MV Lochnevis

MV Lochnevis (Scottish Gaelic: Loch Nibheis) is a Caledonian Maritime Assets ferry, launched in 2000. She is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne, serving the Small Isles of Scotland.

Departing Mallaig, 11 May 2017.
History
United Kingdom
Name:
Namesake: Loch Nevis
Owner: Caledonian Maritime Assets
Operator: Caledonian MacBrayne
Port of registry: Glasgow
Route:
Builder: Ailsa Shipbuilding Company, Troon[1]
Cost: £5,500,000
Launched: 8 May 2000[2]
In service: 1 November 2001
Identification:
Status: in service
General characteristics
Class and type: Roll-on/roll-off vehicle ferry
Tonnage: 941 GT[2]
Length: 49 m (160.8 ft)[1]
Beam: 11.4 m (37.4 ft)[1]
Installed power: Cummins KTA-38-M2 vee type
Propulsion: Machinery: 3 × 12-cyl. 4 S.C.S.A. (159 mm × 159 mm (6.3 in × 6.3 in)) reduction geared to three directional twin propeller units. 3,039 bhp (2,266 kW). Two athwartship thrust propellers forward.
Speed: 13 knots (24 km/h; 15 mph)
Capacity: 190 passengers and 14 cars
For the 1934 Mailboat, see MV Lochnevis (1934).

History

Lochnevis was launched by Rev. Alan Lamb and[2] Sarah Boyack at Ailsa Shipbuilding, Troon on 6 May 2000 and entered service on 1 November 2001.

Layout

Lochnevis' appearance is dominated by a large stern vehicle ramp. This allows her to berth a considerable distance from a slipway, protecting her exposed Azimuth thrusters in shallow waters.[2] She can carry 190 passengers and 14 cars, although due to vehicle restrictions on the Small Isles, she usually carries few vehicles. The car deck is also used for goods for the islands. The starboard gangway entrance is used at Canna.[2]

Forward of the car deck is crew accommodation, with the cafeteria, serving area, and galley above. On the next deck, the observation lounge has seating arranged diagonally. Officers' accommodation lies forward of the lounge, while heavy side doors lead to the open deck.[2]

Passengers can enjoy the view ahead from an open bow – a rarity on current Western Isles ferries. Aft of the lounge is outside seating, again laid out in a diagonal arrangement. Further aft are the fast rescue craft (port) and a single funnel and the hydraulic goods crane (starboard).[2]

Service

Lochnevis replaced the 20-year-old MV Lochmor on the Small Isles service. She serves the islands of Eigg, Canna, Rùm and Muck from Mallaig, taking 7 hours for a round of the four islands, compared with ten hours by her predecessor. Initially, Lochnevis, like Lochmor, at islands apart from Canna, was met by a ferry boat. In the years following her introduction, new piers and slipways have been built on all the islands, allowing Lochnevis to berth stern-to.[2]

During the winter, Lochnevis adds the Mallaig – Armadale roster. In the early years, she was relieved by MV Pioneer, but since that vessel's sale, MV Raasay, MV Loch Bhrusda and various charter boats have been used.[2]

References
  1. "MV Loch Nevis". Caledonian MacBrayne. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
  2. "Lochnevis". Ships of Calmac. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
  3. "Ships Index: L6". World Shipping Register. Archived from the original on 20 June 2009. Retrieved 4 October 2009.
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