The Caledonian MacBrayne fleet is the largest fleet of car and passenger ferries in the United Kingdom, with 35 ferries in operation, and one (MV Glen Sannox) undergoing crew familiarisation and harbour berthing trials ahead of being introduced into service. A further 5 vessels are currently under construction for the fleet. The company provides lifeline services to 23 islands off the west coast of Scotland, as well as operating routes in the Firth of Clyde.
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) vessels can be readily identified by their black hulls and white superstructures. They have red funnels with black caps that display the Lion Rampant badge with masts in buff. The fleet can be categorised into various groups. 31 of the vessels in operation, plus MV Glen Sannox, are owned by the asset holding company Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited which is in turn, like CalMac, wholly owned by the Scottish Government.[1] Two ferries, MV Ali Cat and MV Argyll Flyer, are directly owned by Caledonian MacBrayne, and a further two, MV Alfred and MV Chieftain, are on charter from other owners.