A FERRY which has been out of action for eight months has arrived in Greenock after her return to service was further delayed due to a gearbox problem.

CalMac’s MV Caledonian Isles arrived back on the Clyde at the weekend, having undergone significant works at a shipyard on Liverpool’s Mersey since February.

But after beginning berthing trials on Sunday, a new issue was identified in the vessel’s port gearbox.

(Image: George Munro) CalMac says investigations began ‘immediately’ and continued throughout yesterday.

The ferry arrived at Greenock Ocean Terminal yesterday evening and is due to move to the James Watt Dock later today.

In a statement, CalMac said: “We know this unexpected further problem will be concerning and frustrating.

“Our teams continue to work hard to return MV Caledonian Isles to service as soon as possible.”

MV Caledonian Isles usually sails between Ardrossan and Brodick, with MV Isle of Arran having covered the route during her absence.

Chartered catamaran MV Alfred has also been operating between Troon and Brodick in recent months.

MV Isle of Arran is due to depart for annual overhaul this afternoon, with CalMac warning of ‘significant disruption’ on the route.

The ferry operator added: “We are currently contacting customers with impacted bookings.

“We are reviewing our vessel deployment options to provide additional capacity on our Arran routes from Thursday, September 26.

“We’ll provide a further update on these plans by Wednesday, September 25.”