Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd (CalMac) was formed by the
amalgamation on 1 January 1973 of two companies - the Caledonian Steam
Packet Company Ltd and David MacBrayne Ltd – whose histories stretch back
through two centuries. The company formed back in 1973 was subsequently
split to form Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), which own the
vessels and piers and also CalMac Ferries Ltd which charter the fleet
from CMAL and run them on their respective routes.
This list is split into
groups according to the various headings. The first section shows the
current fleet as owned by CMAL on 1st July 2008 Also included are the
two vessels acquired under charter by CalMac Ferries from owners other
than CMAL. Not included is the
forthcoming Islay ferry, although her profile can be accessed from the
Fleet Locations page.
1 - KILBRANNAN and MORVERN were both launched for David
MacBrayne Ltd but registered in name of “Caledonian MacBrayne Services”,
a brief association formed in February 1972 and which became registered
owner of both vessels. Ironically, KILBRANNAN entered service in CSP colours
and indeed was the last vessel in the fleet to have borne the
yellow-and-black funnel.
1 - Transferred to David MacBrayne Ltd. On 8/11/69 for Islay service and
though the transfer was reversed shortly afterwards remained a MacBrayne
vessel on charter terms until the CalMac merger in 1973
2 - Transferred to David MacBrayne Ltd. in October 1971
for Scalpay station and renamed SCALPAY, on the demise of the older
timber-built turntable ferryof that name. She remained in David
MacBrayne Ltd ownership until her disposal.
3 - Transferred to the Clyde in the spring of 1972,
converted to 9-car bow-loading ferry and renamed LARGS, taking up the
Largs-Cumbrae Slip service in July.
* These vessels were not transferred to Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd in 1973
and remained David MacBrayne Ltd ships until 1980 or their preceding
disposal.
+ Was re-acquired in 1973 and retained till 1985
Short extracts from these profiles may
be used so long as you have contacted us for
permission and that credit is given to this website (www.shipsofcalmac.co.uk)
with a full url published in printed material or embedded in your website.
THE
FLEET
This list is split into
groups according to the various headings. The first section shows the
current fleet as owned by CMAL on 1st July 2008 Also included are the
two vessels acquired under charter by CalMac Ferries from owners other
than CMAL. Not included is the
forthcoming Islay ferry, although her profile can be accessed from the
Short extracts from these profiles may
be used so long as you have 