Caledonian MacBrayne has announced it has been unable to reach a deal regarding the use of a Catamaran ferry from Pentland Ferries to help support its west coast network.
The ferry operator hoped the Pentland would let them to use the MV Pentalina on services to Arran and Mull, and were even preparing to discuss timetables with local communities.
The announcement follows the breakdown of CalMac’s MV Loch Seaforth suffering an engine failure last month, with further problems uncovered by engineers during repairs.
The company was forced to divert other ferries to help cover the route until the repairs at the end of last month were completed.
The MV Pentalina, which is currently in Kirkwall harbour, has held a Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) approved passenger ship safety certificate and has been Lloyds Register-classed since going into service in 2009.
Pentland Ferries based in Orkney said it had decided not to proceed with the deal with the charter due to concerns with the “commercial viability” of the contract, due to issues outwith its control.
Managing director of Pentland Ferries, Andrew Banks, said: “While we were very much looking forward to working with CalMac Ferries to help provide a solution to the challenges being faced by the island communities on the west coast of Scotland, it has become clear that issues outwith our control are likely to arise over the lifespan of the contract to threaten the commercial viability.
“Unfortunately these issues, which fundamentally stem from the very different status of a public-funded service compared to a small private operator such as ourselves, have given us no alternative but to withdraw from the discussions.
CalMac managing director Robbie Drummond said: "Unfortunately, Pentland Ferries have decided not to enter into a charter agreement for the use of the MV Pentalina.
"We are surprised and disappointed by this unexpected news. However, this was entirely a decision for Pentland Ferries in relation to the use of its vessel.
"We will continue to work closely with Transport Scotland and Pentland Ferries and should they revisit that decision and make the vessel available to us at a future date, we would consider this option again."
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