MV Ali Cat

The motor catamaran MV "Ali Cat" was built in 2000 for Solent & Wightline Cruises, who chartered her to Red Funnel Line. They in turn chartered it to Caledonian MacBrayne, and on 21 October 2002 the passenger ferry entered service in the Caledonian MacBrayne fleet on the Dunoon to Gourock run at peak times, carrying up to 250 passengers.cite web |url=http://www.shipsofcalmac.co.uk/ships.asp?vessel=alicat |title=ALI CAT |accessdate=2007-12-30 |author= |authorlink= |coauthors= |date= |format= |work= |publisher=Ships of Calmac.co.uk]

The run had previously been served at peak times by two car ferries, one of which went down the Firth of Clyde at quieter times to assist on the Rothesay to Wemyss Bay service which only had a 90 minute service at peak times. Introduction of the "Ali Cat" for the winter 2002/03 timetable met morning and evening commuter demand on the Dunoon run, releasing the peak period car ferry to improve the Rothesay service. At first the catamaran had occasional difficulties with winter weather making embarking at Dunoon hazardous and leading to cancellations. The service was subsequently extended to cover summer timetables, and construction of a breakwater in 2004 overcame the problems at Dunoon pier.cite book| title=CalMac Ferries| author=Ian McCrorie| publisher=Caledonian MacBrayne| isbn=0950716677]

"Ali Cat" can maintain a speed of 17 knots, but the service speed is around 14 knots. A bar serves the covered accommodation, and passengers can also use the open upper deck. At special weekends she supplements the Rothesay service.

Footnotes