UPDATE ON DELIVERY OF MV LOCH SEAFORTH

The latest ship in the Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) fleet, the MV LOCH SEAFORTH, is in the final stages of construction at Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft MBH and Co KG shipyard, Flensberg, Germany.  The ship is destined for the Ullapool to Stornoway route and final fit out and commissioning plans are now underway, with the vessel expected to undergo sea trials at the end of August.  Following statutory inspections and vessel performance trials, the MV LOCH SEAFORTH will be handed over to the operator, CalMac Ferries Ltd, in late September for familiarisation trials and training with her local crew on the route.

The handover is later than anticipated due to an unavoidable delay in the installation of electrical services throughout the vessel.  This has had a knock on effect to other trades and services, including completion of the passenger areas, crew quarters and the commissioning of the many on-board systems.

Tom Docherty, CEO, CMAL commented “A team from CMAL is onsite in Germany working closely with the shipyard to assist and ensure the revised delivery plan is achieved and, more importantly, that the vessel is completed to a high standard. I look forward to welcoming her to Scotland later in the autumn.”

In the meantime, the service on the Stornoway to Ullapool route remains unaffected, with the existing vessels fully available and operating to the current timetable.
ENDS

Media enquiries to Susan Ferrier at Golley Slater:
sferrier@golleyslater.co.uk  / 0131 220 8785 / 07918 690 604.

Notes to editors

1. Key ship information:

• LOA 116m
• Breadth 18.4m
• Service speed of 19.2 kn
• Passengers – 700
• Cars – 143
• Commercial Vehicles – 20

1. MV LOCH SEAFORTH is being financed by Lloyds Banking Group and will be leased to CMAL.
2. CMAL own property at piers and harbours at more than 24 locations throughout Scotland and is embarking on a programme of investment and improvements, which will create better facilities.
3. In addition to its pier and harbour facilities, CMAL own 32 ferries, which are leased to CalMac Ferries Ltd for use on ferry services on the Clyde and Hebrides.
4. CMAL is a publicly owned company with Scottish Ministers as the sole shareholder.
5. For more information about CMAL visit: www.cmassets.co.uk