Full capacity restored on MV Alfred – for one month
A ferry which is bailing out the capacity shortfall on the Arran route has returned to its full passenger-carrying capacity - but only for one month.
MV Alfred, which has been operating between Troon and Brodick as part of measures to help relieve pressure on the service, is now able to accommodate its full load of 428 passengers.
The agreement to increase the passenger allowance from 230 to 428 will continue only until May 18.
Arran Ferry Committee is pressing Transport Scotland and CalMac for additional capacity during the busy summer period, however, only a one month period was agreed, with negotiations continuing and passenger numbers being monitored.
Prior to Easter, when passenger numbers were also expected to increase with additional visitor demands on the service, CalMac said maintenance time must be built into MV Alfred’s operating plan, which means it can only operate limited hours.
CalMac and Transport Scotland agreed to the capacity increase during the holidays and for a further six weeks over summer, although the exact dates were not confirmed at the time.
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Pentland Ferries, the owner of MV Alfred, also previously agreed to provide the additional crew required to be able to increase passenger numbers during the Arran Farmers Show and Brodick Highland Games.
MV Alfred was initially leased from Orkney-based Pentland Ferries on a nine-month charter which was subsequently extended for a further six months. If not renegotiated, the lease will cease at the end of July 2024.
The £1m a month charter covers berthing dues, fuel, commercial charter rates and other costs.
Ferry operator CalMac is having to make use of the leased ferry as MV Caledonian Isles, which usually operates on the route with MV Isle of Arran during the summer, is undergoing extensive emergency repairs which are expected to continue until late June.
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