Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Loch-Seaforth

**Title: Capacity Constraints for 'Loch Seaforth' Due to Bow Ramp Malfunction** **Content:** The ferry 'Loch Seaforth', which operates on the Ullapool-Stornoway route, faced significant challenges following a technical malfunction involving the bow ramp's clamshell mechanism on April 12. This issue necessitated a thorough investigation, leading to the cancellation of nighttime sailings. Despite continuous repair efforts by engineers, including support from an external contractor and the original equipment manufacturer, the ramp issues persisted, prompting further cancellations on April 13. In an effort to alleviate travel disruptions, CalMac announced the temporary deployment of the 'Glen Sannox', a vessel usually dedicated to the Arran route, to cover the Minch crossings between Ullapool and Stornoway until the 'Loch Seaforth' was fully operational again. Partial repairs on April 14 allowed the 'Loch Seaforth' to resume freight services, albeit in a limited capacity. The modifications meant that the ferry was able to carry only 25 vehicles, sharply reduced from its usual capacity of 143 cars, as it needed space for vehicles to maneuver within the car deck. Additionally, operational constraints dictated that the ferry could only operate under weather conditions of up to 30-knot winds or wave heights reaching three meters. CalMac advised that impacted passengers would be contacted directly by the Port regarding their bookings. The ripple effects of the repair delays were evident on April 16, as the 'Loch Seaforth' departed Stornoway at 08:26 a.m., running 86 minutes late and was expected to arrive in Ullapool by 11:06 a.m. The preceding sailing was similarly delayed by over an hour and 45 minutes. Later, the ferry left Ullapool at 11:59 a.m., with an arrival time in Stornoway set for 2:49 p.m., suffering further delays for the same reasons. Continuing to operate under single-ended conditions, the 'Loch Seaforth' modified its schedule further on April 17, departing Stornoway at 07:11 a.m., with an expected arrival at Ullapool by 09:50 a.m. The ferry remains under operational restrictions due to both the ongoing ramp issues and inclement weather, leading to continued capacity reductions on this vital route.

**Title: Service Disruptions for Ullapool-Stornoway Route Amid Ramp Repairs** **Content:** On April 12, the ferry 'Loch Seaforth', which operates the Ullapool-Stornoway route, encountered a technical malfunction involving the bow ramp's clamshell mechanism. This unexpected issue necessitated a thorough investigation, leading to the cancellation of several scheduled sailings that night. Efforts to fix the ramp were unsuccessful, prompting further delays when sailings on April 13, departing Stornoway at 07:00 a.m. and Ullapool at 10:30 a.m. were also cancelled. To address the situation, CalMac enlisted support from an external contractor and the original equipment manufacturer to expedite repairs. Meanwhile, to mitigate disruptions, the company announced that the 'Glen Sannox', a vessel typically servicing the Arran route, would temporarily assist with the crossings in The Minch. This ferry, which has previously faced delays during its construction, was redirected north to maintain service continuity between Ullapool and Stornoway until the 'Loch Seaforth' could resume its schedule. Partial repairs on April 14 enabled 'Loch Seaforth' to operate a limited freight service, though modifications meant a significant reduction in capacity. The vessel could now accommodate only 25 vehicles instead of its usual maximum of 143, as the adjustments allowed for vehicle maneuvering on the car deck. Additionally, the ship faced restrictions in operating conditions, limited to a maximum of 30 knots of wind and wave heights not exceeding three meters. Passengers with affected bookings were advised that the Port would reach out directly regarding rescheduling. As the situation unfolded, on April 16, a ripple effect from prior delays resulted in 'Loch Seaforth' departing Stornoway at 08:26 a.m., running one hour and 26 minutes behind schedule, with an expected arrival in Ullapool at 11:06 a.m. The earlier crossing was also delayed by approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Subsequently, the ferry left Ullapool at 11:59 a.m., experiencing a further delay of one hour and 39 minutes, with an anticipated docking time in Stornoway of 2:49 p.m. On April 17, due to the cumulative impacts of previous delays, 'Loch Seaforth' departed Stornoway slightly earlier at 07:11 a.m., with an expected arrival back in Ullapool at 09:50 a.m. The situation remains closely monitored as repairs continue and services strive to return to normal on this vital maritime route.

The 'Loch Seaforth', serving on the route Ullapool.Stornoway, suffered a technical issue impacting the bow ramp, on Oct 5. As a consequence, the discharge of vehicles in Stornoway after the arrival at 2:15 p.m. was delayed, also affecting the scheduled 3 p.m. departure to Ullapool. Due to the requirement to operate the ramp manually, the ferry departed Stornoway at 4:38 p.m. with an ETA at Ullapool as of 7:30 p.m. Due to a knock-on delay from the technical issues,the departed Stornoway on Oct 6 at 08:12 a.m., 72 minutes late, with an ETA in Ullapool as of 10:52 a.m. The freight service had departed Ullapool at 04:20 a.m., 90 minutes late, with an ETA at Stornoway as of 07:00 a.m.

The 'Loch Seaforth', serving on the route Ullapool-Stornoway, notified the Stornoway Coastguard on the morning of Sep 8, en route to Ullapool, due to a medical emergency on board. The response was affecting the arrival time in Ullapool. The ETA in Ullapool was now 10:20 a.m.

On June 6, the port side passenger lifts on board the 'Loch Seaforth', serving on the route Ullapool-Stornoway, were out of operation. The starboard side lifts remained in use. However, waiting times were expected to be extended. All foot passengers were asked to check-in no later than 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of the ferry thus. The issue still persisted on June 10. On June 13 the port side passenger lifts have been succsessfully repaired and were back in operation.

The 'Loch Seaforth', serving on the route Ullapool-Stornoway, suffered an issue with the vessel's generator that required further investigation on May 11. As a consequence, the ferry departed Ullapool at 7:13 p.m., more than 40 minutes late). The issue has since been resolved.

Due to a technical issue of the 'Loch Seaforth ', serving on the route Ullapool-Stornoway, on April 17, that required further investigations, the scheduled deaprture at 10:30 a.m. frm Ullapool and the departure from Stornoway at 2 p.m. have been cancelled. After the technical issue has been resolved, the service was resumed with the 5:30 p.m. sailing departing Ullapool.