There has recently been the latest in a series of public consultations for this new build vessel to replace the MV Lord of the Isles.
A new vessel is currently expected to be ordered late this year with delivery about two years later- so hopefully in time for the 2028 summer season. By then the LOTI will be 39 years old.
The new Gasay terminal at Lochboisdale also needs to be built. This will have two berths (so can either take a second ferry if ever needed) or a cruise ship. The existing terminal is nearing the end of it's service life.
There is a worst case scenario where the port may have to close before the new terminal is open if the condition deteriorates too far.
Due to port constraints at Mallaig only the MV Isle of Arran or the MV Hebridean Isles can substitute for the LOTI if she is unavailable. However neither has the bow thruster power needed for Mallaig so their use is considered to be unsafe.
That is why sometimes (apart from the weather constraints of Mallaig) sailings run to Oban instead (and recent tests have shown that Uig (Skye) is now also suitable as a diversionary port.