Caledonian Isles return after 18 months delayed after gearbox 'hitch'
The 32-year-old ship had been due to resume sailings from Ardrossan to Arran on Friday morning but sea trials revealed a new problem with the ship's gearbox.
CalMac said it would now be Tuesday at the earliest before Caledonian Isles could return but sailings from Troon would still be available in the meantime.
MV Caledonian Isles was initially taken out of service in January last year after routine annual maintenance revealed serious steel corrosion.
Months of major repair work took place in dry dock at Cammell Laird shipyard in Merseyside, requiring removal of the ship's engines.
The Caledonian Isles docked at Brodick in Arran ferry (Image: Marc Turner) The ferry, which serves the main Arran route and is one of the largest ships in the company's fleet, was originally supposed to have returned to the water following repairs last November.
But this was set back by the discovery of 'steel deformation' and the need to replace both stern tube bearings.
The company said 'extensive' repairs to the steel had to be completed, but the shafts required further 'machining' in Denmark before sailings could resume.
READ MORE: Why has a 'rudderless' CalMac ferry been out of action for 16 months Procurement process for two new CMAL-designed ferries launched
A spokesperson for CalMac told the BBC the latest gearbox fault was believed to be relatively minor and the crew were working to address it, but further sea trials would be required before the ship returns to service.
"Whilst this will be disappointing news, a two-vessel service from Troon will remain in place for now to ensure Arran has a reliable service with appropriate capacity," they said.
"We carry out sea trials to identify and address issues and that is what we've done here.
"It's been a long road to get to this point with MV Caledonian Isles and, in the context of where we've been, we are still confident we will see her carrying passengers between Ardrossan and Brodick imminently."
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