MV Glen Sannox ferry ready to sail maiden voyage on Monday confirms CalMac

11 January 2025

CalMac has confirmed MV Glen Sannox is set to enter service for Arran on Monday.

The vessel will begin carrying passengers on the Troon-Brodick route before dawn on Monday.

Glen Sannox also has a role as a potential relief ship in the CalMac fleet and may be deployed elsewhere in the network if required. Last week, she tested out a number of Western Isles harbours for size.

Designed with more powerful and efficient engines and propulsion system, the new 102-metre-long vessel has significantly greater manoeuvrability than many of CalMac ships, which leads to improved berthing at ports.

A small number of issues on the ship will continue to be addressed during the first few stages of service, as was the case with both of CalMac’s last two major vessels to enter service, MV Finlaggan and MV Loch Seaforth. One issue emerged with the starboard mezzanine deck earlier this week and it will not be operational when the vessel enters service.

Oil contamination was identified in the hydraulic system for the starboard mezzanine deck, and this resulted in a component failure. This part needs replaced and has been ordered. The cleanliness of the oil in the hydraulic system was checked and found to be satisfactory meaning the system filter have been effective in capturing the contamination. All other hydraulic components onboard the vessel were tested and found to be fully functional. Given demand levels now and in the coming months, this does not affect planned service levels or capacity.

Duncan Mackison, CalMac’s chief executive officer, said: “Great effort has gone into getting MV Glen Sannox ready for service for Monday.

“It is testament to the commitment of people at CalMac to Arran that we’ve been able to reduce our original schedule for familiarisation and meet an ambitious target for entry to service.

“Launching a new major vessel is akin to buying a new build house. You can move into a new home whilst some small snags are fixed, and we can operate MV Glen Sannox whilst we address a small number of minor issues that have no bearing on the safe operation of the vessel, or the experience passengers have on board.

“We are excited to welcome people on board and look forward to seeing a vessel which will bring great benefit to Arran enter service for the local community.”