MV Isle of Islay Begins Maiden Voyage to Scotland

The MV Isle of Islay, the first of four ferries being constructed by Cemre Marin Endustri in Yalova, Turkey, began her maiden voyage from the shipyard back to Scotland last night. Following her official handover to owners Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. (CMAL) last week, a crew from CalMac is now onboard and will sail her back to Scotland.

The repositioning voyage is expected to take around two weeks, depending on weather conditions. During the journey home, MV Isle of Islay will call at two to three European ports for refueling, depending on need and fuel testing results. This sailing will also provide the crew with an opportunity for familiarization training, which will continue once they reach Scotland.

Once in Scottish waters, the CalMac crew will test the vessel in several ports and harbors and carry out local operational trials before she enters service. A community event will be held on Islay to welcome the addition to the fleet, where guests can tour the ferry and witness the ceremonial naming of the vessel. The ceremony will include a special edition bottle of Ardnahoe whisky being used to christen the MV Isle of Islay.

While on board, guests will also see artwork on display from local school children who took part in a competition held across Islay and Jura. The winner’s pieces will be framed on the passenger deck, where they will be a permanent fixture. The MV Isle of Islay is the first of four ferries being constructed by Cemre Marin Endustri and will serve Islay and Jura when she enters service.

Her sister vessel, MV Loch Indaal, is expected to join the fleet later this year. With a focus on freight and sufficient passenger accommodation, the new vessel has a capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars, or 14 commercial vehicles. This equips the Islay routes with a 40% increase in vehicle and freight capacity and will strengthen the overall resilience of CalMac’s wider fleet.