Fears over Turkish shipyard prompts ministers to take action over 3 partially-built CalMac ferries

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (Cmal) announced on Friday it had taken ownership of Loch Indaal, Lochmor and Claymore.

However, it indicated that their completion at the Cemre yard in Yalova may be further delayed.

Cmal said the acquisition had been achieved by paying the undisclosed final instalments for its contracts with the yard, which are part of the £212 million total project cost.

These payments have been made in stages as construction has progressed, with Loch Indaal 97 per cent complete, Lochmor 90 per cent and Claymore 85 per cent.

Cmal said the decision was “against the background of exceptionally challenging economic circumstances affecting Cemre”.

Chief executive Kevin Hobbs described it as a “precautionary move”.

Mr Hobbs had told The Scotsman in March that Loch Indaal was due to be completed by July, Lochmor in October or November and Claymore in February.

However, a Cmal spokesperson said only on Friday: “We still expect delivery of Loch Indaal this year with the other vessels in 2027.”

The latest development follows the vessels being delayed by more than a year by previous supply problems caused by the war in Ukraine and disruption to shipping in the Middle East, along with shipyard workers being re-deployed to assist after a major earthquake.

Loch Indaal is earmarked for the Islay route, on which Isle of Islay, the first of the four 450-passenger Cemre ferries, has operated since March.

The other two vessels are due to serve the “Skye triangle” routes across the Little Minch to Harris and North Uist.

Loch Indaal has just finished sea trials ahead of its expected completion next month.

The Scotsman understands the vessels could be moved to another yard for completion if necessary as the last one was launched last month.

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A Cmal spokesperson said: “The decision has been taken against the backdrop of exceptionally challenging economic circumstances affecting Cemre and many businesses within the region, including global economic pressures such as the impacts of the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, together with disruption in the Red Sea.

Mr Hobbs said: "Taking ownership of the vessels at this stage is a precautionary move to reduce risk, protect the investment already made and support our objective of bringing these vessels into service as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“We will continue to work closely with the shipyard and partners to maintain progress towards delivery.”

Economy, Tourism and Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn said: “We fully support the approach Cmal has taken to secure ownership of the vessels ahead of formal handover, helping to ensure their delivery, while protecting public investment.”

Uisdean Robertson, chair of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s [Western Isles Council] transportation committee, said: “While this announcement may initially appear unsettling, it is important to stress there is no suggestion that the future of the shipyard itself is in doubt.”

CalMac said the move would have “no immediate impact” on its operations.

The operator already has two spare, or resilience, major vessels - the 42-year-old Isle of Arran and year-old Glen Sannox - following the arrival of Isle of Islay and an extended charter of the catamaran Alfred.