Scottish built ferry replaces ageing ex-CalMac vessel on Irish route
It was brought into service over the weekend but will be officially launched on June 27 with a naming ceremony.
The ferry is to serve the island of Arranmore, off the coast of Donegal. The journey between the island and the mainland fishing port of Burtonport had previously been served by The Morvern, a vessel previously owned by Caledonian MacBrayne.
Arranmore Fast Ferries was the third owner of the ship since it was sold by CalMac in 1995 after being put into service in 1972 but then deemed to be a 'little too small'.
The company has now replaced it with The Arranmore Blu and is one of two vessels to travel the route between Burtonport and Arranmore.
The boat had undergone sea trials in December last year and travelled from Bute to Donegal the same month, before undergoing further tests on the Irish west coast.
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It has been described as being 'meticulously crafted' to cope with the difficult waters of the Atlantic ocean and ensure 'smoother and more reliable crossings' for islanders and those who want to visit the area.
Former CalMac ferries have been a regular on the short route between the mainland and the island, which sits around five kilometres off the coast.
Ex-CalMac vessels The Canna and The Bruernish were previously used while two other boats from the Clyde, the Renfrew Rose and the Yoker Swan, also travelled the route before The Morvern took over in 2008, and will now be retired from service.
The Morvern had undergone a rebuild and lengthening when it was taken over by The Arranmore Ferry group in
The company decided to upgrade their vessel in 2020 and approached Bute Boat Builders to provide them with a brand new ship.
The Arranmore Blu can carry 100 passengers and has space for 10 vehicles while cutting down the journey time between the two destinations to less than 20 minutes.
The Arranmore Ferry company say the 'state-of-the-art vessel represents a significant upgrade for The Arranmore Ferry, promising improved comfort, capacity, and efficiency for residents and visitors alike.'
An Arranmore Ferry spokesperson said: 'Recognising the increasing demands of modern transport and larger vehicles, we began planning in 2020 for a new vessel that would offer greater capacity and comfort.
'The Arranmore Blu is the result of those efforts, designed to meet the future needs of our island community.'
Bute Boat Builders had previously stated: 'It has been a pleasure to work with Seamus and Louise Boyle of Arranmore Ferry Co, we wish them every success with their new ferry, and look forward to the naming ceremony.'
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