Yes I think the island communities of the Western Isles are hoping and thinking the same . Just the LNG power testing to be completed after the vessels last dry docking in early April . Hopefully that will be the last builders sea trails before handover to the ferry company to start there sea trails before entering service .
Like most ferries these days they have a marine arch rescue system , launching rescue slides from the ships sides into self inflating large life rafts , the two fast rescue craft tow these large life rafts ashore .
The shipyard sea trials was successful, running on marine diesel . They are still working on the vessel to get it to run on LNG power . A dry dock period will happen in early April to scrub the hull of marine growth . Once the later sea trials in April and May have been completed successfully only then ,Will the vessel be handed over to Caledonian MacBrayne . They will then have to do their own trials with the vessel and acquire passenger certification before the vessel enters service . I can not see this happening until mid July this year at the earliest.
I would say that it maybe a possibility that they may send one of the larger ferries MV Hebrides south this summer to cover for the normal ferry Caledonian Isles . MV Hebrides is newer than the Caledonian Isles . The MV Hebrides would be the ideal vessel to cover on the Arran route if Caledonian Isles does not return to service during the peak summer period. That new ferry Glen Sannox may appear in service later in the summer but I would not count on it .
Looks a fine ship. Let’s hope she soon settles down in service !
Yes I think the island communities of the Western Isles are hoping and thinking the same . Just the LNG power testing to be completed after the vessels last dry docking in early April . Hopefully that will be the last builders sea trails before handover to the ferry company to start there sea trails before entering service .
No bow anchors visible and no lifeboats. Only a fast rescue RIB on Stb side
Like most ferries these days they have a marine arch rescue system , launching rescue slides from the ships sides into self inflating large life rafts , the two fast rescue craft tow these large life rafts ashore .
Was the sea trial successful and have the acceptance tests been completed and signed off by Caledonia MacBrayne?
The shipyard sea trials was successful, running on marine diesel . They are still working on the vessel to get it to run on LNG power . A dry dock period will happen in early April to scrub the hull of marine growth . Once the later sea trials in April and May have been completed successfully only then ,Will the vessel be handed over to Caledonian MacBrayne . They will then have to do their own trials with the vessel and acquire passenger certification before the vessel enters service . I can not see this happening until mid July this year at the earliest.
Still only diesel powered?
LNG commissioning will start soon , following last dry docking in early April .
and now its rumoured she wont even by used for the Arran route but be sent up north instead leaving more old ships to cover the needs of the island
I would say that it maybe a possibility that they may send one of the larger ferries MV Hebrides south this summer to cover for the normal ferry Caledonian Isles . MV Hebrides is newer than the Caledonian Isles . The MV Hebrides would be the ideal vessel to cover on the Arran route if Caledonian Isles does not return to service during the peak summer period. That new ferry Glen Sannox may appear in service later in the summer but I would not count on it .
P.S. What happened to the "BLACK FUNNELS" and the "BLACKET OUT WlNDEES", krankie launched the hulk "6 YEARS AGO'"?????????
Handover June 2024, never going to happen.!!