CalMac’s newest ship, MV Glen Sannox, has outperformed expectations since entering service four weeks ago highlights the ferry operator.
She has kept passengers and traffic on the move in adverse weather conditions which forced other services to suspend sailings.
Glen Sannox is designed with more powerful and efficient engines and propulsion system providing significantly greater manoeuvrability than many of CalMac other major ships, which leads to improved berthing at ports.
Although allocated to the busy Arran route, the new CalMac ferry - second largest
in the fleet - is on the relief list to potentially cover disruption in the Western
Isles and the west coast network.
The 102-metre-long vessel recently carried out berthing trials at Stornoway, and
Ullapool as well as Lochmaddy and Tarbert.
Now the Sannox will come off service for a week later this month for planned essential maintenance.
Anchor windlass (winch) components will be replaced to ensure the anchor chain does not slip.
The Sannox will reposition to Inchgreen dry dock in Greenock on Sunday 23 February, with works to start the following day and complete by the following weekend. The vessel should return to service on 3 March.
The anchor chain gypsy wheels will be replaced as planned.
Several other minor remedial works are to be carried out to make best use of the time in dock said CalMac.
To provide cover to Arran, MV Isle of Arran, which is currently supporting Mull and
operating Oban-Craignure, will pick up Glen Sannox’s timetable for the duration of
the repairs, sailing Troon-Brodick.
A CalMac spokesperson said: “MV Glen Sannox’s performance since entering service has been first class.
“We’re delighted with how resilient she has proven, particularly when operating in weather conditions which have led to other services on the network being disrupted.
“We anticipate losing a number of return sailings to technical issues when any new vessel enters service, but MV Glen Sannox has outperformed our expectations.
“The need to carry out these repairs was highlighted prior to entering service, but the main thing is that we have a plan in place to maintain service levels whilst these works take place.
“Redeploying MV Isle of Arran to cover provides the capacity and frequency the community on Arran needs.”
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