Ben-My-Chree berthing trials in Scotland 'unsuccessful'

The Ben-My-Chree is to return to the Isle of Man after 'unsuccessful' berthing trials in Scotland.

Scottish ferry operator CalMac has confirmed that although the vessel 'berthed successfully at Brodick' it was 'at the very edge of the limits it was safe to operate to'.

The firm says it would be 'relying on completely benign conditions to berth'.

The Ben was conducting berthing trials on the route linking the Isle of Arran and Troon.

You can find out more HERE.

The statement in full: "This morning, we carried out berthing trials at Troon and Brodick with MV Ben-My-Chree. 

"Though we are awaiting the full report on those trials, we are keen to keep communities updated as quickly as possible. That’s why I’m getting in touch to confirm the trials were unsuccessful.

"Whilst the vessel berthed successfully at Brodick, we were at the very edge of the limits it was safe to operate to, and we’d be relying on completely benign conditions to berth.

"The vessel will head back to the Isle of Man. We will continue to explore any and all options to add resilience and capacity to the fleet. That includes looking for third-party charters, as we always do, though it is a very challenging market.

"The intention behind looking at MV Ben-My-Chree was to add resilience to the fleet, and were the trials successful we would have had the ability to redeploy the fleet and add capacity to both the Arran service and other parts of the network.

"However, there is no immediate negative impact on the network because of these trials not working out. The current deployment plan, which is in place until Friday 15 November, remains unchanged."