ARROW on charter to Caledonian MacBrayne arrives at Troon for berthing trials

ARROW was actually on charter to Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and they sub-chartered the vessel to Caledonian MacBrayne, Gourock who used her on their Ullapool to Stornoway freight service.

   With the CalMac charter coming to an end the company sent her to Troon and Brodick (Isle of Arran) for berthing trials and, with these completed, ARROW left the Clyde returning to Douglas, Isle of Man to resume her original charter.

   The images show ARROW arriving at Troon in persistent light rain and poor visibility.

MSC ATLANTIC passing Cloch Lighthouse (Firth of Clyde, Scotland) inbound to Greenock Ocean Terminal

It was an extremely dark, dull and damp afternoon, with heavy and persistent rain and poor visibility when container ship MSC ATLANTIC, coming out of the gloom, arrived in the Clyde with containers from Liverpool.

Ayr pilot vessel SCOTIA leaving harbour to board Pilot onto inbound SEA MELODY

Ayr pilot vessel SCOTIA returning to harbour after boarding Pilot onto inbound SEA MELODY

SEA MELODY arrives at Ayr (Scotland) with a cargo of agricultural products from Rouen (France)

Heritage and Education ship QUEEN MARY at Glasgow Science Centre, Pacific Quay, Glasgow

Painting of paddle steamer WAVERLEY, contributed by Ian Ritchie

Hansa Shipping's KATI at Port of Ayr (Scotland) with fertilisers from Avonmouth (England)

CELTIC PIONEER at Port of Ayr (Scotland) with white salt from Motril (Spain)

CALEDONIAN ISLES at Ardrossan Harbour about to leave with passengers and vehicles for Brodick

Oil products tanker AYANE anchored in Brodick Bay awaiting a berth at Rothesay Dock, Clydebank

SPITZBERGEN in Brodick Bay (Isle of Arran) on a cruise around Scottish highlands and islands

Caledonian MacBrayne's HEBRIDEAN ISLES doing berthing trials at Brodick Pier (Isle of Arran)

Ro-ro passenger ferry ALFRED at Ardrossan Harbour during berthing trials for Caledonian MacBrayne

   ALFRED is on a nine month charter by Caledonian MacBrayne from Pentland Ferries at a reported cost of nine million UK pounds sterling (that's one million pounds each month).

   The ship was at Ardrossan Harbour for berthing trials on 1 May and is expected to leave Ardrossan at 0630 on 2 May for berthing trials at Campbeltown, Troon and Ayr.   Ayr is an unusual port for ALFRED as the port does not have a ramp, but apparently Ayr, at some time, may be needed as a lay-by for ALFRED.

Workboat MEGAN M at Ardrossan Harbour (Firth of Clyde, Scotland, UK)