MV Ali Cat was built in 2000 for Solent & Wightline Cruises, who chartered her to Blue Funnel Group.

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.

[3] From 30 June 2011, the Dunoon to Gourock crossing became a passenger-only service operated by Argyll Ferries Ltd (a sister company to Caledonian MacBrayne).