For the first time, the super-affluent state of Norway is experiencing a ferry fiasco of the sort we have seen reported here, in New Zealand, Greece, the Channel Islands, Isle of Wight, British Columbia, Toronto and Washington State USA, with this from SINTEF:

Major problem for coastal ferry services. There are many examples, and they all tell the same story. Shortfalls in crew numbers and regulations governing rest periods make non-scheduled extra crossings problematic. This results in many cancelled crossings, causing major irritation to travellers along the Norwegian coast.

At present, the evacuation of car ferries and other vessels carrying passengers is based on the crew assisting the passengers and operating rescue equipment. But what if smart technologies could be used to offer guidance and help for self-help to passengers during emergencies?

https://www.sintef.no/en/latest-news/2024/prepared-for-the-holiday-queues-outdated-regulations-are-preventing-future-improvements-to-ferry-operations/

They’re talking of unmanned ferries. Imagine if CalMac tried that.