Newest CalMac ferry out of action 15 weeks after entering service

CalMac's newest major ferry, MV Isle of Islay, is due to be taken out of service for about two weeks from July 15, just 15 weeks after it entered service on the Kennacraig-Islay route.

The vessel is being withdrawn for warranty repairs, including work on a bow-ramp issue linked to a problem with the bow-door hinge. During the repair window, MV Isle of Arran and MV Finlaggan are expected to cover the Islay service.

Early technical work

The ferry entered service on March 31, 2026 after a delivery that was delayed by more than a year. Since mid-May, the ship has reportedly been operating from one end because of the bow-door hinge problem.

The Times reported that the vessel has around 150 minor defects to be addressed under warranty. CalMac has said warranty-related work on a new vessel is not unusual.

Service cover

The Islay route is a key lifeline for island passengers and freight, so the planned outage will be watched closely by travellers and operators alike.

CalMac says the ferry's repair period should last about two weeks, with the work expected to begin at Dales in Greenock on July 15.

MV Isle of Islay was built by Cemre Shipyard in Turkey for Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd and handed over in January before later entering service on the route.