MV Clansman
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| Career (UK) |  |
|---|---|
| Name: | MV Clansman |
| Operator: | Caledonian MacBrayne |
| Port of Registry: | Glasgow |
| Builder: | Appledore Shipbuilders, Devon |
| Launched: | 27 March 1998 |
| Maiden voyage: | 04 July 1998 |
| Status: | in service |
| Notes: | [1] |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage: | 5,499 |
| Length: | 99 m |
| Beam: | 15.8 m |
| Draft: | 3.2 m |
| Propulsion: |
2 x MAK 8 M32, Gear Box: 2 - Ulstein 1500 AGSC |
| Speed: | 16.5 knots (service) |
| Capacity: | 638 passengers, 90 cars |
| Crew: | 28 |
| Notes: | IMO number 9158953 |
MV Clansman is a ferry operated by Caledonian MacBrayne from Oban on the west coast of Scotland.
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[edit] History
The present MV Clansman is the fifth vessel to carry the name in the Calmac fleet over the years. The most recent predecessor was the 1964 built hoist loading ferry. Launched on 27th March 1998 at Appledore Shipbuilders in North Devon,[2] she entered service four months later. As the second largest vessel in the fleet, she brought new levels of capacity and passenger comfort to the routes. The main complaint passengers had was Clansman's lack of open deckspace. The design of the ship was such that exterior areas for passengers came at a premium. Calmac remedied this problem by adding an extension, above the area aft of the bar during her annual overhaul in 2003.[3]
Clansman has an almost identical sister ship, MV Hebrides, built in 2000 to a similar specification.
[edit] Layout
A cafeteria is situated at the bow, with an observation lounge directly above. Aft are a series of lounges, shop and bar. Above is crew accommodation and a relatively small amount of open deck space. She lacks a forward deck.[3]
The car deck has room for approximately 90 cars. It also has a mezzanine deck on the starboard side which can be raised or lowered to allow loading of up to 10 more cars.
[edit] Service
Specifically designed for Calmac's Oban-Castlebay/Lochboisdale and Oban-Coll/Tiree services, Clansman replaced MV Lord of the Isles. At 99m in length, she is the largest vessel that can safely navigate the numerous channels on her routes. She was however too large to call at Tobermory which was dropped from the Coll/Tiree sailings on her introduction.[3]
Each winter since her introduction, Clansman has relieved the larger Calmac units for their annual refit, leaving the route she was built for with Lord of the Isles. She has seen service at Lewis, Uig, Mull and Arran.[3]
