It's new Islay Ferry week on the blog. First we had new images of the interior of the new vessel and one day later I received even more images of the new Islay Ferry in Drydock. On top of all that CMAL issued a progress report today with the news that work is on schedule and the new ferry will arrive in Scotland early May:

"The vessel has now entered drydock to receive a final coat of paint and commissioning of the stabiliser system. This will take around six days. On return to the fitting out berth, load trials on the bow and stern ramp will be conducted with truck and bus trials. The ship's mezzanine deck was tested last week with a 36 tonne load. Inside the vessel, work progresses in the accommodation area with all galley and crew cabins complete and passenger areas ongoing with completion in approximately 18 days time. Internal painting of machinery spaces and other void areas is ongoing." Continue reading....

Electrical work continues with most lighting in place and alarm systems being commissioned. Windlass anchor and capstans have all been tested. Harbour trials are ongoing, with sea trials taking place on 23-24 and 29-31 March. The ship's crew are due to travel out in early April for passenger certificate trials. Despite the cold weather delays, the vessel is still due for handover in April 2011, with arrival in Scotland planned for early May. Now what can we expect in spring this year. A traditional ferry, cost of £24m, built at Remontowa SA in Poland with the following specs:
Length: 89.8m, Speed: 16.3 knots, Capacity: 550 people, 85 cars, 10 articulated lorries/coaches, Tonnage: Gross 5209t, Net 1562t, Engines: 2x Wartsila 8L32, 4,000kw each, Passenger facilities consists of 3 passenger decks with observation lounge, reclining seat lounge, quiet lounge, restaurant, shop, childrens play area, two disabled lifts, two decks of external panoramic seating." If all goes as planned it will last about three more months before we can welcome the new ferry at Port Askaig, almost four years since CMAL signed the contract, on the 2nd of November 2007.

Tag: cmal ferry mv finlaggan