Scottish operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) has confirmed that its fleet of ferries will expand in 2022 with the acquisition of a vessel formerly owned by Norwegian company Norled.
The double-ended Ro-Pax ferry Utne will be deployed on the Oban-Craignure service throughout the summer period, replacing Coruisk as the second vessel on this route. In winter, it will be the second service vessel, delivering two additional return sailings per day.
Utne will berth overnight in Craignure allowing an early morning departure from Craignure and a late evening return.
Current plans will see Coruisk be redeployed to resume service on Mallaig-Armadale route in summer 2022, allowing Lord of the Isles to deliver additional services to South Uist.
CalMac said it is in the early stages of the project and will share further details with its customers once these are available.