Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), after consultation with the Scottish Government and Cowal Ferries Ltd, has determined that their vessel MV Jupiter is at the end of its working life and will be sent for recycling in accordance with the UK ship recycling strategy.
The berthing dolphin at Kennacraig was completed and successfully
opened for use during the last week of April 2011. Graham
Construction also completed all of the marine works to the south berth
of the pier, which allowed the ferry services to revert to this berth and
use the linkspan.
The Charterers of the Finlaggan, CalMac Ferries Limited, reported to CMAL there was a problem with the vessel’s machinery and that the vessel was making passage to Oban. This problem has been reported to the shipbuilder who are investigating the cause and arranging repairs to be undertaken. It is hoped the vessel can return to service very soon.
To mark the launch of MV Finlaggan, CMAL have produced a commemorative brochure titled "The Sea Route to Islay - The Journey to Finlaggan". Written by CalMac Historian Ian McCrorie, the brochure charts the development of the sea route to Islay from the first paddle steamer in 1825, to the launch of new MV Finlaggan in 2011.
CMAL wholly support David MacBrayne Group's response to the Government's Review of Coastguard services and maintain that it should focus on improving safety at sea and reducing the levels of casualties and pollution incidents in our waters, rather than the reduction of costs.