# MV Alfred

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/MV_Alfred
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/MV_Alfred.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Alfred
> Source revision: 1355248657
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

**MV *Alfred*** is a [catamaran](/source/Catamaran) ferry owned by [Pentland Ferries](/source/Pentland_Ferries), currently on charter to [Caledonian MacBrayne](/source/Caledonian_MacBrayne) for its west coast service.[4][5]

## Background

MV *Alfred* was built in [Vũng Tàu](/source/V%C5%A9ng_T%C3%A0u), Vietnam, by [Strategic Marine Vietnam](/source/Strategic_Marine_Vietnam) at a cost of £14.5 million, and launched on 22 February 2019.[6][1][2] Designed with a capacity of 430 passengers and 98 cars, *Alfred* is described by their owner as the most environmentally friendly ferry in Scotland, claiming the diesel-powered ship is "more than 60 per cent more efficient in terms of fuel consumption and emission levels than other comparable ferries operating in Scotland".[7][8] In 2020, Pentland Ferries became the first ferry operator in the UK to win a Green Tourism Award for the *Alfred*.[8]

Upon completing sea trials, *Alfred* departed [Vũng Tàu](/source/V%C5%A9ng_T%C3%A0u), Vietnam, on 29 August 2019 and arrived in [St Margaret's Hope](/source/St_Margaret's_Hope), [Orkney](/source/Orkney), Scotland, on 9 October 2019,[2] entering service on the [Caithness](/source/Caithness) and [Orkney](/source/Orkney) route on 1 November 2019.[3]

## Isle of Swona grounding

At about 14:00 on 5 July 2022, *Alfred* grounded on the uninhabited island of [Swona](/source/Swona) while en route from Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope. It resulted in damage to the port bulbous bow and no reported water ingress. There were 84 passengers and 13 crew on board at the time of grounding. Some passengers sustained injuries, such as fractures, sprains and soft tissue damage; one passenger was hospitalised.[9][10]

*Alfred* was refloated within one and a half hours, and taken to Orkney under her own power under escort of two lifeboats and two tugs.[11] She was taken off service until 18 July 2022.[12]

## CalMac Ferries charter

In March 2023, the [Scottish Government](/source/Scottish_Government) announced that it had chartered *Alfred* for nine months to supplement the [Caledonian MacBrayne](/source/Caledonian_MacBrayne) fleet, at a cost of £9 million.[13] The charter was due to start on 18 April 2023, but was delayed for a week due to [MV *Pentalina*](/source/MV_Pentalina) being unable to get her Passenger Ship Safety Certificate in time; she received a temporary one and resumed service on 26 April 2023, allowing *Alfred* to be released to her charter.

After completing berthing trials across the CalMac network, *Alfred* was laid up at [Ayr](/source/Ayr) in order to carry out repairs to her hydraulics system and make adjustments to her stern ramp. During this time, she was off hire from her charter.[14]

On 11 May 2023, CalMac confirmed that she had completed berthing trials at [Lochmaddy](/source/Lochmaddy), [Ullapool](/source/Ullapool), [Port Askaig](/source/Port_Askaig), [Brodick](/source/Brodick), [Ardrossan](/source/Ardrossan) (only the Irish berth), [Troon](/source/Troon) and [Campbeltown](/source/Campbeltown). However, she could not operate out of Port Askaig at the time due to a technical issue with her starboard thruster. As a result, CalMac initially deployed her on the Ardrossan to Brodick route from 12 May 2023, carrying out two return sailings to [Arran](/source/Isle_of_Arran) per day for the first two weeks.[15][16] After which, she began the schedule of three return sailings to Arran Friday to Monday, and two Tuesday to Thursday. From 10 August, there was an additional return sailing on Thursdays.

During September 2023, it was announced that *Alfred* would undergo further berthing trials in [Stornoway](/source/Stornoway) at the end of the month, after finishing the peak summer season second vessel duties at Arran.[17] If successful, she would have carried out the freight sailings there whilst [MV *Arrow*](/source/MS_Arrow) was unavailable and [MV *Loch Seaforth*](/source/MV_Loch_Seaforth_(2014)) was at annual overhaul. The berthing trial was postponed as *Alfred* was broken down in [Ayr](/source/Ayr) with a gearbox problem.[18] Her berthing trials at [Stornoway](/source/Stornoway) were unsuccessful. On 27 October 2023, CalMac assigned *Alfred* back to the Arran route for her next period of resilience operations beginning on 4 November 2023, releasing [MV *Caledonian Isles*](/source/MV_Caledonian_Isles) for berthing trials for services to [Islay](/source/Islay), [Colonsay](/source/Colonsay), [Mull](/source/Isle_of_Mull), [Coll](/source/Coll) and [Tiree](/source/Tiree).[19]

On 6 November 2023, *Alfred'*s charter to CalMac was extended by six months to last until 21 August 2024.[20] She will also undergo ramp modifications so that she will be suitable for service to [Campbeltown](/source/Campbeltown) and [Troon](/source/Troon) from [Islay](/source/Islay). Retail and catering options are also being looked at.[21]

On 8 November 2023, it was announced that due to a technical issue with [MV *Loch Portain*](/source/MV_Loch_Portain), *Alfred* will take up service on the temporary [Tarbert](/source/Tarbert,_Harris) - [Lochmaddy](/source/Lochmaddy) route.[22] On 10 November, after completing three services on the route, CalMac announced that *Alfred* would return to [Arran](/source/Isle_of_Arran) for a temporary period owing to [MV *Caledonian Isles*](/source/MV_Caledonian_Isles) having a steering fault.[23]

On 18 December 2023, CalMac announced that *Alfred* would remain on the Tarbert - Lochmaddy service for an indefinite period of time as a contingency measure.[24] In January 2024, she returned to Ardrossan to serve Arran alongside [MV *Isle of Arran*](/source/MV_Isle_of_Arran), relieving [MV *Caledonian Isles*](/source/MV_Caledonian_Isles) for her annual dry-docking.[25]

In February 2024, the Irish berth at [Ardrossan](/source/Ardrossan) closed permanently owing to safety concerns, forcing *Alfred* to operate her daily services to [Brodick](/source/Brodick) from [Troon](/source/Troon), initially carrying freight only.[26] From 29 March 2024, *Alfred* began to operate a regular passenger service from Troon to Brodick, albeit not carrying motorhomes, campervans, caravans or coaches due to infrastructure restrictions. A shuttle bus service was also introduced to connect [Troon railway station](/source/Troon_railway_station) to the ferry terminal.[27]

On 9 July 2024, CalMac announced a further extension of the charter to March 2025 to provide additional resilience. In addition, CalMac announced that *Alfred* had undergone ramp modifications, allowing her to carry all vehicles except for motorhomes over six metres in length and caravans.[28]

On 26 February 2025, CalMac announced a further extension of the charter to May 2025, owing to [MV *Caledonian Isles*](/source/MV_Caledonian_Isles) requiring additional remedial work to her propeller shaft tubes.[29][30]

On 3 June 2025, [Pentland Ferries](/source/Pentland_Ferries) announced that *Alfred's* charter to CalMac had been extended for further fleet resilience, with *Alfred* expected to serve [Brodick](/source/Brodick) from [Troon](/source/Troon) partnering [MV *Glen Sannox*](/source/MV_Glen_Sannox_(2017)).[31][32][33] In May 2026, the charter was extended through to October 2026, with *Alfred* to continue serving Arran from Troon.[34]

## References

1. ["Alfred takes to the water in Vietnam"](https://www.orcadian.co.uk/alfred-takes-to-the-water-in-vietnam/). *[The Orcadian](/source/The_Orcadian)*. 25 February 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2023.

1. ["Pentland Ferries' new £14m MV Alfred arrives after 9000-mile trip"](https://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/pentland-ferries-new-14m-mv-alfred-arrives-after-9000-mile-trip-184340/). *[John O'Groat Journal](/source/John_O'Groat_Journal)*. 10 October 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2023.

1. ["Pentland Ferries' new catamaran set to make inaugural voyage across firth"](https://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/pentland-ferries-new-catamaran-set-to-make-inaugural-voyage-across-firth-185412/). *John O'Groat Journal and Caithness Courier*. 1 November 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2023.

1. ["Chartered CalMac catamaran to begin sea trials"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-65390163). *[BBC News](/source/BBC_News)*. 27 April 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.

1. ["85m ROPAX FERRY"](https://www.strategicmarine.com/vessel/85m-ropax-ferry/). *Strategic Marine*. Retrieved 11 May 2023.

1. Pentland Ferries look to Vietnam *[Ships Monthly](/source/Ships_Monthly)* June 2017 page 11

1. ["Welcome to Orkney for MV Alfred"](https://www.orkney.com/news/mv-alfred). *Orkney.com*. 9 October 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2023.

1. ["Pentland Ferries wins Green Tourism Award"](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/2020648/pentland-ferries-wins-green-tourism-award/). *[Press & Journal](/source/Press_%26_Journal)*. 14 February 2020. Retrieved 30 April 2023.

1. ["Orkney ferry passengers launch injuries legal bid over grounding"](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-63007663). *BBC News*. 23 September 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2023.

1. Delaney, James & Bouma, Haley (5 July 2022). ["One in hospital as passengers evacuated after ferry runs aground"](https://news.stv.tv/highlands-islands/passenger-ferry-mv-alfred-runs-aground-in-pentland-firth-as-evacuation-rescue-mission-under-way). *[STV News](/source/STV_News)*. Retrieved 11 May 2023.

1. ["Passengers evacuated from grounded ferry in Pentland Firth"](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-62051452). *BBC News*. 5 July 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2023.

1. ["Pentland Ferries - MV Alfred Incident"](https://pentlandferries.co.uk/mv-alfred-incident/). 7 July 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2023.

1. ["Extra ferry to join CalMac fleet on west coast network"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-65013731). *BBC News*. 20 March 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.

1. ["Further delay to Orkney's Alfred joining CalMac fleet"](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-65493970). *BBC News*. 5 May 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023.

1. ["Customer Update - MV Alfred chartered as relief vessel for 9 months"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230511173631/https://www.calmac.co.uk/customer-updates/mv-alfred-chartered-as-relief-vessel-for-nine-months). *CalMac Ferries*. Archived from [the original](https://www.calmac.co.uk/customer-updates/mv-alfred-chartered-as-relief-vessel-for-nine-months) on 11 May 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023.

1. ["Delayed CalMac catamaran begins sailings on Arran route"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-65558335). *BBC News*. 12 May 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.

1. ["CalMac chartered catamaran ferry, MV Alfred, earmarked for Stornoway relief stint"](http://www.hebrides-news.com/mv-alfred-earmarked-stornoway-relief-stint-14923.html). *hebrides-news.com*. 14 September 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.

1. ["CalMac's relief ferry, MV Alfred, postpones Stornoway trials"](http://www.hebrides-news.com/calmac-relief-ferry-mv-alfred-postpones-stornoway-trials-27923.html). *hebrides-news.com*. 27 September 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2023.

1. ["MV Alfred leaving Western Isles area for repairs and latest deployment"](http://www.hebrides-news.com/mv-alfred-repairs-and-latest-deployment-271023.html?fbclid=IwAR3_LD0T2ftZKmTw8qeUZHdgMy9ImuqJlemp4q6CjmanB46PE9HKSqu-sYs). *hebrides-news.com*. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.

1. ["MV Alfred chartered for extra six months by CalMac"](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-67338129). *BBC News*. 6 November 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2023.

1. ["Customer Update: MV Alfred Customer Update"](https://www.calmac.co.uk/customer-updates/mv-alfred). *CalMac Ferries*. Retrieved 6 November 2023.

1. ["Tarbert - Lochmaddy | 10–30 November 2023"](https://web.archive.org/web/20231108215436/https://www.calmac.co.uk/tarbert-lochmaddy-november-2023). *CalMac Ferries*. Archived from [the original](https://www.calmac.co.uk/tarbert-lochmaddy-november-2023) on 8 November 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2023.

1. ["CalMac abruptly pulls MV Alfred off Western Isles lifeline link on first day"](http://www.hebrides-news.com/calmac-abruptly-pulls-mv-alfred-off-western-isles-service-101123.html?fbclid=IwAR01Yf7dPA6D_-Fpd68NKDQCHzM5oa0niDQHegaNfZ-N3mj1stsZcwhB92s). *hebrides-news.com*. 10 November 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.

1. ["CalMac's chartered vessel, MV Alfred, remains in Western Isles as contingency measure"](http://www.hebrides-news.com/calmac-retains-alfred-in-western-isles-181223.html). *hebrides-news.com*. 18 December 2023. Retrieved 19 December 2023.

1. ["CalMac ferry reshuffle as MV Alfred redeployment to Clyde area releases ship for Uist relief service"](http://www.hebrides-news.com/calmac-ferry-reshuffle-releases-ship-for--south-uist-service-3124.html). *hebrides-news.com*. 3 January 2024. Retrieved 3 January 2024.

1. ["Ardossan's Irish berth permanently shut due to safety concerns"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-68179950). *[BBC News](/source/BBC_News)*. 3 February 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.

1. ["Arran: Troon - Brodick"](https://www.calmac.co.uk/summer-timetables/troon-brodick). *calmac.co.uk*. CalMac Ferries. Retrieved 7 April 2024.

1. ["MV Alfred Customer Update"](https://www.calmac.co.uk/article/9729/Customer-Update-MV-Alfred-Customer-Update). *calmac.co.uk*. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 13 July 2024.

1. ["'Exceptional' pressures force CalMac fleet reshuffle"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1d4g1lp3n6o.amp). [BBC News](/source/BBC_News). 26 February 2025. Retrieved 26 February 2025.

1. ["Return of MV Caledonian Isles ferry delayed"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9w8r41lwqwo). *BBC News*. 3 April 2025. Retrieved 4 April 2025.

1. ["Pentland Ferries announces extension of charter of MV Alfred and continiation of RDS"](https://pentlandferries.co.uk/pentland-ferries-announces-extension-of-charter-of-mv-alfred-and-continuation-of-rds/). 2025-06-03. Retrieved 2025-06-03.

1. ["CalMac confirms MV Caledonian Isles Ardrossan return date"](https://www.ardrossanherald.com/news/25212084.calmac-confirms-mv-caledonian-isles-ardrossan-return-date/). *Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald*. 3 June 2025. Retrieved 3 June 2025.

1. ["Return of Arran's main ferry delayed indefinitely"](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0m8078j49yo). BBC News. Retrieved 19 June 2025.

1. ["Update from CalMac on ferries serving Arran routes"](https://www.ardrossanherald.com/news/26118773.update-calmac-ferries-serving-arran-routes/). Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald. Retrieved 20 May 2026.

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [MV Alfred](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Alfred) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Alfred?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.