MV Alfred may yet prove to be worth £9 million lease

Pentland Ferries’ MV Alfred, now leased by CalMac on a nine month charter, began service on the Ardrossan to Brodick route amid little fanfare last Friday afternoon. Our reporter, Colin Smeeton joined passengers and private and commercial vehicles, along with TV news crews, for the first sailing from Brodick. Here is his report.

“While there was undoubtedly an air of excitement surrounding the much-anticipated first sailing, the overriding atmosphere was of trepidation and caution on Friday.

“Even as the impressive large red and white vessel berthed, it was clear the captain was exercising extreme caution, becoming familiar with tidal conditions as he gingerly inched into the berth. The same could be said of the engineers and spotters, pier hands and deck staff, who all worked as a cohesive team under the spotlight of bosses, executives, and the media, and most importantly, the travelling public, leading to additional pressure.

“On reaching Arran, vehicles and around 70 passengers from Ardrossan disembarked and seemed slightly bemused at the number of officials and photographers as they walked toward the terminal.

“The crew then oversaw vehicles onto the ferry, with some low slung vehicles having to inch over the makeshift rope transition which they managed with precious few inches to spare, but all under the watchful eyes of deck staff. The wide beam of MV Alfred (22 metres) presented little issue for lorry drivers.

“Once all of the vehicles were safely onboard and the stern ramp raised it was time to explore the passenger facilities.

“At first glance MV Alfred is as fresh and modern as any well maintained four-year-old ship should be, but also in comparison to MV Caledonian Isles, which Arran residents are accustomed to, and which is 30 years old.

“On the dog-friendly upper deck there is outdoor seating on either side of the ship joined together by an enclosed sun lounge. Below deck are single and double aisles of seats with large windows which extend to nearly half of the 85 metre length of the ship in the u-shaped passenger area.

“At the front of the indoor seating is a small but bright children’s play area and a canteen – although there is currently no food provision; a fact lamented by a few passengers that I spoke to.

“The crossing was as smooth and the engine noise was barely audible in the passenger areas. Ship vibration was at a minimum, even during departing and arriving at piers.

“All of the passengers I spoke to found the ship to be comfortable and modern, but those most excited were Arran locals and businesses, the majority of the passengers being holidaymakers who little understood the implications of the additional ferry.

“Overall, the one hour journey, in comparison to 55 minutes by MV Caledonian Isles, was pleasant and uneventful, and I disembarked feeling impressed. In my opinion, and as someone who regards MV Caledonian Isles as the pride of the CalMac fleet, not only is MV Alfred more than capable of running the Arran service efficiently, but it can also do so in comfort and style. Avoiding any unforeseen problems this capable vessel may just prove to be worth the £33,000 (including fuel) day charter, but only if it is put to regular work on Arran or any other route.”