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## A New Era Sets Sail: MV *Isle of Islay* Embarks on Historic Voyage to Scotland
The shimmering waters of the Cemre shipyard in Turkey bore witness last week to a momentous occasion: the MV *Isle of Islay* officially commenced its highly anticipated maiden voyage. Following its formal handover to owners Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), this brand-new ferry is now en route to Scotland, poised to transform connectivity for the Clyde and Hebrides network.
### From Turkish Shores to Scottish Seas
A dedicated crew from CalMac is currently at the helm, navigating the vessel on its journey north. This delivery voyage, anticipated to span approximately two weeks depending on prevailing weather conditions, is more than just a transit; it’s a vital period for initial crew familiarisation training. During its passage, the *Isle of Islay* is slated for two to three strategic refuelling stops at European ports, determined by operational requirements and crucial fuel testing results.
### Preparing for Service: Trials and a Grand Community Welcome
Upon its arrival in Scottish waters, the ferry will dive straight into a rigorous programme of local trials. These comprehensive assessments will include visits to various ports and harbours, ensuring the vessel is perfectly attuned to its future operating environment. This meticulous testing phase is an integral part of preparing the *Isle of Islay* for its seamless integration into active passenger service across the vital Clyde and Hebrides routes.
The island community of Islay is eagerly preparing to extend a warm and spirited welcome. A special celebratory event will be held, culminating in the ferry’s formal naming ceremony. In a nod to local heritage, a unique edition bottle of Ardnahoe whisky will be used for the christening. Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art vessel, and a delightful touch of local artistry will be permanently showcased on the passenger deck, featuring winning entries from a community-wide competition involving schoolchildren from Islay and Jura.
## Voices from the Helm: Anticipation Builds for Enhanced Connectivity
Leaders across Scotland’s maritime and transport sectors are expressing immense enthusiasm for the *Isle of Islay*’s impending arrival and the significant benefits it promises.
**Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport**, highlighted the strategic importance: *”I am delighted that the MV Isle of Islay will soon be gracing Scottish waters, marking a crucial step closer to its operational debut. This magnificent vessel is set to be a cornerstone for the communities and economies of Islay and Jura, simultaneously bolstering the robustness of our entire Clyde and Hebrides network through the strategic cascade of other vessels. Our unwavering focus remains on expediting its entry into service as swiftly as possible.”*
**Kevin Hobbs, CMAL chief executive**, underscored the monumental nature of the departure: *”The departure from Turkey represents a significant achievement. This news will undoubtedly be warmly received by the island communities of Islay and Jura, and we eagerly await the vessel’s entry into service, anticipating the much-needed surge in capacity and resilience it will bring to this vital route.”*
**Duncan Mackison, CalMac chief executive**, noted the palpable excitement within his organisation: *”The delivery of this vessel has generated considerable interest throughout CalMac, particularly among our dedicated crews and port teams. The knowledge that she is now on her homeward journey has only intensified this feeling. We eagerly anticipate her arrival on Scottish shores and her subsequent service to Islay and Jura, following essential crew familiarisation and trials.”* He further added that extensive network trials will be instrumental in determining the optimal deployment of the *Isle of Islay* and its sister ships, thereby enhancing the overall flexibility of the wider fleet.
### A Fleet for the Future: Expanding Capacity and Resilience
The MV *Isle of Islay* is the trailblazer in a series of four new ferries currently under construction at the Cemre shipyard, all destined to serve the Hebrides. Its sister ship, the MV *Loch Indaal*, is expected to join the fleet later this year, further strengthening Scotland’s maritime infrastructure.
Designed with a keen focus on freight capabilities, the *Isle of Islay* boasts impressive specifications. It can comfortably accommodate up to 450 passengers and either 100 cars or 14 commercial vehicles. This represents a substantial 40 percent increase in vehicle and freight capacity on the Islay routes, strategically engineered to fortify resilience across CalMac’s extensive ferry network, ensuring smoother, more reliable connections for island communities and businesses.