The MV Isle of Islay arrived in Scotland at 10am on Sunday 22nd of February after a 4400 nautical mile journey from Cemre shipyard in Turkey.
The new CalMac vessel berthed at Inchgreen dock in Greenock following a winter voyage that took her across the Mediterranean and North Atlantic before finally reaching home waters.
During the journey the crew battled storms and carried out a rescue operation off the coast of Morocco in what has been described as a CalMac first.
She will now spend around two weeks on the Clyde as final fit out work and operational preparations are completed ahead of entering service on the Islay route later in March.
CalMac chief executive Duncan Mackison said:
“It’s the end of the delivery voyage but the start of an exciting new chapter for CalMac.
“The crew, who have been putting the vessel through her paces on an epic voyage across the Mediterranean and North Atlantic in the depths of winter, are delighted to have reached Scotland.
“They deserve massive credit for the job they have done in sailing home during treacherous weather and sea conditions and being involved in a CalMac first in saving a life at sea off the coast of Morocco.
“Over the next few weeks, we’ll finalise preparations to get the vessel ready to enter passenger service for Islay and Jura.”
The journey saw a CalMac branded ship pass Greek islands and the coastlines of Italy, Spain, Portugal and Morocco for the first time under its familiar livery.
With space for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars or 14 commercial vehicles, the vessel will deliver a 40% increase in vehicle and freight capacity on the Islay route while strengthening the resilience of the wider fleet.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said:
“I am delighted that the MV Isle of Islay has arrived in Scottish waters, with the vessel due to enter service in the coming weeks.
“The MV Isle of Islay will improve capacity and reliability on the Islay route, as well as enhance the resilience of the CalMac major vessel fleet.
“Full focus is now on preparing the vessel to enter service as soon as possible for the people and economy of Islay.
“I want to share my sincere thanks and admiration for the crew who delivered the MV Isle of Islay to Scotland, and for their bravery and skill in undertaking a rescue operation on route.”
Kevin Hobbs, Chief Executive of CMAL added:
“The MV Isle of Islay’s arrival in Scotland is a welcome sight for everyone, but especially the communities she will serve.
“We’d like to extend our thanks to the crew who have brought her home, and everyone involved in her journey to get here.
“She will provide added resilience and capacity to the network, and we look forward to seeing her carrying passengers very soon.”
For island communities who rely on dependable ferry links, her arrival marks not just the end of a long voyage but the beginning of renewed capacity, resilience and confidence in lifeline services.
