Ferry operator CalMac has been forced to restrict passenger numbers on the MV Isle of Mull to just 45 after the vessel failed a key safety inspection. The ship’s evacuation system, which is crucial in emergency situations, was found to be faulty during its annual overhaul.
Temporary Passenger Restrictions on the Isle of Mull
The MV Isle of Mull, which typically accommodates around 900 passengers, is now set to resume operations on its Lochboisdale to Oban route starting January 5, but with a significantly reduced passenger capacity. CalMac confirmed that the limitation is due to issues with the ship’s evacuation slide, which failed during a routine safety inspection.
“The failure was identified in the embarkation slide, which is essential for safely evacuating passengers in case of an emergency,” explained a CalMac spokesperson. “Unfortunately, the slide did not pass inspection, and we discovered the glue used in its construction had failed. Attempts to source a replacement have been unsuccessful, as the required parts are obsolete, and available alternatives do not meet the ship’s needs.”
This issue means that, for the time being, only 45 passengers will be allowed per sailing, despite the ship’s capacity to carry far more. CalMac has indicated that it may take several months to resolve the situation due to the difficulty of sourcing compatible parts. During this time, the ship will continue to operate at reduced capacity.
Ongoing Technical Troubles for CalMac
The issues surrounding the MV Isle of Mull are just the latest in a string of technical difficulties faced by CalMac’s aging fleet. In October, the company was forced to make temporary changes to several of its services due to repairs needed on the MV Caledonian Isles. This ferry, which had been out of service for eight months, was originally set to return to the Arran route in September, but its return has now been delayed until March.
The ongoing problems with CalMac’s vessels are compounded by delays in the delivery of new ships. Two new ferries, the Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa, were originally expected in 2018, but both have faced repeated delays due to design and construction challenges. However, it was recently confirmed that the Glen Sannox will begin passenger service on the Arran route on January 13, after passing successful tests and crew familiarization.
Looking Forward to New Ships
Despite the challenges faced by its aging fleet, CalMac is hopeful that the introduction of new ferries will ease some of the pressure. The Glen Sannox, which will operate on one of the busiest routes in the network between Troon and Brodick, is expected to offer much-needed relief. The addition of this vessel will help address ongoing disruptions and ensure more reliable service for passengers traveling to and from the island of Arran.
