MV Chieftain


MV Chieftain, ex-Seabus, is a passenger ferry built in 2007 for the Gourock to Kilcreggan service on the Firth of Clyde.

History

MV Seabus was built in Cornwall, in 2007 as a 'dedicated' passenger ferry to replace the 71-year-old on the service between Gourock, Kilcreggan and Helensburgh, across the Firth of Clyde. Seabus operated the main ferry service to Kicreggan, with crossings of Gare Loch to Helensburgh. The service is subsidised by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport. After re-tendering, the contract for the Gourock - Kilcreggan service was awarded to Clydelink and the Helensburgh part of the then 'triangular' route ceased.
To operate the contract, Clydelink bought the smaller MV Island Princess from Lymington, where she had been a harbour excursion vessel. She was sailed north to commence the 'new' service on 1 April 2012. The change was unpopular with a loss of jobs but continued until 2018.
The contract was taken away from Clydelink and returned to Clyde Marine, who resumed the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry service on 14 May 2018 with Seabus, then renamed Chieftain in blue livery. After negotiations, CalMac took over the contract from 1 June 2020, leasing Chieftain from Clyde Marine and giving crew the option of transferring to the new operator.

Layout

MV Seabus brought a greater degree of comfort and safety to the route with a sealed and heated passenger cabin. Larger, roomier and more comfortable than her predecessor, she has better facilities for people with mobility problems.

Service