Islanders face disruption as work under way to repair MV Loch Seaforth engine control system fault
Several sailings between Stornoway and Ullapool have been cancelled with CalMac engineers pledging to resolve the issue "as soon they possibly can".
Tuesday 11 April 2023 14:24, UK
Islanders are facing ferry disruption as work is under way to repair a technical fault on board CalMac's largest vessel.
The ferry operator said MV Loch Seaforth reported an issue with its engine control and monitoring system on arrival to Ullapool on Monday night.
CalMac said engineers are currently investigating the defect and are in contact with specialist contract support to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Several sailings between Stornoway and Ullapool have been cancelled as well as overnight freight services.
A review is expected to take place at 2pm for the 5.30pm sailing from Ullapool.
Passengers have been advised that limited capacity is available on the alternative Uig to Tarbert route.
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A CalMac spokesperson said: "On arrival into Ullapool last night, MV Loch Seaforth reported an issue with its engine control and monitoring system.
"Engineers are currently investigating the defect and are in contact with specialist contract support and will resolve the issue as soon as they possibly can.
"At the moment, traffic is being redirected onto alternative routes and additional sailings for essential traffic will operate between Uig-Tarbert-Uig tonight."
The firm said port staff will contact customers directly regarding these sailings, which will give priority to services such as food, medical supplies and time-sensitive loads.
Remaining space will then be offered to general traffic.
The spokesperson added: "We are very sorry for the disruption and inconvenience that this technical fault is causing to our customers, and we are grateful for their patience."