MV Glen Sannox to be taken out of service for essential works just weeks after launch

MV Glen Sannox will be taken out of service for a week for essential works, CalMac has confirmed.

The newest vessel in the CalMac fleet will reposition to Inchgreen dry dock in Greenock on February 23 for planned works.

Works on the vessel are due to begin February 24 and the ferry is expected to return to service on March 3.

The ferry operator said the anchor chain gypsy wheels will be replaced as planned, and several other minor remedial works carried out to make best use of the time in dock.

To provide cover to Arran, MV Isle of Arran will pick up MV Glen Sannox’s timetable for the duration of the repairs, sailing between Troon and Brodick.

A CalMac spokesperson said the vessel’s performance has been “first class” since it entered service on January 13.

Built at the beleaguered Ferguson Marine shipyard, the Glen Sannox departed from Troon in South Ayrshire at approximately 6.52am en route to Brodick on the Isle of Arran.

“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,” the spokesperson said.

“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 spokesperson added that the need to carry out the repairs was highlighted before the vessel entered service.

“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.”