Launch date for second Turkish-built CalMac ferry announced

The second of four CalMac ferries being built in Turkey for Scotland’s west coast routes will be launched in June, it has been announced.

The MV Loch Indaal will launch from the slipway into the water at Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Yalova, Turkey, on June 8, ahead of its delivery to Islay and Jura in February 2025.

It comes following the successful launch of MV Isle of Islay, in March this year.

Similar to its sister vessel, MV Loch Indaal will have capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars, or 14 commercial vehicles.

Following the transit from Turkey, it will undergo crew familiarisation and local operational trials before it enters service.

An official naming ceremony will take place on Islay towards the end of the year, where community representatives and stakeholders will be invited to board and tour the vessel to celebrate its arrival before it officially joins the fleet.

Two further vessels, which are currently unnamed, are set to be delivered in June and October next year.

Jim Anderson, director of vessels at CMAL said: “With the launch of Isle of Islay in March, and Glen Rosa in April, Loch Indaal will be the third vessel to launch within three months. Work is progressing well at Cemre, and we are on schedule and on budget with all four vessels, which will be welcome news for islanders.”

Cabinet secretary for transport, Fiona Hyslop, added: “I’m delighted that the launch of the MV Loch Indaal has been confirmed for early June. This is another important milestone in the Scottish Government’s commitment to delivering six new major vessels into service by 2026.

“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.”

Duncan Mackison, interim Chief Executive of CalMac, said the vessel will help meet “increasing demand”.

He said: “The launch of MV Loch Indaal, just weeks after the launch of her sister vessel, MV Isle of Islay, is extremely welcome news. The Islay community will be looking forward to both new vessels joining the CalMac fleet.

“These vessels will bring much-needed additional capacity of 40% for vehicles and freight travelling to and from Islay, which will help us to meet increasing demand from visitors as well as supporting local industries and the Islay economy.”