Mid-March launch for Scottish ferry

The first of four ferries, currently under construction at Turkey’s Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard, is to be launched on March 16th, its owner, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), has announced.

The MV Isle of Islay, due for delivery in October, will operate a service between mainland Scotland and the islands of Islay and Jura. The new ferry, together with its sister vessel, MV Loch Indaal, will have capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars or 14 commercial vehicles. An official naming ceremony will take place on Islay later in the year.

Significant work is scheduled between now and the March launch date. Pipework, equipment installations, machinery, electrics, and outfitting will be undertaken prior to the application of hull coatings and the installation of engines.   

CMAL’s director of Vessels, Jim Anderson, commented: “Work at the Cemre shipyard continues to progress well, with the project coming in on time and on budget. We look forward to witnessing the launch, which is a major milestone in the vessel’s construction.” 

Fiona Hyslop, Minister for Transport, said: “I’m pleased that the MV Isle of Islay will be launched at the Cemre Shipyard in March. Delivering six new major vessels to serve Scotland’s ferry network by 2026 is a priority for this Government and this is an important milestone as part of that commitment ... People will welcome a more resilient and modern ferry service for Islay and Jura, and further vessels will soon bring similar and highly anticipated improvements for island communities across Scotland.”