CMAL launches Scottish ferry Isle of Islay

The vessel marks a significant milestone in Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd’s (CMAL) commitment to delivering new ferries to serve the Scottish islands.

Scheduled for delivery in October 2024, the vessel will have capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars, or 14 commercial vehicles. It will provide a combined 40% increase in vehicle and freight capacity on the Islay routes, bolstering the overall resilience of the wider fleet.

Work will continue on board the vessel while it is in the water, before it undergoes sea trials and is handed over to owners CMAL. Crew familiarisation and local operational trials will then take place upon its arrival from Turkey, before Isle of Islay 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.

CMAL chief executive Kevin Hobbs said, "The successful launch of Isle of Islay marks a major milestone in the vessel’s construction. We look forward to marking the official naming of the ferry at the event later this year as we welcome it to Scottish waters.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said, “I’m delighted to see Isle of Islay enter the water and look forward to its arrival in Scotland later this year. This is another important milestone reached in the Scottish government’s commitment to deliver six new major vessels to serve the Clyde and Hebrides network by 2026. With Isle of Islay progressing towards delivery in October, and its sister ship Loch Indaal following soon after, ferry users can anticipate more reliable and resilient services with increased capacity for the Islay routes from 2025.”

CalMac chief executive Robbie Drummond said, “We are looking forward to welcoming Isle of Islay into our fleet. When it enters service, it will deliver a step change in resilience and capacity for the community of Islay, enabling future growth.”

The second vessel for Islay and Jura is due to be launched at Cemre Shipyard later this year.