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| DATE
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NEWS
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28/06/05 |
The new Bute was spotted off the front at Gourock at 22.45 this
evening, presumably headed for the pier (or perhaps JWD.) |
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22/06/05 |
From 'The Buteman': "Work began on
moving Rothesay pier’s new gangway into place on Sunday, with foot
passengers boarding and disembarking the ferry via the car deck." More on
this article on The Buteman's website
here (external link). |
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21/06/05 |
We have received UNCONFIRMED reports that the Bute may
be leaving Poland tomorrow for a possible direct 3-4 day crossing to the
Clyde. Any further updates or confirmed reports will be posted as and when
we receive them. |
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Two late comers for the 19:00 Craignure departure tonight on board Isle
of Mull were quickly ushered to the Lochaline ferry Loch Fyne
which abruptly made a 180 degree turn mid crossing to pick them up for the
last crossing from the Island for the day. |
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20/06/05 |
We are getting a report that Bute has been possibly sighted from
Norfolklines Dawn Merchant in the English channel.. |
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16/06/05 |
NorthLink: The engine problem with the
Hamnavoe was repaired this Afternoon allowing the ship to return to
full power and therefore the normal crossing time of 1 hour 30 minutes. She
arrived at Aberdeen at 08:30. |
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16/06/05
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STEPHEN GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO NEW OBAN LINKSPAN
Transport Minister Nicol Stephen today gave the go-ahead for CalMac to begin
work on a new £3 million ferry access ramp at Oban pier.
The Minister approved CalMac’s application for a harbour revision order
which will give them the power to build a second linkspan at the pier. This
will increase the pier’s capacity, minimising delays and improving access to
the islands. The decision follows a public local inquiry held in February
into the proposals.
Mr Stephen said:
“Oban is one of the west coast’s busiest ports serving Coll, Colonsay, Mull,
South Uist and Tiree. These islands are currently served by a single
linkspan which is due for replacement in the next few years.
“Good quality ferry links are vital to our island communities which is why I
have decided to give the go-ahead to a new second linkspan. This will
increase capacity and reduce congestion, particularly during the busy summer
months.
“I understand the views of the objectors but I am satisfied that their
concerns can be addressed by CalMac. I have asked the company to work with
local fishing interests and others who use the harbour to ensure appropriate
vessel management measures.”
As part of the overall project the Scottish Executive will also be providing
support for CalMac to provide covered elevated passenger walkways connecting
the new terminal with each of the ferry berths.
1. The proposed second linkspan is an adjustable steel lifting bridge,
constructed alongside the pier, for the purpose of allowing road vehicles
access from the pier to a car ferry at all tide levels. The linkspan and
associated works total nearly £3 million investment.
2. CalMac is the harbour authority for Oban pier. Under the terms of the
Harbours Act 1964, the authority must apply for a Harbour Revision Order to
grant them the power to build and operate the new linkspan. |
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15/06/05 |
NorthLink: The Hamnavoe has Today
suffered a problem with one of her two main engines. The ship is currently
operating the Scrabster Stromness route with only one engine. The crossing
time is therefore increased to 2 hours from the regular 1 hour 30 minutes.
At this stage there is no indication what the problem is or when it will be
resolved. |
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13/06/05 |
Saturn today undertook a berthing trial at Wemyss Bay, lying bow-in
at the linkspan so as to test the controversial, newly-constructed passenger
gangway. Shortly after she backed out and tied up again stern-in so she
could resume her timetable. |
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10/06/05 |
An artist impression of the new Wemyss Bay to Rothesay ferry, Bute,
was released today. This shows what she is going to look like. She is
the 70 metres long and 15.3 metres wide. With a speed of 13/14 knots, she will
complete the crossing in 30 minutes, with a turnaround time of 15 mins. The inside
resembles the Coruisk, with a main lounge at the front looking
forward, the galley in the middle with seating at the rear and toilets. She
has an open end, with also an open after deck, which is covered over for
passenger to sit outside, but not get wet. She has twin funnels, and a visor
for future drive through service. Also on the upper deck she has seats, and
a walk round to the front of the ship. and a couple of decks above is the
fully enclosed bridge, resembling the Hebrides. She has a car deck
height of 5.1 metres, and is able to take the new 60 seater coaches and the
latest 42 tonne lorries. She has azimuth propulsion, similar to the Coruisk,
and she is also fitted with Stabilisers which will help greatly when
crossing in the usual winter weather on the Clyde. She is currently on
trials in Poland and will hopefully be named on Friday 1st of July in
Rothesay, she will then go on a brief cruise with 200 or so invited guests.
She will then take up the service later that evening.
Wemyss Bay's new gangway is coming along at a great pace, over the last 6
weeks it has been assembled. This has been designed to fit all vessels, from
the Streakers, to Lord of the Isles. But the main purpose was
for the gangway to fit the new Bute at all states of the tide. It
is a robust, covered in, design similar to Oban Gangway. Another advantage
is that the gangway will fit Coruisk when she is relieving on the
Clyde, without her having to have her wings added to her everytime she wants
to work on the run. Rothesay are also to receive a Brand new Gangway, but it
has not been assembled yet. These two gangways are costing a total of around
£250,000. This is a worthwhile price as it gives a great advantage to
people, especially old people when boarding, as the vessel can be very high
in water. There is also a new ticket office at the bottom of Wemyss Bay pier for
passengers to buy tickets, check times etc. |
Mv Bute Impression.
W'Bay's New Gangway.
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05/06/05 |
NorthLink: Hascosay will
depart for Denmark today for engine repair work in dry dock. It is expected
that the Clare will cover for her freight run. |
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01/06/05
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NorthLink
News: 'NorthLink Charity Cruise Raises £1,600 for Lerwick RNLI'.
As part of Lerwick Lifeboat Day (Saturday, 28 May 2005), NorthLink
welcomed onboard more than 250 passengers for the RNLI cruise, raising over
£1,600 for the charity. In what has become an annual event, MV Hrossey
departed Homlsgarth Terminal, Lerwick, at 1430hrs for a trip around the
isles of Bressay and Noss, before returning into harbour at 1530hrs. During
the cruise, passengers were treated to an exciting display involving the
local lifeboat. Including the contribution made by NorthLink’s cruise, the
total raised by this year’s Lerwick Lifeboat Day was over £4,500. Jane Leask,
NorthLink’s service manager in Lerwick, said: “NorthLink was only too happy
to provide the use of MV Hrossey and her crew for this worthwhile charity
event. The charity cruise has become a popular part of Lerwick Lifeboat Day
and we are delighted to assist Lerwick RNLI with their fundraising.” |
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