CalMac has announced that MV Glen Sannox will officially begin passenger service on the Troon-Brodick route this Monday, 13 January.
The long-awaited vessel will provide much-needed capacity for the popular Arran route, following extensive crew familiarisation activities by the ferry operator.
While MV Glen Sannox is ready to welcome passengers, a small number of minor issues will be addressed during its initial weeks of service.
A technical problem with the starboard mezzanine deck was identified earlier this week, with oil contamination in the hydraulic system causing a component failure.
The affected part has been ordered, and CalMac has confirmed that the system’s filters effectively captured the contamination, ensuring no wider impact on safety or operations.
All other hydraulic components on the vessel have been thoroughly tested and are functioning as expected, giving passengers confidence in the ship’s reliability.
CalMac has reassured customers that current and upcoming service levels will not be affected by the mezzanine deck issue, as it will not impact overall capacity during this period.
Duncan Mackison, Chief Executive Officer of CalMac, praised the team’s dedication in preparing MV Glen Sannox for its debut.
He likened launching a new vessel to moving into a newly built house, where minor adjustments often continue after occupancy but do not interfere with functionality.
Mr Mackison highlighted the significant effort by CalMac staff to shorten the original timeline for familiarisation and achieve the ambitious target of launching the vessel this month.
He expressed excitement about the vessel’s potential to deliver long-term benefits for Arran’s residents, visitors, and businesses.
The addition of MV Glen Sannox marks a milestone in modernising ferry services, with the vessel expected to improve connectivity and enhance the passenger experience.
As one of the largest ships in CalMac’s fleet, MV Glen Sannox represents a major investment in Scotland’s transport infrastructure, providing improved reliability for the Troon-Brodick route.
The vessel’s entry into service has been eagerly anticipated by the local community and is expected to make a meaningful difference to travel on this vital route.
Passengers can look forward to travelling on a state-of-the-art ship designed to provide comfort and efficiency while maintaining the highest safety standards.
CalMac’s commitment to delivering high-quality services for island communities remains at the forefront of its operations, and the launch of MV Glen Sannox reflects this dedication.
The ferry operator invites passengers to experience the new vessel and enjoy the enhanced service it brings to one of Scotland’s most beautiful islands.