Ferries built in Turkey for CalMac are expected to arrive five months ahead of schedule, in a 'game changer' for the ageing fleet.
The Cemre shipyard in Yalova was commissioned to build four vessels for Scottish Government ferry-buying firm Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) but faced delays due to supply chain issues and a major earthquake.
The first ferry was originally due to be delivered in October 2024, with the others to follow at intervals of roughly six months with all delivered by the end of 2025.
Following the delays it was then expected that it would be summer 2027 before all of the ships were delivered, but The Scotsman reports they are now all expected to be in Scotland by February.
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The first ferry, MV Isle of Islay, is due to enter service between Kennacraig in Kintyre and Port Askaig in Islay on Friday for the start of the summer timetable.
Loch Indaal, which will serve the same route, is expected to be delivered in June or July.
The third Lochmor, is now expected in October or November, and the fourth next February.
A CalMac spokesperson said: "These four vessels will see one third of our major vessel fleet renewed.
“In allowing us to cascade vessels across different routes, they will benefit not only their routes of service but the wider network.
“Once all four are in service, we will also benefit from having a permanent major resilience vessel in the fleet and this will be a game changer for our ability to maintain services during overhauls and times of disruption.”
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