Second Islay ferry launched in Turkey
The MV Loch Indaal has been launched at Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Yalova, Turkey (Source: Brian Fulton, CMAL)
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited’s (CMAL) second ferry, the MV Loch Indaal, has been launched at Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Yalova, Turkey. It will join sister ship, MV Isle of Islay, which was launched in March, serving the Scottish islands Islay and Jura.
Scheduled for delivery in February 2025, MV Loch Indaal is said to significantly boost capacity on the Islay routes, with the ability to accommodate up to 450 passengers and 100 cars, or 14 commercial vehicles. This addition will increase vehicle and freight capacity by 40% on the Islay routes, strengthening the overall fleet's resilience, CMAL said in a statement.
The vessel will now undergo further outfitting and preparations in the water before comprehensive sea trials will take place.
An official naming ceremony will be held on Islay early next year, where stakeholders and community representatives will be invited to board and tour the vessel to celebrate its arrival before it officially joins the fleet.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, said: “This is another important milestone in the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering six new major vessels into service by 2026.
“I have no doubt the communities and businesses on Islay and Jura are looking forward to a more resilient and modern ferry service, with further vessels set to bring similar improvements to other parts of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services network.”
Duncan Mackison, interim chief executive of CalMac, the ferries’ operator, added: “We welcome the launch of MV Loch Indaal and are looking forward to the vessel joining the CalMac fleet. Her addition will increase resilience and will also significantly increase the number of passengers and vehicles we can carry on the Islay route.
“With six new major vessels due to join the fleet by 2026 and significant infrastructure upgrades at numerous ports and harbours underway or planned, we are confident that lifeline ferry services for Islay and across the network will continue to improve.”
