should have resigned already. The islanders are going through chaos due to this.
CalMac changed its summer timetable recently. They even canceled a ferry route. It ran from Ardrossan to Campbeltown. Repairing old ferries is also an issue.