CalMac issues major updates on 10 key ferries amid 'unprecedented' chaos

SCOTTISH ferry operator CalMac has issued a detailed update on its fleet amid "unprecedented" disruption that has put around one-third of all its boats out of service.

It comes with the Glen Sannox, which only entered operation in January 2025, out of action indefinitely due to a fuel leak in the port main engine space.

The MV Lord of the Isles, which had been due back in service, has also been pulled out due to an "issue with the starboard main engine". No date for its return has been set.

And a third major vessel, the MV Isle of Arran, is to remain out of service indefinitely amid a struggle to find a replacement part due to the vessel's age.

In total, CalMac - which operates on Scotland's west coast and is owned by the Scottish Government - has six major vessels and four small vessels currently out of service for planned maintenance or with unplanned outages.

CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison said: "Almost a third of our entire fleet is unavailable for service, creating a set of circumstances where significant disruption on multiple routes served by major and small vessels is unavoidable.

"Though the situation appeared to be stabilising, emergent issues across major and small vessels means the unprecedented scenario we find ourselves in has worsened.

"Everyone at CalMac is acutely aware of the level of disruption many islands on our network have faced recently, and I apologise for that.

"The full service impact of the current issues is being reviewed, and plans will be shared with island communities tomorrow."

The CalMac ferries out of action and their status:

CalMac has issued the following updates about the 10 ferries which are currently out of service.

MV Glen Sannox

MV Glen Sannox has been out of service with a fuel leak in the port main engine space. Investigations into the root cause of this are ongoing, and any successful return to service will be subject to this being resolved and further sea trials.

More broadly, we recognise that MV Glen Sannox has had persistent issues since returning from overhaul and this is undermining confidence in service. Due to this, we're going to keep MV Glen Sannox on the Clyde to operate alongside MV Caledonian Isles, ensuring that she is nearby to shore support and third-party expertise should it be required.

MV Lord of the Isles

MV Lord of the Isles was set to return to service but crew identified an issue with the starboard main engine. The vessel will now have to relocate to the Clyde for investigation into the root cause and repairs. We can only confirm her return to service when we begin the repair and get a fuller picture of the scope of work required, though we anticipate it could take up to a week from when the vessel arrives at a repair berth on Thursday this week.

MV Isle of Arran

Efforts to source two replacement couplings for the bow thruster have been ongoing for approximately two weeks. We sourced one in Europe, but due to the vessel's age and the coupling being unique to the component, we've struggled to source a second. At the same time we've been discussing the manufacture of a new coupling instead and waiting on timelines from a supplier to do this. The supplier was closed for Easter and we're working with them urgently to get confirmation of that timeline.

MV Isle of Lewis

MV Isle of Lewis was scheduled to complete annual overhaul over a month ago and be back in service on 4 March. Due to the need for steelwork, she's not expected to return to service on Barra until the end of May.

MV Hebrides

MV Hebrides remains in planned annual overhaul and is scheduled to return to service on Saturday 18 April on the Little Minch.

MV Alfred

MV Alfred has completed an annual overhaul and is transiting to the Clyde, where she'll arrive late tonight (Tuesday). A further update on her return to service will be provided tomorrow.

MV Loch Bhrusda

MV Loch Bhrusda reported an issue with her forward main engine and will transit to Mallaig for repairs. Repairs are expected to complete on Saturday 11 April and the vessel will return to service that day, or on Sunday 12 April.

We've secured a passenger charter for the Sound of Harris from 1310 tomorrow. Unfortunately, no charters with vehicle space are available. We are liaising with customers and NHS Western Isles to try and support anyone booked to travel for urgent medical appointments.

MV Loch Linnhe

MV Loch Linnhe reported an oil leak and is due to arrive at Ardmaleish yard for repairs this afternoon. These are scheduled to take 48 hours, and then the vessel will undock and transit to return to service.

MV Loch Portain

MV Loch Portain is in planned annual overhaul and not due back in service until Tuesday 12 May.

MV Loch Frisa

MV Loch Frisa is undocking this afternoon following completion of her annual overhaul but is not due back on Oban-Craignure on Monday 13 April. This is due to further planned works and checks required following overhaul.