Caledonian Isles return delayed as specialist flies in from Norway
CalMac has now said that further work will be required before the ship can enter service – with a specialist having to travel from Norway to assist with the investigation into the fault.
The vessel is now set to resume service between Ardrossan and Brodick on Wednesday 25 June.
Until then, all customer demand will continue to be met with a two-vessel service out of Troon with MV Glen Sannox and MV Alfred.
Problems have dogged the MV Caledonian Isles for more than a year (Image: NQ) Efforts to resolve the gearbox issue are ongoing, with several potential root causes having been eliminated over the past few days.
The vessel will undertook further trials on Tuesday 17 June to gather data.
Kongsberg, the manufacturer of the gearbox, is sending a technical specialist to the vessel who will arrive on Thursday.
Months of major repair work took place in dry dock at Cammell Laird shipyard in Merseyside, requiring removal of the ship's engines.
The ferry, which serves the main Arran route and is one of the largest ships in the company's fleet, was originally supposed to have returned to the water following repairs last November.
But this was set back by the discovery of 'steel deformation' and the need to replace both stern tube bearings.
The MV Caledonian Isles, docked at Broddick (Image: NQ) The company said 'extensive' repairs to the steel had to be completed, but the shafts required further 'machining' in Denmark before sailings could resume.
A CalMac spokeswoman said: 'Whilst we recognise a further delay is disappointing, we have taken the decision to extend the return date into next week to provide customers and the community with certainty ahead of the weekend.
'Continuing to have MV Alfred as part of the fleet means that we can honour all customer bookings, so visitors can still travel to and from Arran as planned.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Chronicle
7 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Storm Floris to cause travel disruptions across UK on Monday
Brits are being warned to brace for "unusually" windy weather on Monday, as Storm Floris could cause: #StormFloris has been named It is forecast to bring unseasonably strong winds to the UK on Monday along with heavy rain Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ A Met Office spokesperson said: "Storm Floris will bring a spell of unusually windy weather for the time of year across the northern half of the UK on Monday. "The highest winds are expected across Scotland between late morning and early evening. In some areas high winds will be accompanied by heavy rain. "Wind will then slowly start to ease from the west later." Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 naming season, which runs from early September to late August. January's Storm Eowyn was the most recent. A yellow warning for wind had already been issued for northern parts of the UK from 6am on Monday to 6am on Tuesday (August 5). But these have been upgraded to amber for most of Scotland, with the new warnings set to be in place from 10am to 10pm (on Monday). Winds of up to 90mph have been forecast for some areas of Scotland. Weather warnings are in place across Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, north Wales and the north of England. You can see full details about the storm warnings in place for Storm Floris on the Met Office website. These unusually windy conditions caused by Storm Floris are expected to cause power outages, damage to buildings, and could even pose a "danger to life" due to flying debris and large waves. UK residents are also being warned to expect travel disruptions on Monday due to the blustery conditions. National Rail said stormy weather can severely impact railway journeys, resulting in delays and cancellations. It added: "It is likely that speed restrictions will be in place and your journey may take longer." Disruptions to road, air and ferry services are also expected. Scottish ferry operator CalMac has issued a series of cancellation warnings ahead of the storm. 'Disruption to sailings is expected across our network on Monday August 4 due to forecasted strong winds across parts of Scotland's west coast,' it posted on X (formerly Twitter). ℹ️#Storm Floris- disruption to sailings is expected across our network on Mon 4 Aug due to forecasted strong winds across parts of Scotland's west coast. Visit before you travel. Meanwhile, motorists have been urged to slow down in poor weather and avoid exposed highland and coastal routes. Rod Dennis, from the RAC breakdown service, said: 'This unseasonable bout of stormy weather will mean drivers in the north and west of the UK need to take extra care at the start of next week. 'It's the height of the holiday season, so those towing trailers and caravans, as well as those with roof and tent boxes, must ensure their loads are properly secured.' RECOMMENDED READING: Met Office names Storm Floris as parts of UK to see heavy rain and strong winds Met Office reveals storm names for 2024/25 - Ashley, Bert, Wren see full list The 9 things you need to do to protect your home during storms While Shaun Jones, from the AA, added: 'If you're planning a journey – especially through exposed or rural areas – it's worth checking the latest forecast, allow extra time, and be prepared for the unexpected. 'Keep both hands on the wheel, especially on open roads and motorways, and be mindful of high-sided vehicles and cyclists who may be more affected by gusts. 'Watch out for fallen branches or debris, particularly in rural areas – this could be telltale signs of a fallen tree ahead.'
South Wales Guardian
10 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Storm Floris to cause travel disruptions across UK on Monday
Brits are being warned to brace for "unusually" windy weather on Monday, as Storm Floris could cause: #StormFloris has been named It is forecast to bring unseasonably strong winds to the UK on Monday along with heavy rain Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ A Met Office spokesperson said: "Storm Floris will bring a spell of unusually windy weather for the time of year across the northern half of the UK on Monday. "The highest winds are expected across Scotland between late morning and early evening. In some areas high winds will be accompanied by heavy rain. "Wind will then slowly start to ease from the west later." Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 naming season, which runs from early September to late August. January's Storm Eowyn was the most recent. A yellow warning for wind had already been issued for northern parts of the UK from 6am on Monday to 6am on Tuesday (August 5). But these have been upgraded to amber for most of Scotland, with the new warnings set to be in place from 10am to 10pm (on Monday). Winds of up to 90mph have been forecast for some areas of Scotland. Weather warnings are in place across Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, north Wales and the north of England. You can see full details about the storm warnings in place for Storm Floris on the Met Office website. These unusually windy conditions caused by Storm Floris are expected to cause power outages, damage to buildings, and could even pose a "danger to life" due to flying debris and large waves. UK residents are also being warned to expect travel disruptions on Monday due to the blustery conditions. National Rail said stormy weather can severely impact railway journeys, resulting in delays and cancellations. It added: "It is likely that speed restrictions will be in place and your journey may take longer." Disruptions to road, air and ferry services are also expected. Scottish ferry operator CalMac has issued a series of cancellation warnings ahead of the storm. 'Disruption to sailings is expected across our network on Monday August 4 due to forecasted strong winds across parts of Scotland's west coast,' it posted on X (formerly Twitter). ℹ️#Storm Floris- disruption to sailings is expected across our network on Mon 4 Aug due to forecasted strong winds across parts of Scotland's west coast. Visit before you travel. Meanwhile, motorists have been urged to slow down in poor weather and avoid exposed highland and coastal routes. Rod Dennis, from the RAC breakdown service, said: 'This unseasonable bout of stormy weather will mean drivers in the north and west of the UK need to take extra care at the start of next week. 'It's the height of the holiday season, so those towing trailers and caravans, as well as those with roof and tent boxes, must ensure their loads are properly secured.' RECOMMENDED READING: Met Office names Storm Floris as parts of UK to see heavy rain and strong winds Met Office reveals storm names for 2024/25 - Ashley, Bert, Wren see full list The 9 things you need to do to protect your home during storms While Shaun Jones, from the AA, added: 'If you're planning a journey – especially through exposed or rural areas – it's worth checking the latest forecast, allow extra time, and be prepared for the unexpected. 'Keep both hands on the wheel, especially on open roads and motorways, and be mindful of high-sided vehicles and cyclists who may be more affected by gusts. 'Watch out for fallen branches or debris, particularly in rural areas – this could be telltale signs of a fallen tree ahead.'
Powys County Times
10 hours ago
- Powys County Times
Storm Floris to cause travel disruption as wind warnings upgraded
Storm Floris could cause severe travel disruption on Monday as weather warnings for wind have been upgraded. Amber warnings have been issued for much of Scotland, lasting from 10am to 10pm. A yellow warning for wind had already been issued for northern parts of the UK from 6am on Monday to 6am on Tuesday. Stormy weather can severely impact the railway, with journey delays and cancellations, National Rail warned. ⚠️⚠️ Amber weather warning issued ⚠️⚠️ #StormFloris to bring unseasonably strong winds across parts of Scotland Monday 1000 – 2200 Latest info 👉 Stay #WeatherAware ⚠️ — Met Office (@metoffice) August 3, 2025 'It is likely that speed restrictions will be in place and your journey may take longer,' it said. Strong winds can bring down trees that block tracks and damage power lines. The weather could also disrupt road, air and ferry services, and close bridges, it is feared. Many inland parts of the warning area will see westerly gusts of 40-50mph and exposed coasts and high ground could see them reach 70mph, the Met Office said. There is a chance that winds could even reach 85mph on Scottish coastlines and hills. Scottish ferry operator CalMac has issued a series of cancellation warnings ahead of the storm. 'Disruption to sailings is expected across our network on Monday August 4 due to forecasted strong winds across parts of Scotland's west coast,' it posted on X. Elsewhere, motorists have been urged to slow down in poor weather and avoid exposed Highland and coastal routes. Rod Dennis, of the RAC breakdown service, said: 'This unseasonable bout of stormy weather will mean drivers in the north and west of the UK need to take extra care at the start of next week. 'It's the height of the holiday season, so those towing trailers and caravans, as well as those with roof and tent boxes, must ensure their loads are properly secured.' Shaun Jones, of the AA, said: 'If you're planning a journey – especially through exposed or rural areas – it's worth checking the latest forecast, allow extra time, and be prepared for the unexpected. 'Keep both hands on the wheel, especially on open roads and motorways, and be mindful of high-sided vehicles and cyclists who may be more affected by gusts. 'Watch out for fallen branches or debris, particularly in rural areas – this could be telltale signs of a fallen tree ahead.' Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: 'Across the warning area, many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40-50mph, with 60-70mph more likely at higher elevations and around exposed coasts in Scotland. 'There is a small chance that some locations here could even record gusts of 85mph.' The strongest winds will most likely affect Scotland on Monday afternoon and night but 'there remains some uncertainty in the depth and track of Floris', a spokesperson added. 'Winds will first ease in the west during later Monday but remaining very strong overnight until early Tuesday in the east. 'Heavy rain may also contribute to the disruption in places.' The warning zone covers Scotland, parts of Northern Ireland, north Wales and the north of England. Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of the 2024-25 naming season, which runs from early September to late August, and January's Storm Eowyn was the most recent.
