Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has returned linkspan number two at Oban Harbour to full service yesterday (Monday 3 February) on schedule, following a planned 10-day closure.

The linkspan was closed as part of CMAL’s ongoing harbour maintenance programme, and work was carried out to replace the lifting cylinders. The project was completed on time and on budget.

During the closure, vessels used the linkspan at berth number one, which was replaced in early 2019. Disruption to services was minimised during the work, which was planned to coincide with the annual dry-docking of certain vessels.

Ramsay Muirhead, Director of Port Infrastructure and Planning at CMAL, said: “Following a number of issues with the hydraulic lifting system at linkspan number two at Oban during 2018 and 2019, we felt it prudent to replace the lifting cylinders to improve its reliability.

“Whilst the cylinders were being changed, we took the opportunity to undertake additional planned, preventative maintenance on the linkspan, such as changing the wire lifting ropes.

“The project was part of our ongoing programme of harbour upgrades and modifications across our network to provide safe and efficient lifeline ferry services to communities around Scotland.”

CalMac’s Area Operations Manager (Argyll), Don McKillop said: “We are pleased to be able to get operations back to normal again on schedule and thank passengers for their understanding during this work.”


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