Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Isle-Of-Islay

On May 5, the ferry 'Isle of Islay', which operates between Kennacraig and Islay, encountered a malfunction with its bow ramp. This unexpected technical difficulty forced the vessel to conduct services exclusively in a stern-loading manner. Passengers and freight may experience longer turnaround times as a result of this operational adjustment. Authorities are assessing the situation to ensure the safety and efficiency of the ferry service.

On April 10, the Isle of Islay ferry, operating on the Oban - Castlebay route, encountered a problem with its hydraulic pipe coupling that necessitated immediate repairs. Fortunately, the issue was swiftly addressed, allowing the vessel to resume its normal operations shortly thereafter. Passengers can rest assured that the Isle of Islay is back to providing reliable service on this vital maritime route.

The ferry 'Isle of Islay', planned to operate on the Kennacraig-Islay route, is currently undergoing essential inspections and sea trials from March 27 to March 29. These trials are critical to addressing a malfunction within its power management system, along with several other minor issues, prior to its anticipated debut on March 30. To ensure the ferry's readiness, a specialized engineer has been called in to troubleshoot the engine management system fault and evaluate additional snagging concerns. During this period, ferry operations have been consolidated under the 'Finlaggan', which is running a single vessel timetable. The 'Isle of Islay' is set to officially start its service on March 31. Following a phased entry, additional sailings have been scheduled for April 1, with departures from Port Askaig at 11:10 a.m., Kennacraig at 03:30 p.m., and Port Askaig again at 06:05 p.m., arriving at Kennacraig at 08:00 p.m.

The highly anticipated debut of CalMac's latest ferry, the 'Isle of Islay', has hit a snag, causing a delay in its first passenger service. Originally slated for an inaugural journey on the Islay route, the ferry will now remain in the dock for repairs until at least March 30. This setback comes just two days prior to its scheduled entry into service. The vessel finally departed from Greenock on March 25 and is now en route to Port Askaig, with an estimated time of arrival set for March 26. The situation highlights the importance of thorough pre-service checks to ensure the safety and reliability of maritime transport.

The CalMac fleet welcomes its newest member, the 'Isle of Islay', which has successfully docked in Greenock on February 22, following a four-week journey hampered by inclement weather conditions. This vessel marks the first of four state-of-the-art ferries being constructed in Turkey. After navigating the tumultuous Bay of Biscay, the 'Isle of Islay' gracefully sailed up the Clyde and reached Inchgreen quay shortly before 10:00 a.m. Remarkably, during its journey, the crew participated in a rescue operation for an individual spotted in the sea off the coast of Morocco while awaiting a break in the storms. The ferry is set to undergo final adjustments over the next two weeks, followed by crew training and berthing trials, with an anticipated entry into service by late March.

In an incredible display of bravery, the 'Isle of Islay' ferry conducted a dramatic rescue off the Moroccan coast last week. The vessel, which had to depart from its berth in Gibraltar due to the perilous conditions brought on by Storm Leonard, ventured into the rough seas on February 3, 2026. With wind gusts exceeding 90 kilometers per hour, remaining docked was deemed unsafe. While navigating the turbulent waters, the crew spotted a man struggling for survival in the waves. Without hesitation, they launched a fast rescue boat, successfully retrieving the drowning man within minutes, despite the harsh sea conditions. Once aboard, the rescued individual received medical attention and care for several days before being handed over to Moroccan authorities. Following the rescue, the 'Isle of Islay' found temporary shelter along the Moroccan east coast, allowing the crew to assess the situation before continuing their journey to the port of Almeria. After waiting in Almeria until February 7 for favorable weather conditions, the ferry was finally able to set sail towards A Coruña. The crew planned to persist on their route toward the Bay of Biscay, with the final destination being Greenock. For more details and photos of this remarkable rescue, visit: https://www.hebrides-news.com/calmac-mv-isle-of-islay-dramatic-sea-rescue-morocco-91226.html?fbclid=Iwb21leAP21LRjbGNrA_bUfWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHttqU-dgXvK2Bow6dVKJG64h5dA5IMop55RPR4JOBEZaPlHjtDF1Plc8_etz_aem_2K_Rf97MShBCXKsYgp5PGQ.

On January 15, 2023, CalMac officially took possession of the newly constructed ferry 'Isle of Islay' during a ceremonial handover at Cemre Shipyard in Yalova, Turkey. This stunning vessel marks the first of four ferries being assembled at the shipyard and is set to enhance transportation services to Islay and Jura upon its introduction into service. The 'Isle of Islay' will soon be joined by its sister ship, 'Loch Indaal', later this year. The ferry has successfully obtained approval from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, along with passenger certification, ensuring it meets all necessary regulatory requirements. Preparations are now underway for the ferry’s repositioning journey from the Sea of Marmara back to Scotland, coordinated by CalMac Ferries Limited, a voyage anticipated to take approximately two weeks. After its arrival in Scotland, 'Isle of Islay' will undergo a series of crew training sessions and operational trials before officially starting its service. For visual highlights of the handover, view the report with photos at BBC news.

The 'Isle of Islay' remains docked at the Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Yalova, Turkey, as ongoing delays push its delivery date further back. Originally slated for completion in October 2024, the ferry may now not commence operations on the Kennacraig - Islay route until February 2026. However, there is a glimmer of hope that the anticipated delivery could still occur this December, especially if the upcoming port berthing trials undergo a rapid reassessment. Following its eventual delivery, the CalMac crew is expected to carry out familiarisation trials in the Marmara Sea. This will precede a repositioning journey to Scotland, featuring a necessary refuelling stop in Gibraltar. Upon arrival on the west coast, the vessel will undergo additional testing and trial operations before officially beginning service. The delays in the 'Isle of Islay's' construction are attributed to several significant factors including the ongoing war in Ukraine affecting steel supplies, Houthi terrorist attacks impacting vessels en route to the Suez Canal, and the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey. The 'Isle of Islay' is one of four new ferries under construction in Turkey, specifically designed for Scotland's west coast routes as part of the CalMac network. The other vessels—'Loch Indaal', 'Lochmor', and 'Claymore'—are expected to follow a staggered delivery timeline, each projected for completion six months after the 'Isle of Islay'. Meanwhile, the 'Lochmor' is in the final stages of outfitting while afloat after its launch on August 23. The 'Loch Indaal' remains in the water and also continues outfitting efforts. The 'Claymore', destined for the North Uist route, is presently on the slipway, with crucial installation of pipe systems and cabling in progress as its launch date remains unconfirmed. Inspectors from the Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA) have been monitoring the construction, focusing on comprehensive evaluations of safety and compliance checks, including the stringent examination of ballast and fuel tanks, compartments, and the vessel's structural integrity. Significant components, such as the stern and bow doors as well as the mezzanine decks, are set to undergo load testing, and lift installations are nearing completion, ensuring the 'Isle of Islay' is ready for service once finalisation is achieved.

The inaugural ferry constructed in Turkey for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), the 'Isle of Islay,' will not be making its anticipated debut on the Kennacraig-Islay route until November. Originally scheduled for delivery on September 30, the ferry has encountered multiple delays, primarily due to incomplete sea trials. The Cemre shipyard, based in Yalova, confirmed that they have finalized the necessary trials and are preparing for the vessel's handover. The 'Isle of Islay' is the first of four new ferries being built for Scotland's west coast services. Following its delivery, the subsequent ferries, including the 'Loch Indaal,' 'Lochmor,' and 'Claymore,' will roll out at six-month intervals. Once handed over to CalMac, the 'Isle of Islay' will undergo extensive crew familiarization and berthing trials, indicating that it may not enter regular service until 2026. This postponement highlights ongoing challenges facing the maritime industry, affecting local travel plans and ferry service logistics.

The much-anticipated 'Isle of Islay', the first of four ferries currently under construction in Turkey, has encountered yet another setback in its delivery schedule. In a letter dated September 1, officials confirmed that the ferry will no longer be delivered by the end of September. Key components such as internal lifts, stern and bow doors, and mezzanine decks are still in the process of full commissioning. Although the vessel has completed two builder’s sea trials in the Sea of Marmara, it has yet to commence a critical series of acceptance trials that rigorously test every aspect of the ship before it can enter service. This latest delay adds to the frustration of island residents who have already faced nearly a year of delays since the original timeline. Following the 'Isle of Islay', the three additional ferries being built for CalMac routes in Turkey are scheduled to be delivered at six-month intervals. The 'Isle of Islay' is intended to operate between Kennacraig on Kintyre and both Port Ellen and Port Askaig on Islay, making its timely delivery crucial for island connectivity.

The 'Isle of Islay' has successfully completed its second set of sea trials, conducted by Cemre Marin Endustri in the scenic Sea of Marmara from July 16 to July 20. This important phase of testing saw participation from representatives of CMAL and CalMac, ensuring a collaborative effort in evaluating the vessel's performance. During these trials, significant focus was placed on the installation and functionality of the battery energy storage system (BESS), alongside rigorous testing and optimization of both the power management system (PMS) and the energy management system (EMS). The successful validation of this hybrid system signals a major advancement towards the vessel's readiness for service between Islay and Jura. Following the trials, the 'Isle of Islay' returned to Cemre Marin Endustri in Yalova for additional outfitting work. Anticipation builds as the vessel is slated for delivery in the third quarter of 2025.

The latest developments regarding the 'Isle of Islay' ferry reveal that its completion is now expected by the end of September, pending successful installation of its battery system at the Cemre shipyard. As the final stage of construction unfolds, the vessel's endurance testing will play a critical role in finalizing its readiness for service. Meanwhile, the shipyard is concurrently constructing three additional vessels—'Loch Indaal', 'Lochmor', and 'Claymore'—which are set to follow a staggered delivery schedule every six months after the 'Isle of Islay'. Initially slated for an October 2024 launch, the delivery has faced approximately nine months of delays due to several global factors, including supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Houthi attacks on maritime vessels en route to the Suez Canal, and a recent earthquake in Turkey. As preparations for a subsequent series of endurance trials gear up, potential engineering or mechanical challenges are still possible during these tests, which will occur near Yalova in the Marmara Sea in just a few weeks. The first series of builders’ trials, which took place over nine days in late May, yielded positive results, with representatives from CMAL and CalMac overseeing the evaluation process. These trials assessed the functionality of the ship's propulsion systems, generators, thrusters, stabilisers, and other vital electrical components, ensuring compliance with standards monitored by Lloyd’s Register and the Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA). Crucial performance metrics at full load, including speed, stability, manoeuvrability, and endurance, were thoroughly evaluated, meeting all specified requirements and confirming the effectiveness of the ferry's operational systems.

The anticipated delivery of CalMac's 'Isle of Islay' ferry has encountered yet another postponement, now projected for completion at the end of June 2025, rather than the initially expected October 2024. This delay is primarily attributed to labour shortages at the Yalova shipyard, especially concerning the availability of specialized commissioning subcontractors necessary for the final touches. The challenges faced by the Cemre yard are largely due to global factors beyond their control. Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) communicated these delivery issues to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee in a letter dated February 28, 2025. While the shipyard is focused on building the vessel and integrating the necessary machinery, the task of commissioning the systems falls to manufacturers’ specialized teams to ensure that warranties remain intact. Additional setbacks have arisen from adverse weather conditions, including snow and cold temperatures, which hindered the docking process of the 'Isle of Islay' for evaluations of underwater components and the final paintwork. The ferry had its launch approximately one year ago, while its sister ship, the 'Loch Indaal', was launched three months later and now faces a similar delay, expected to be finished by the end of the year instead of the previous June timeline.