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New CalMac ferry for Islay and Jura launches in Turkey

Islay and Jura ferry launched in Turkey

The second ferry built in Turkey for Scotland's west coast routes has officially been launched.

MV Loch Indaal will serve Islay and Jura alongside sister vessel, MV Isle of Islay, which launched in March.

It will now undergo further outfitting and preparations in the water before sea trials take place.

The vessel scheduled to be handed over to its owners, ferries agency CMAL, in February 2025.

Four ferries in total are being built at the Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Yalova.

Both vessels built so far have capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars or 14 commercial vehicles.

Island communities on the west coast have suffered months of frustration over ferry services with continual delays and cancellations due to an aging fleet.

CMAL The MV Loch Indaal ferry at its official launch in TurkeyCMAL
The MV Loch Indaal officially launched in Turkey

Four ferries in total are being built at the Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Yalova.

Both vessels built so far have capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars or 14 commercial vehicles.

Island communities on the west coast have suffered months of frustration over ferry services with continual delays and cancellations due to an aging fleet.

Kevin Hobbs, chief executive of CMAL, said the new launch was a "major achievement" in the company's shipyard construction program.

He said: "We look forward to the ferry’s completion and delivery, and to seeing the positive impact she will have on our communities as she enters service next year."

CMAL The MV Isle of Islay ferry at seaCMAL
The MV Isle of Islay was the first of the four ferries to launch

The two remaining ferries being built in Turkey, MV Claymore and MV Lochmor, are expected to be completed in June and October next year.

They will service CalMac's Little Minch routes in the Outer Hebrides.

Two other vessels, MV Glen Sannox and MV Glen Rosa, both built at the Ferguson Marine shipyard on the Clyde, were subject to long delays before the MV Glen Rosa launched in April.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the launch marked an "important milestone" in the Scottish government's target of delivering six new major vessels into service by 2026.

She added: "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."

MV Loch Indaal was officially launched by Elaine Anderson, wife of CMAL’s director of vessels Jim Anderson.