Port Ellen closure postponed
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) regrets to announce that the repair work at Port Ellen Ferry Terminal has been postponed until Autumn 2016. The port’s linkspan is being replaced and cylinders and pipework are being upgraded, and work was due to begin on Monday 18th April.
Ferries will continue to operate from Port Ellen on the current timetable and will not be diverted to Port Askaig, as previously advised.
A technical problem was identified in the final stages of fabrication at the end of last week and the extent of works required to rectify it was only fully realised earlier this week. Although the linkspan will be ready by early May, the port’s owner, CMAL, after consultation with the operator, CalMac Ferries Ltd, has decided to wait until Autumn to undertake the work. This will avoid disruption during the upcoming Islay Festival of Music and Malt and the busy summer months. It also aligns with CalMac’s dry docking programme, where a single vessel service will be operating to Islay.
CMAL will continue to monitor and inspect the existing linkspan, but do not envisage any issues with its continued use.
Lorna Spencer, Director of Harbours at CMAL said:
“We apologise for any disruption to travel plans that have been made by customers due to this unavoidable delay and we will advise the specific dates for the revised three week closure as soon possible.”
Passengers can find out further information on the current service by calling 0800 066 5000.
Ends
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