Three CalMac eco ferries, which cost a total of £34.4 million to construct, have accumulated maintenance bills exceeding £1 million in just 10 months. These hybrid diesel-electric vessels were built by Ferguson Marine and operate short routes along the west coast but have encountered multiple faults resulting in cancelled sailings. In addition to routine maintenance costs, two of the ferries require battery replacements estimated to cost taxpayers an extra £2.5 million.
The MV Hallaig, serving between Sconser on Skye and the Isle of Raasay, incurred maintenance costs totalling £937,985 in the first 10 months of 2024. The MV Lochinvar, operating between Fishnish and Lochaline in Argyll, saw repair costs of £45,692 during the same period. Maintenance and repair expenses for the MV Catriona amounted to £46,878. The MV Hallaig, linking Raasay and Skye and also making trips between Lochranza on Arran and Tarbert, Loch Fyne, faced the need for a £1.5 million battery replacement as its electric battery was faulty, while the MV Catriona, launched in 2015, requires a battery replacement and refurbishment estimated at £1 million, less than a decade after its launch.
CalMac spent between £10 million and £12.3 million on each of these three vessels at the Ferguson Marine shipyard, which is now state-owned. Figures obtained through Freedom of Information reveal that maintenance and repair costs between December 2012 and May 2023 totalled £6,486,546. However, in the first 10 months of 2024, taxpayers were billed an additional £1,030,555 for maintenance. Despite CalMac’s assertions that the fleet of hybrid vessels faces challenging conditions year-round and undergo regular maintenance, concerns have been raised regarding the ferry’s overall efficiency and the rising costs of upkeep.
In conclusion, the escalating maintenance costs of the CalMac eco ferries highlight the ongoing challenges faced by operators in maintaining and operating hybrid vessels. The need for transparency in costs and accountability in addressing technical faults is crucial to ensure the efficient and reliable service expected by islanders and taxpayers who rely on these vital transport links.