Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Loch-Seaforth

The ferry service between Ullapool and Stornoway has encountered significant disruptions following a clamshell ramp malfunction on the 'Loch Seaforth' on April 12. The technical difficulties necessitated a thorough investigation, leading to the cancellation of several scheduled sailings during the evening hours. Efforts to repair the ramp were initially unfruitful, resulting in the cancellation of morning departures from Stornoway at 07:00 a.m. and Ullapool at 10:30 a.m. on April 13. Repair teams, aided by both external contractors and the original equipment manufacturer, are diligently working on a solution. To alleviate the situation, CalMac has announced that the 'Glen Sannox' will temporarily replace the 'Loch Seaforth' for these crossings. Typically servicing the Arran route, the 'Glen Sannox' has now redirected its operations to cover the Ullapool-Stornoway route until the repairs are finalized. As of April 14, a partial repair allowed 'Loch Seaforth' to resume service on a single-ended basis, albeit with a significant reduction in its vehicle capacity to just 25 cars, a far cry from its usual maximum of 143. Furthermore, the vessel is now subject to weather operational limits, not exceeding 30-knot winds or three-meter wave heights. Passengers with affected bookings are advised to stay in contact with the Port for updates. Compounding issues continued into April 16, as delays from the previous days resulted in 'Loch Seaforth' departing Stornoway at 08:26 a.m., an hour and 26 minutes behind schedule, with an expected arrival at Ullapool of 11:06 a.m. Similarly, its departure from Ullapool at 11:59 a.m. was delayed by one hour and 39 minutes, with an ETA in Stornoway at 2:49 p.m. The following day, on April 17, the ferry left Stornoway at 07:11 a.m., arriving in Ullapool at approximately 09:50 a.m., still continuing the single-ended operation under weather constraints. Travelers are urged to remain patient during this challenging period as repair works continue.

On April 12, the 'Loch Seaforth', a key vessel on the Ullapool-Stornoway route, encountered a technical malfunction affecting the clamshell of its bow ramp. This issue prompted immediate investigations and led to the cancellation of several scheduled sailings overnight. Attempts to remedy the ramp proved ineffective, forcing further cancellations of departures from Stornoway at 07:00 a.m. and from Ullapool at 10:30 a.m. on April 13. In response, CalMac engaged both an external contractor and the original equipment manufacturer to expedite repair efforts. To alleviate the disruption, CalMac announced the 'Glen Sannox' would temporarily serve as a relief vessel on this route. This ferry, usually assigned to the Arran service and having endured its own construction delays, was redirected to cover crossings in The Minch between Ullapool and Stornoway until the 'Loch Seaforth' is back in service. By April 14, progress on repairs allowed the 'Loch Seaforth' to resume limited freight operations, albeit under restrictions that reduced its vehicle capacity to just 25 cars—significantly less than its usual capacity of 143. The vessel could only operate under favorable weather conditions, facing maximum limits of 30-knot winds or three-meter waves. Affected customers were informed directly by the Port regarding their bookings. The challenges continued into April 16, when the 'Loch Seaforth' departed Stornoway at 08:26 a.m., running 1 hour and 26 minutes late, with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) in Ullapool set for 11:06 a.m. The preceding sailing was similarly delayed by approximately 1.45 hours. Later that day, the vessel set off from Ullapool at 11:59 a.m., again delayed by 1 hour and 39 minutes, aiming for an ETA in Stornoway of 2:49 p.m. On April 17, the ripple effects of previous delays continued, as 'Loch Seaforth' launched from Stornoway at 07:11 a.m., with plans to reach Ullapool by 09:50 a.m. These ongoing disruptions highlight the operational challenges faced on this critical maritime route.

On October 5, the ferry 'Loch Seaforth', which operates between Ullapool and Stornoway, encountered a technical glitch related to its bow ramp. This malfunction caused delays in the disembarkation of vehicles upon arrival in Stornoway at 2:15 p.m., which consequently impacted the ferry's scheduled departure at 3 p.m. for Ullapool. Due to the necessity of manually operating the ramp, the vessel was able to leave Stornoway later than planned at 4:38 p.m., with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) in Ullapool set for 7:30 p.m. The repercussions of this technical issue extended to the following day; on October 6, the 'Loch Seaforth' departed Stornoway at 8:12 a.m., running 72 minutes behind schedule, with an ETA in Ullapool of 10:52 a.m. Meanwhile, the freight service had also been affected, having departed Ullapool at 4:20 a.m., 90 minutes late, and was expected in Stornoway at 7:00 a.m.

In a notable incident on September 8, 2023, the ferry 'Loch Seaforth', operating on the Ullapool-Stornoway route, reported a medical emergency occurring on board while approaching Ullapool. The Stornoway Coastguard was alerted to the situation, which consequently impacted the vessel's scheduled arrival time. As a result, the expected time of arrival (ETA) in Ullapool has been revised to 10:20 a.m.

On June 6, 2023, the port side passenger lifts aboard the 'Loch Seaforth', which operates the Ullapool-Stornoway route, experienced a malfunction, rendering them out of service. Despite the starboard lifts remaining operational, passengers were advised that longer waiting times could be anticipated. Travelers were instructed to check in at least 45 minutes prior to the ferry's scheduled departure to manage the potential delays. The lift issue persisted until June 10. Fortunately, by June 13, the port side passenger lifts were successfully repaired and returned to full operational status, allowing for a smoother boarding process for foot passengers.

On May 11, 2023, the 'Loch Seaforth', a vital ferry operating between Ullapool and Stornoway, encountered generator troubles that necessitated an investigation. This mechanical setback resulted in the vessel departing Ullapool at 7:13 p.m., over 40 minutes behind schedule. Fortunately, the issue has now been rectified, allowing for smooth operations to resume on this important maritime route.

On April 17, the ferry 'Loch Seaforth', which operates the Ullapool-Stornoway route, encountered a technical issue that necessitated further investigation. As a result, the ferry's scheduled departure at 10:30 a.m. from Ullapool and the 2 p.m. departure from Stornoway were unfortunately cancelled. Fortunately, after addressing the technical difficulties, ferry services resumed with the 5:30 p.m. sailing leaving Ullapool.