HEBRIDEAN ISLES

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Ageing ferry to be retired in November

The 'Hebridean Isles' will leave CalMac’s fleet in Nov 2024 after almost four decades of operation, as she would require a significant programme of work in overhaul. Given her age and general condition, significant works had already been identified for overhaul were she to enter it. This, plus the requirement for a mandatory five-year survey, means the vessel would have spent a large period in drydock, certainly missing the bulk of the winter timetable.. The 'Hebridean Isles'’ certification expires on Nov 21, so the ship will be removed from service by that date. CalMac expect her to exit active service in mid-November, allowing time to travel to a recycling facility before her certification expires. The vessel, which is one of the oldest in the CalMac fleet, has served west coast communities with distinction since her maiden voyage in December 1985. She has primarily served Islay in recent years. The first of four new major vessels being built in Turkey, Isle of Islay, will operate the route when she enters service later this year. A second vessel, the 'Loch Indaal', will serve Islay from early 2025. Works are ongoing to upgrade Kennacraig port on the mainland, and Port Askaig on Islay, in preparation for the new vessels arriving. They will increase vehicle and freight capacity on the route by almost 40 %. Photo by Mark Nicolson

Ferry sidelined after positive Covid-19 test

Due to a crew member returning as Covid-19 positive, the 'Hebridean Isles', which was servicing the route Ardrossan-Brodick, Scotland, has been withdrawn from service on Jan 7, 2022. On Jan 8 it left the port of Ardrossan again.

Concerns of maintenance crew regarding Covid-19 threat

Maintenance crews at the Greenock based Garvel Dry Dock shipyard claimed they were told to carry on working despite a Covid scare which sparked a 'deep clean' of the 'Hebridean Isles' on Nov 23, 2020. Dales Marine staff alleged managers refused to meet with them and told them to keep servicing the ferry and 'wash their hands'. Concerns were raised through the yard after a CalMac crew member on the vessel currently at the yard tested positive for coronavirus. They all used the same gate, toilets, and worked on the ferry in close proximity which was claimed to be a clear violation of health and safety as CalMac was clearing the ship and undergoing a deep clean. They demanded the yard was to be deep cleaned also. Dales Marine insisted that 'immediate action' had been taken when bosses were told of the positive test: "There has been no outbreak of Covid at Dales Marine Greenock, and to-date no employee has tested positive or shown any symptoms of the virus. If they do, they are advised to stay at home and inform Dales Marine in line with company Covid measures. The owner of the visiting vessel has separately dealt with and managed their own vessel and its crew, and some privacy on the matter has been applied to the client." The ferry arrived in Greenock on Nov 6.