MV Finlaggan explained

MV Finlaggan (Gaelic; Scottish Gaelic: Fionnlagan) is a drive-through vehicle and passenger ferry built in Poland for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited. From 2011, she has been operated by Caledonian MacBrayne on the Islay service from Kennacraig.

History

MV Finlaggan was built in Gdańsk for the Kennacraig - Islay route. Launched on 30 June 2010, she arrived in Scotland in May 2011. During trials, she developed engine problems, forcing cancellation of the inaugural sailing.[1] She had further problems with her bow doors,[2] requiring withdrawal from service for overhaul of her hydraulic systems in Birkenhead.[3] [4]

Layout

Finlaggan is of Ro-Ro design with bow and stern ramps. She is the first CalMac ship to have "clam shell" bow doors, which open sideways. The car deck is partially open at the stern and has a mezzanine deck capable of transporting an additional 18 cars.

She has three passenger decks, two with external panoramic seating. There are a restaurant, shop, and two disabled lifts serving all decks. Entering through doors on the car deck, stairs provide access to a lounge with a bar/coffee shop, games room and baggage storage. A further staircase, with a statue in the middle, goes to an upper deck which has the cafeteria, a lounge with dog areas, a children's play area and televisions.[5]

Service

Finlaggan has been on the Kennacraig  - Islay route since 2011, partnering . She replaced, which moved back to Arran as the second vessel. During the winter months, Finlaggan often relieves on the Uig Triangle, such as for overhaul in 2013 and 2015.[6] [7]

Finlaggan and are due to be replaced by two new identical vessels currently being built in Cemre Shipyard, Turkey at the cost of £91 million.[8] The first vessel,, is expected to be delivered in October 2024, and the second,, in early 2025; both entering service after sea trials and crew familiarisation.[9] Finlaggan is expected to be cascaded elsewhere in the network once her replacement arrives, however the route is still to be confirmed.[10]

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Maiden trip for new £25m ferry is delayed. 31 May 2011. The Herald. 19 May 2023.
  2. News: Islanders fear for economy as faulty ferry causes disruptions and anger. 20 June 2011. Alastair Dalton. The Scotsman. 17 July 2011.
  3. News: Jinxed ferry to set sail once again after embarrassing breakdowns. Rita Campbell. Press and Journal. 9 July 2011. 17 July 2011.
  4. News: MV Finlaggan now arriving at Birkenhead for repairs. For Argyll.com. 21 June 2011. 17 July 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304022946/http://forargyll.com/2011/06/mv-finlaggan-now-arriving-at-birkenhead-for-repairs/comment-page-1/. 4 March 2016. dead. dmy-all.
  5. Web site: CMAL take delivery of MV Finlaggan in Gdansk, Poland. CMAL. 8 January 2012.
  6. Web site: The Sea Route to Islay - The Journey to Finlaggan. CMAL. 29 May 2011.
  7. Web site: Islay Ferry. Isle of Islay. 7 December 2012.
  8. News: 2022-10-04 . Work starts on first of two new Islay ferries . en-GB . BBC News . 2023-05-13.
  9. Web site: New vessels for Islay . 2023-05-13 . CMAL Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd . en.
  10. News: 2022-03-11 . Turkish yard wins contract to build Islay ferries . en-GB . BBC News . 2023-05-13.