FLEET NEWS
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DATE	NEWS
31/05/07	Western Isles: Isle of Arran sailed to Port Askaig today for berthing trials at the new pier and linkspan. Trails were understood to be successful in ready for the first sailings shortly.
30/05/07	Western Isles: Oban - Colonsay - Port Askaig - Kennacraig (Hebridean Isles): Due to essential Pier Work at Port Askaig all sailings will operate to & from Oban. A temporary timetable from Oban - Colonsay will operate today using Lord of the Isles: 1530 dep Oban 1750 arr Colonsay 1805 dep Colonsay 2025 arr Oban Kennacraig - Port Askaig - Colonsay (Hebridean Isles): Due to essential Pier Work at Port Askaig all sailings will operate to & from Port Ellen. A temporary timetable from Kennacraig - Colonsay will operate today: 0745 dep Kennacraig 1005 arr Port Ellen 1025 dep Port Ellen 1305 arr Colonsay 1720 dep Colonsay 2000 arr Port Ellen 2020 dep Port Ellen 2240 arr Kennacraig
	Clyde: Loch Shira made a return visit to Largs today where she underwent more berthing trails prior to her entrance to service shortly. She then headed to Fairlie Pier where she underwent more berthing trials. She is expected to tie-up there in heavy (windy) weather as Largs is currently too exposed for her taller superstructure. She then returned to Gourock.	Loch Shira at Largs Today
29/05/07	Western Isles: Tobermory - Kilchoan (Loch Linnhe) Service is temporarily suspended today due to mechanical problems with the Loch Linnhe, normal service is however expected to resume at approx 1600. Update 1600: Normal Service Resumed at 1600. Clyde: Claonaig - Lochranza (Loch Tarbert): Due to essential maintenance the Brodick to Lochranza Road, A841 will be closed between 0900 and 1600 Today until Friday 1st June 2007. An alternative route is the B880 from Brodick then A841 North to Lochranza. Passengers for Brodick should follow A841 to Blackwaterfoot then the B880 to Brodick. This diversion may add an extra 90 minutes to your journey. NorthLink Ferries: Kirkwall (Hatston) - Lerwick (Hrossey) Hrossey is currently running late and is not expected to arrive in Kirkwall (Hatston) until approximately 2330 this evening. The onward sailing to Lerwick is estimated to depart Kirkwall (Hatston) at 0000 with scheduled arrival time in Lerwick at 0730 on Wednesday 30 May.
28/05/07	Western Isles: Tobermory - Kilchoan (Loch Linnhe) Service was temporarily suspended this morning due to mechanical problems with the Loch Linnhe, normal service has however resumed at approx 1130 but with substantial delays.
	Past Fleet: ex CalMac Ferry Hebridean Princess made what appears to be a first overnight visit to Loch Buie on Mull. The vessel anchored off for the night in the bay after a early evening arrival.	Hebridean Princess Today
27/05/07	Terminals: Port Askaig Works completion on the new linkspan is now due early June, vessels should be able to utilise the new facility in the first week or so of the month. The CalMac temporary timetable using Port Ellen should then be reverted back to usual sailings.
26/05/07	Western Isles: SoC Live! Update 1655: Loch Fyne is currently running 15min late due to the volume of traffic heading onto Mull. Sailings from the Island however appear to be quiet. SoC Live! Update 1725: After Three attempts at departing Fishnish, Loch Fyne is now on her way over to Lochaline. The first attempt saw her lower her ramps again for a late passenger, the second saw her lower her ramps again after the late Service Bus arrived and two passengers required transport to the Island. She is now running 20min late. Mallaig - Eigg - Muck - Rum - Canna - Mallaig (Lochnevis) Due to a Major Sporting Event taking place on the Isle of Rum this weekend there will be a limited number of spaces available on the following sailing today: 0730 ex Mallaig - Eigg - Muck - Rum - Canna - Mallaig
25/05/07	Clyde: Jupiter appears to have a canopy draped across her rear open passenger deck while she sits in JWD. She is beginning to look pretty forlorn in her current state. Terminals: Oban There appears to be heavy traffic in the Oban area due to bank holiday traffic, please take extra time when planning travelling by car.	Jupiter Today
24/05/07	Clyde: Caledonian Isles had to perform a full 360 degree turn to avoid two vessels (Pluto and Aasheim) in the Clyde vicinity today. Loch Shira will be open to the public today at Millport Pier from 1600 till1900. She is expected to commence service on the 1st of June.
	Loch Shira Today: Gangway Arrives At Millport Pier - Approaching Millport - Viewing Upper Lounge More Pictures Available on Loch Shiras's Updated Profile
	Company News: CalMac confirms additional sailings to Arran Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne has confirmed that the company will again be deploying MV Saturn on the Ardrossan-Brodick service this summer. The ship will begin service on Monday, June 11 and will operate until August 28, 2007. CalMac Ferries Ltd Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: “I am delighted that we are once again in a position to deploy MV Saturn on the Arran service. I know that the additional capacity brought to the route during the summer months last year was greatly appreciated.” The Arran Ferry Committee has welcomed CalMac's confirmation that the additional summer sailings will take place in 2007. Ken Thorburn, Chairman of the Ferry Committee said: “The Isle of Arran Ferry Committee is pleased that CalMac has been able to make MV Saturn available for a limited sailing period during the peak summer months. The Ferry Committee remains committed to working together with CalMac to ensure the best possible service between Brodick and Ardrossan so that all sectors of the island community can benefit.”
	NorthLink Ferries: Pictured opposite, Hamnavoe departs Stromness on another one of her routine sailings across the Pentland Firth to Scrabster.	Hamnavoe Today
23/05/07	Western Isles: Oban - Colonsay - Port Askaig - Kennacraig (Hebridean Isles): Due to essential Pier Work at Port Askaig all sailings will operate to & from Oban. A temporary timetable from Oban - Colonsay will operate today using Lord of the Isles: 1530 dep Oban 1750 arr Colonsay 1805 dep Colonsay 2025 arr Oban Kennacraig - Port Askaig - Colonsay (Hebridean Isles): Due to essential Pier Work at Port Askaig all sailings will operate to & from Port Ellen. A temporary timetable from Kennacraig - Colonsay will operate today: 0745 dep Kennacraig 1005 arr Port Ellen 1025 dep Port Ellen 1305 arr Colonsay 1720 dep Colonsay 2000 arr Port Ellen 2020 dep Port Ellen 2240 arr Kennacraig
22/05/07	Western Isles: Coruisk is currently sailing 'single ended' - travelling only bow first between Mallaig and Armadale today to utilise her stabilizing fins in the swell currently in the Sound of Sleat. Mallaig - Eigg - Muck - Rum - Canna - Mallaig (Lochnevis): SoC Live! Update 1115: Due to the adverse weather conditions there may be no call at Muck today, updates to follow. SoC Live! Update 1315: Lochnevis is currently on her way from Eigg back to Muck for her planned second call of the day, the swell around the island having subsided a little.
21/05/07	Other News: Blaze Ravages Historic Leven Built Cutty Sark Firefighters attended a devastating blaze this morning aboard the famous 138-year-old tea clipper Cutty Sark. More From BBC News Online & Shipping Times (external links, new windows)
20/05/07	Western Isles: SoC Live! Update 1015: Isle of Arran is currently performing a abandon ship and lifeboat drill en route to Islay. Passenger numbers are also very small onboard this morning with almost more crew than passengers!
19/05/07	Western Isles: SoC Live! Update 1250: Lord of the Isles is currently running 25min late heading into Lochboisdale. Update 1615: Isle of Mull departed Oban at 1615, 15min late on her Craignure sailing. Update 1815: Isle of Mull arrived back in Oban late after her delayed 1600 departure, her 1800 sailing also departed late at 1815. SoC Live! Update 2120: Isle of Mull ran 15min late for the remainder of the day, her 1900 departure left at 1915 ex Craignure. The late running Lord of the Isles ran parallel for a time next to her inbound from Lochboisdale but slowed to let her fleet mate into Oban before her to utilize the linkspan. Isle of Mull then vacated the Linkspan allowing the Lord of the Isles to unload & rest for the night before heading to Coll / Tiree in the morning. Fionnphort - Iona (Loch Buie): This service may be disrupted today due to adverse weather conditions. Mallaig - Armadale (Coruisk): All sailings have been cancelled until further notice due to adverse weather. Update 1300: All sailings have resumed after a clearance in the weather. Mallaig - Eigg - Muck - Rum - Canna - Mallaig (Lochnevis): Due to the adverse weather conditions there will be no call at Muck today. Clyde: Update 1400: Caledonian Isles was noted heading towards Lamlash on Arran at approx 1300. This was presumably due to the strong winds and for passenger comfort as she is currently back on course for Brodick.	Isle of Mull at Oban 1615 LOTI Following IoM into Oban LOTI Holding off Allowing IoM to use the Linkspan
	Claonaig - Lochranza (Loch Tarbert): Due to adverse weather Loch Tarbert has been diverted to Tarbert She is expected to depart Tarbert at 1300 sailing for Lochranza. She is due to arrive back in Lochranza at approx 1430. A decision regarding later sailings will be made on the arrival at Lochranza. Update 1430: Loch Tarbert is currently running 20min late on her diverted route due to the adverse weather.
18/05/07	Western Isles: Lord of the Isles left Oban on time at 1700 for her evening cruise to Colonsay despite it is blowing a force 9 - 10 gusting 11 at squall force. She arrived back in Oban at 2225, it is unclear if she will perform her 2230 sailing. The 1500 Isle of Mull sailing ex Craignure ran 20min late due to adverse weather. Isle of Lewis also ran 25min late due to adverse weather on her last sailing. Mallaig - Armadale (Coruisk): Updated 1430: All remaining sailings have been cancelled today due to to adverse weather. Berneray - Leverburgh (Loch Portain): The following sailings have been cancelled for the remainder of today due adverse weather: 1730 ex Berneray - Leverburgh 1840 ex Leverburgh - Berneray Weather permitting normal service to resume on Saturday 19th May. Kennacraig - Port Ellen (Isle of Arran, Hebridean Isles): Isle of Arran arrived at Port Ellen at 1515 and later departed at 1555 due to adverse weather and large volume of traffic at the port.
	Clyde: Loch Shira appears to have moved back down river to Gourock HQ today from her builders. She was noted passing the Customs House Quay where she is pictures opposite at 1430 today. Wemyss Bay - Rothesay (Argyle, Bute) Due to technical reasons with what appears to be Argyle, the 1430 sailing from Rothesay has been cancelled. Update 1515: Due to technical reasons the following sailings have been cancelled: 1515 ex Wemyss Bay - Rothesay 1600 ex Rothesay - Wemyss Bay Argyle is currently lying off Wemyss Bay. Update 1625: Argyle is resuming service at 1645 ex Wemyss Bay - Rothesay. Rathlin Ferries: Canna is now back on station while relief vessel Raasay is currently making her way back to Oban.	Loch Shira Passing CHQ Today Bute at WB With Argyle Holding Off
17/05/07	Clyde: Jupiter moved a few yards up James Watt Dock in Gourock today in preparation for her annual overhaul which is expected to start shortly. She currently looks a little worse for wear - which is not surprising for all the effort she's put in recently! Western Isles: Berneray - Leverburgh (Loch Portain): The following sailings have been cancelled due to tidal restrictions: 1205 ex Berneray - Leverburgh 1330 ex Leverburgh - Berneray	Jupiter in JWD Today
	NorthLink Ferries: Aberdeen - Lerwick (Hjaltland): Hjaltland arrived in Lerwick at 0730 this morning after her delayed departure from Aberdeen last night.
16/05/07	Clyde: Argyle & Bute are now on the Wemyss Bay - Rothesay service. Saturn is now on the Gourock / Dunoon service while Jupiter has moved to James Watt Dock and is expected to then enter Garvel Dry Dock. Loch Shira ventured out again today on trails, she headed for Largs this morning and later berthed for a while at Fairlie. This is understood to be her overnight berth until the alterations at Largs pier are completed allowing her to tie up there.
	Loch Riddon, Shira & Alainn at Largs - Lying at Fairlie - Passing Jupiter at Gourock, all Today
	Western Isles: Berneray - Leverburgh (Loch Portain): The following sailings have been cancelled due to tidal restrictions: 1040 ex Berneray - Leverburgh 1205 ex Leverburgh - Berneray 1330 ex Berneray - Leverburgh 1445 ex Leverburgh - Berneray There will be an extra sailing departing Berneray at 0940 and departing Leverburgh at 1050. Oban - Colonsay - Port Askaig - Kennacraig (Hebridean Isles): Due to essential Pier Work at Port Askaig all sailings will operate to & from Oban. A temporary timetable from Oban - Colonsay will operate today using Lord of the Isles: 1530 dep Oban 1750 arr Colonsay 1805 dep Colonsay 2025 arr Oban Kennacraig - Port Askaig - Colonsay (Hebridean Isles): Due to essential Pier Work at Port Askaig all sailings will operate to & from Port Ellen. A temporary timetable from Kennacraig - Colonsay will operate today: 0745 dep Kennacraig 1005 arr Port Ellen 1025 dep Port Ellen 1305 arr Colonsay 1720 dep Colonsay 2000 arr Port Ellen 2020 dep Port Ellen 2240 arr Kennacraig NorthLink Ferries: Aberdeen - Lerwick (Hjaltland): Hjaltland arrived in Aberdeen at 0630 this morning. Due to low water at Aberdeen Harbour entrance she is estimated to depart Aberdeen at 2030 and is scheduled to arrive in Lerwick at 0730. Past Fleet News - On This Day... In 2006 Hamnavoe suffered an electrical fault which saw her strike the Outer Holm island at the mouth of Stromness harbour. After safety checks in Stromness, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency gave its approval for the vessel to sail without any injury to passengers, crew or the vessel.
15/05/07	Clyde: Argyle passed Inverkip heading down river at a very slow pace of knots at 1055 this morning. She virtually appeared to stop at one point and then carried on at slow speed. Western Isles: Berneray - Leverburgh (Loch Portain): The following sailings have been cancelled due to tidal restrictions: 1205 ex Berneray - Leverburgh 1330 ex Leverburgh - Berneray	Argyle passing Inverkip Today
14/05/07	Clyde: Argyle has been out on trials today and at 1350 is currently heading back towards Gourock. The following press release has also been issued today, regarding the new Loch Shira: Company News: Open day for MV Loch Shira 24th May 2007 MV Loch Shira has joined the CalMac Ferries Limited fleet today and an Open Day for islanders to view this vessel will be held on Thursday 24th May 2007 from 1600 hours to 1900 hours at Millport Pier, on Cumbrae. All are welcome to attend and there will be members of staff on hand to answer any questions. Mr Lawrie Sinclair, Managing Director said, "There will then be a programme of crew familiarisation before the vessel enters service which will greatly benefit the island of Cumbrae." Past Fleet News - On This Day... In 2006 Lord of the Isles utilised her hoist at Colonsay after the Linkspan was out of action undergoing essential repairs.
13/05/07	Western Isles: Lord of the Isles arrived in Castlebay at 0050 with the delayed 1530 sailing from Oban in place of Clansman. She loaded with vehicles for the mainland and left Barra at 0110 this morning. Clansman meanwhile spent today in Oban at the south pier. It turns out that something went wrong yesterday while attempting to leave Oban. She was forced to go back onto the linkspan and offload her traffic and lie in the bay while other vessels moved in and out. This afternoon's sailing to Barra and Lochboisdale was been delayed until 1730 and was taken by Lord of the Isles once again. The 1730 sailing to Colonsay was delayed by half an hour and was carried out by Isle of Mull.	Lord of the Isles arriving at Barra this morning
12/05/07	Western Isles: Clansman has missed her 1530 sailing to Barra this afternoon for reasons as yet unknown, although it could well have something to do with the unusually large amounts of thick black smoke seen coming from her funnel this afternoon. Lord of the Isles sailed in her place at 1945 The return sailing, scheduled for 0920 tomorrow has been retimed for 0130 tomorrow morning to allow the Lord of the Isles vessel to return to her schedule as normal tomorrow with the 0900 sailing to Coll and Tiree.	Clansman Belching Out Thick Black Smoke in Oban
11/05/07	Clyde: Loch Shira today sailed down to Cumbrae where she undertook berthing trials and loaded vehicles. She returned upriver in the middle of the afternoon. Argyle is now at Gourock out of service awaiting attention to one of her propulsion systems. She is still capable of service, however given the current situation at Rothesay, it seems sense to allow Saturn to take over temporarily.
10/05/07	Clyde: Wemyss Bay - Rothesay (Argyle, Bute) Update 1120: Currently disrupted due to technical reasons. The 1300 Argyle sailing from Wemyss Bay and the 1345 sailing from Rothesay have been cancelled. All other sailings will operate as timetabled. Company News: CalMac Ferries Ltd has confirmed that it has, in accordance with the procedures laid out in the Scottish Executive’s Invitation To Tender (ITT), formally lodged the documentation detailing the company’s bid to provide Clyde and Hebridean Ferry Services (CHFS). In the Executive Summary to the Tender, CalMac Ferries’ Chairman Peter Timms said: “The submission of this tender represents the culmination of around six years hard work. During this period, the board of CFL have implemented a complete restructuring of the company and simultaneously introduced fundamental changes to day to day management and operations. I believe these changes, together with over 150 years experience of operating in the CHFS network area, have resulted in a value for money tender which meets the requirements of the Service Specification in all respects.” Mr Timms continues: “CFL’s Mission Statement details our determination to providing a reliable, high quality service, focusing on customers’ needs and comfort, providing value for money to its customers, a stimulating workplace for all its employees and protecting the environment. CFL is committed to the very highest management standards and aims to be acknowledged as the leading UK ferry operating company.” CalMac’s tender was submitted to the Scottish Executive in Glasgow at 1pm this afternoon, Thursday, May 10. The deadline for submission was Friday, May 11 at 3pm. CalMac has also confirmed that it has used the Scottish Executive’s electronic facility to submit its bid. Had the documentation been printed in full, the seven volumes would have come to more than 100,000 pages of detail. The Executive Summary and Tender Overview have also been submitted bilingually in Gaelic and English. The tender will now be evaluated in accordance with procedures laid out in the ITT and CalMac Ferries Ltd will be making no further comment on the tender or its contents, pending conclusion of the evaluation process.
09/05/07	Western Isles: Oban - Colonsay - Port Askaig - Kennacraig (Hebridean Isles): Due to essential Pier Work at Port Askaig all sailings will operate to & from Oban. A temporary timetable from Oban - Colonsay will operate today using Lord of the Isles: 1530 dep Oban 1750 arr Colonsay 1805 dep Colonsay 2025 arr Oban Kennacraig - Port Askaig - Colonsay (Hebridean Isles): Due to essential Pier Work at Port Askaig all sailings will operate to & from Port Ellen. A temporary timetable from Kennacraig - Colonsay will operate today: 0745 dep Kennacraig 1005 arr Port Ellen 1025 dep Port Ellen 1305 arr Colonsay 1720 dep Colonsay 2000 arr Port Ellen 2020 dep Port Ellen 2240 arr Kennacraig
08/05/07	Western Isles: Isle of Arran departed Port Ellen at 1600, 30mins late due to volume of traffic.
07/05/07	NorthLink Ferries: Hjaltland arrived in Lerwick Harbour at 0930 this morning after sailing direct from the Mersey.
06/05/07	Western Isles: Berneray - Leverburgh (Loch Portain): Updated 1000: Following Sailings Cancelled Due To Adverse Weather: 0900 ex Berneray - Leverburgh 1010 ex Leverburgh - Berneray Sconser - Raasay (Loch Striven): Updated 1000: Following Sailings Cancelled Due To Adverse Weather: 1030 ex Sconser - Raasay 1630 ex Sconser - Raasay currently sailing as normal.
	Clyde: Argyle is out and enjoying her spell on her crossing today. She is captured opposite taking the often 'brisk' Clyde in her stride after departing Wemyss Bay for Rothesay. The Type 23 Frigate HMS Kent passes her by heading upriver.	Argyle's First 'Rough' Water
	NorthLink Ferries: Hjaltland is due to depart Liverpool on the 0200 tide this morning. Her ETA for Lerwick is estimated to be around 0900 Monday. Update 0100: Departed Alfred Lock at 0025 and passed Langton at 0038. Update: She later passed the radar tower at 0050, Mersey Bar at 0140 then dropped her Pilot off. She later proceeded to pass Chicken Rock at 0515 with a average speed of 18.5knots. She then passed Rathlin Island at 1045 at appximatly 13 knots. She the passed near the Summer Isles (In the Minch) at 2140 sailing at 24 knots.
05/05/07	NorthLink Ferries: Hjaltland left dry dock at 2150 and moved to Alfred lock, arriving at 2310.
04/05/07	Clyde: Argyle performed her Naming Cruise today. She arrived at Wemyss Bay to collect VIP's for a special cruise and was then named by Mrs Tish Timms, wife of CalMac Ferries' Chairman Peter Timms.  Dave and Graham represented Ships of CalMac on the cruise. Argyle then cruised down the east coast of Bute towards Kilchattan Bay, before turning towards the Tan. She continued on to pass Millport, Largs and then crossed towards Loch Striven and the East Kyle, before returning to Rothesay to land Bute-based guests. Argyle then headed for Wemyss Bay to unload the final passengers onto a coach on her car deck before she returned to Gourock to land the caterers. She had to await the 1620 departure of Jupiter before she was able to berth. She also conducted her first fare paying trip from Wemyss Bay a little after 1815, while Saturn lay off. She then took the delayed 1900 Rothesay to Wemyss Bay and is pictured below at 1950 this evening.
	Argyle: Approaches the Pier as Bute Departs - Passing Millport at 1309 Today
	Oldest (Jupiter) & Newest CalMac Vessels Together - Returning from Rothesay This Evening
	Argyle, Bute and Caledonian Isles were flying the red ensign and house flags at half mast today in respect of a past crew member who passed away. The Flags on Ardrossan and Brodick Terminals were also lowered. Caledonian Isles left Brodick for Ardrossan at 1410. She was late due to volume of traffic, although she did catch up as the day progressed arriving back in Brodick for 1625.
02/05/07	Western Isles: Oban - Colonsay - Port Askaig - Kennacraig (Hebridean Isles): Due to essential Pier Work at Port Askaig all sailings will operate to & from Oban. A temporary timetable from Oban - Colonsay will operate today using Lord of the Isles: 1530 dep Oban 1750 arr Colonsay 1805 dep Colonsay 2025 arr Oban Kennacraig - Port Askaig - Colonsay (Hebridean Isles): Due to essential Pier Work at Port Askaig all sailings will operate to & from Port Ellen. A temporary timetable from Kennacraig - Colonsay will operate today: 0745 dep Kennacraig 1005 arr Port Ellen 1025 dep Port Ellen 1305 arr Colonsay 1720 dep Colonsay 2000 arr Port Ellen 2020 dep Port Ellen 2240 arr Kennacraig Clyde: Argyle ventured out from Gourock today to undertake berthing trials at both Wemyss Bay and Rothesay. She will enter service immediately after her VIP cruise on Friday afternoon so as to allow increased capacity over the Bute Jazz Festival weekend, replacing Saturn and completing the upgrade on the primary Bute crossing. Once the new linkspan is finally finished this latest phase in Upper Clyde service upgrades will be complete. Following Argyle's introduction, Saturn is rumoured to take over on the Gourock - Dunoon run to allow Jupiter to undergo an overhaul.
01/05/07	Western Isles: Oban - Craignure (Isle of Mull): 1050 Craignure - Oban sailing cancelled due to engine trouble. 1155 Oban - Craignure and return 1255 Craignure - Oban covered by Lord of the Isles. NorthLink Ferries: Unconfirmed information suggests Hjaltland is leaving Birkenhead tomorrow after her overhaul and addition cabins fitted. This gives her plenty of time to pick up schedule on Monday.
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