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Pentalina will return to Caithness/Orkney route as Alfred goes to CalMac on nine-month charter


By Alan Hendry

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Pentland Ferries' £14 million MV Alfred replaced the Pentalina in 2019.
Pentland Ferries' £14 million MV Alfred replaced the Pentalina in 2019.

The Pentalina ferry is to return to the Pentland Firth route until early next year following a £9 million deal that will see its replacement, Alfred, go on charter to CalMac.

Ferry operator Pentland Ferries described it as a prudent short-term move that will allow it to invest in the future of its service between Caithness and Orkney.

The national agency Transport Scotland announced on Monday that the Alfred will join the CalMac fleet on a nine-month charter, starting on April 18, after an agreement was reached with Pentland Ferries. The aim is to improve resilience on the Clyde and Hebrides network.

Scottish Government investment of around £9 million will cover berthing dues, fuel, commercial charter rate and other costs. The plan is subject to berthing trials.

The £14 million ferry replaced the Pentalina on the Gills Bay to St Margaret’s Hope route in 2019.

Pentland Ferries confirmed that the Pentalina will return for a nine-month period.

Pentland Ferries' managing director Helen Inkster said the company remains entirely committed to serving the Orkney community.
Pentland Ferries' managing director Helen Inkster said the company remains entirely committed to serving the Orkney community.

Managing director Helen Inkster said: “I can confirm that we have signed an agreement with CalMac Ferries for the charter of MV Alfred. During the charter period the MV Pentalina will operate on the Pentland Firth route.

"This move ensures we continue to provide a reliable service to Orkney, while assisting CalMac to offer resilience over its west coast services.

“We look forward to welcoming the Pentalina back to service as the Alfred departs for the west coast where she will complete berthing trials to assess her suitability for CalMac services. On completion of successful trials, the Alfred will be based in Campbeltown until deployed by CalMac Ferries.

“We remain entirely committed to serving the community of Orkney, and operating the MV Pentalina on the route, in the short term, is a prudent move allowing us to protect, develop and invest in the future of the Orkney service.

“We look forward to working with CalMac on the next stage of the charter and see both vessels in operation providing reliable, dynamic and efficient services to island communities in the north and west of Scotland.”

Scotland's transport minister Jenny Gilruth said: “I’m pleased to announce an agreement has been reached with Pentland Ferries to charter the MV Alfred, bringing improved resilience to the Clyde and Hebrides ferry network. This is a key step in our longer-term commitment to retain a fully crewed vessel in the fleet for this purpose, as set out in the draft islands connectivity plan.

“The Scottish Government is committed to improving the lifeline ferry fleet and better meeting the needs of island communities. Since May 2021, we have bought and deployed an additional vessel in the MV Loch Frisa, chartered the MV Arrow and now the MV Alfred to provide additional capacity, commissioned four new vessels and progressed investment to improve key ports and harbours.”

CalMac chief executive Robbie Drummond said: “We are delighted that MV Alfred will be joining the CalMac fleet. Her addition will provide much-needed resilience.

“While her design means that she can only operate to some ports, having this extra vessel will help support the rest of the fleet during times of annual maintenance or disruption.”

CalMac says it will engage with communities and confirm the details of the Alfred's deployment in due course.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch launched an investigation after the Alfred ran aground on Swona last summer. The Orkney-bound ferry had 84 passengers and 13 crew on board at the time.


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