Loch Frisa heads out of Oban Bay on 22 October: so far she has proved to be a surprisingly reliable asset on the Craignure service
The latest edition of Scottish Ferry News covers all known movements by members of the CalMac fleet in the six months between 1 May and 31 October 2022. Divided into three files covering two months each, it is available here.
Meticulously compiled by John Newth, Scottish Ferry News is available only to paid-up CRSC members. It is an invaluable resource for enthusiasts wishing to track where vessels have been, what overhauls took place and which routes were affected by weather disruptions and vessel substitutions.
If you wish to read this authoritative update on Clyde and West Highland ferry movements, and have not yet joined CRSC (introductory membership for the first year with full benefits: £10), click here.
The main novelty of the summer months was the introduction of a new member of the CalMac fleet — Loch Frisa, the former Norwegian fjord ferry Utne which, after conversion at Leith, began familiarisation trials at Oban-Craignure on Thursday 2 June and took up her full service roster on Monday 27th. CRSC’s Ferry News update confirms eye-witness reports that she has since proved to be unexpectedly reliable. On Sunday 30 October she began operating a single-boat service based at Oban.
Scottish Ferry News also documents Coruisk’s return to the summer Mallaig-Armadale service, Isle of Mull’s first-ever call at Tarbert (Harris) on Thursday 4 August, various early winter stints by Hebridean Isles and Isle of Arran on the Stornoway freight service, and October visits by Loch Seaforth and Lord of the Isles to Birkenhead for overhaul.
And plenty more.
CRSC is proud of the role it plays for all ship enthusiasts, but its primary responsibility is to paid-up Club members. If you are not yet a member, please take advantage of our £10 introductory membership offer here. If you are a member and have not yet paid your 2022-23 subscription, please do so now. If you are having problems with your password, email info@crsc.org.uk
Click here for CalMac service status and timetables.
Lochnevis and Hallaig undergoing overhauls at Dales Greenock yard in September 2022
Loch Seaforth starts her annual docking at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead on 25 October 2022
With her distinctive bow visor raised, Loch Frisa prepares to lower her ramp for vehicle discharge at Oban
Loch Frisa at Craignure, where she berths overnight when not on a single-vessel Mull schedule
Thanks to Neil Guthrie, John Newth and Andrew Clark for photographs.
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Published on 30 November 2022