Long-awaited Glen Sannox Ferry Set to Officially Enter Service Soon
After years of delays, the Glen Sannox ferry is finally ready to serve, though some issues remain to be resolved before its official launch.
Glen Sannox, Ferry, Scotland, CalMac, Ferguson Marine
Troon: The Glen Sannox ferry has had quite the journey. Originally set to be delivered in 2018, it faced a ton of delays and issues at the Ferguson Marine shipyard.
But hey, it finally completed its first voyage on Sunday! CalMac mentioned they’ve worked through some last-minute hiccups.
Still, there’s a part of the anchor system that needs replacing, and that’s not expected to arrive until early February.
And just when you think it’s all smooth sailing, there are concerns about its sister ship, the Glen Rosa, possibly facing more delays before it’s handed over to the government.
Ferguson Marine is doing a “lessons-learned exercise” and will provide an estimated completion date soon. They’re aiming for a handover in September.
Despite the bumps in the road, the first voyages of the Glen Sannox are a big deal for getting these ferries into service.
It’s worth noting that the cost of both vessels has skyrocketed to over three times the original £97 million price tag.
During the test run, the Glen Sannox carried 154 foot passengers, 53 cars, and two commercial vehicles on its route between Troon and Brodick.
Duncan Mackison, CalMac’s chief executive, expressed excitement about the test run, saying it was a great chance to ensure everything is perfect for passengers.
But not everyone is thrilled. Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie called it “Scotland’s most haunted ship,” pointing out the years of delays and budget overruns.
He added that islanders will need to see the Glen Sannox in action before they believe it’s really happening, especially after all the past issues.