Launch date for second new Islay ferry revealed
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has announced the second vessel for Islay - MV Loch Indaal - will be launched on June 8.
Following the successful launch of sister vessel MV Isle of Islay in March this year, MV Loch Indaal will move from the slipway into the water at Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Yalova, Turkey, marking another significant milestone for the project.
Until its launch, work will continue on the slipway. This includes the application of underwater hull coatings, installation of pipework, equipment and machinery and electrical work.
The ferry, which will serve Islay and Jura, is due to be delivered in February 2025. Following transit from Turkey, it will undergo crew familiarisation and operational trials before it enters service.
Jim Anderson, director of vessels at CMAL, said: "With the launch of Isle of Islay in March and Glen Rosa in April, Loch Indaal will be the third vessel to launch within three months. Work is progressing well at Cemre and we are on schedule and on budget with all four vessels, which will be welcome news for islanders.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop MSP said: “I’m delighted the launch of the MV Loch Indaal has been confirmed for early June. This is another important milestone in the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering six new major vessels into service by 2026.
“I have no doubt the communities and businesses on Islay and Jura are looking forward to a more resilient and modern ferry service, with further vessels set to bring similar improvements to other parts of the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services network.”
An official naming ceremony will take place on Islay towards the middle of next year, where stakeholders and community representatives and will be invited to tour the vessel to celebrate its arrival before it officially joins the fleet.
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The new ferry, along with its sister vessel MV Isle of Islay, will have passenger accommodation to meet anticipated demand, as well as a focus on freight. Both vessels will have capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars or 14 commercial vehicles.
This will provide a combined 40 per cent increase in vehicle and freight capacity on the Islay routes and will improve the overall resilience of the wider fleet.
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