When Clyde Marine Motoring Ltd lost out on a new SPT tendering contract to operate the Gourock-Kilcreggan-Helensburgh Ferry Service after more than 30 years , new-boys Clydelink Ltd took over much to the disgust of local ferry users. The new company purchased the 'Island Princess' from Lymington and she was sailed up by a professional crew and went straight onto the service with no time to spare after her local Greenock MCA Inspection. The new service now omits Helensburgh Pier on the timetable.