SCOTLAND’S newest passenger ferry is to be taken out of action for at least one week after less than two months in action.
The MV Glen Sannox, which had its maiden sailing on the Arran route it serves on January 13, is to enter the dry dock for planned but essential maintenance work on February 23, CalMac has said.
The ferry operator said the ship “should return to service” on Monday, March 3, eight days after entering the Inchgreen dry dock in Greenock.
Outlining the works needing completed, CalMac 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, which is currently supporting Mull and operating Oban-Craignure, will pick up MV 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.”
