Further delay hits Turkish built ferries
A sense of disappointment is brewing on Islay after the announcement of a further delay to the MV Isle of Islay, the first of four Turkish built vessels for CalMac.
The newly-announced two month delay means the ferry will now arrive four months late, around February. It was originally scheduled to arrive in mid-October.
The latest setback in Turkey has been attributed to hold-ups in the supply-chain of parts for the MV Isle of Islay and a shortage of specialist workers at the Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard.
The news has disappointed Islay residents, who have been hit with numerous disruptions recently because of breakdowns in CalMac’s fleet.
An Islay Community Council Ferry Committee (ICCFC) spokesperson said: "It is disappointing news about a further delay in the delivery of MV Isle of Islay.
"ICCFC has already raised the alarm that a single vessel service with Finlaggan on her own for most of the winter is not adequate in relation to anticipated demand.
"CalMac has said it is reviewing possibilities.
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CMAL’s chief executive officer Kevin Hobbs said in a letter to MSPs: “There are risks and uncertainties, particularly with specialist equipment supply chains, which may shorten or extend this time frame by a matter of weeks.
"Many of the same factors will also lead to a change in the delivery dates to the later vessels, but these are not expected to be as significant as on the first vessel.
“We continue to monitor closely global events that may give rise to further challenges beyond those already reported regarding the supply chain issues.”
CMAL has confirmed the cost of the four vessels has not been significantly affected by these delays, but a further risk allowance of three per cent is being applied "for budgeting purposes".
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Lead Engineer in a small food business on the Isle of Mull. With accommodation. - The Island Bakery
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JOBS
Lead Engineer in a small food business on the Isle of Mull. With accommodation. - The Island Bakery
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