The CalMac ferry Isle of Mull, scheduled to return to the Lochboisdale to Oban route on 5 January, had its passenger capacity drastically reduced. Operator CalMac limited the vessel to just 45 passengers following a failed safety check on its evacuation system during an annual overhaul.
CalMac stated that the passenger limit reflected the current lifeboat capacity due to challenges in sourcing replacement parts for the evacuation system, a situation that could persist for ‘several months’.
Originally accommodating around 900 passengers, Isle of Mull has been restricted to 45 passengers for the time being. A CalMac spokesperson explained that an issue with the embarkation slide was identified during routine inspection by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), resulting in the removal of the starboard side MES system for further inspection.
Unfortunately, the same issue was found with the glue used in the slide’s construction. Despite extensive efforts to find a like-for-like replacement, obsolescence and design changes in the available systems have complicated the replacement process, potentially extending the duration of these limitations.
CalMac highlighted that passenger bookings on the Lochboisdale route typically do not exceed 45 passengers per sailing at this time of year, so the impact is expected to be minimal. However, this is part of an ongoing series of technical issues affecting CalMac’s aging fleet.
In October 2024 repairs to Caledonian Isles caused temporary service changes, and new ferries, notably Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa, have faced delays. Glen Sannox, originally due for delivery in 2018, is now set to begin timetabled sailings on 13 January and will operate between Troon and Brodick.
