THE much-delayed Glen Sannox ferry made a 'voyage' from Ferguson's shipyard in Port Glasgow yesterday as work continues to finally finish the five-years-late CalMac ship.

Tug boats hauled the 1,273 deadweight gross tonnage hulk on a 40-minute trip downriver to the Dales Marine dry dock in Greenock, where what has been described as 'finishing touches' will be carried out.

Ferguson's chief executive David Tydeman — who brought in a new working strategy following the departure of 'turnaround' boss Tim Hair — described it as a second 'important milestone' this month for the ship.

The Telegraph told earlier this week how Glen Sannox had a diesel power unit successfully fired up and run for the first time for assessors from the vessel classification society, Lloyd's Register.

Now work on internal systems, including the ship's propulsion unit, will be carried out at Dales.

She will also receive a fresh coat of paint during her period of dry docking.

Mr Tydeman said: "The work being undertaken in collaboration with Dales is another important milestone in the delivery of MV Glen Sannox.

"The sub-waterline and aesthetic works being undertaken show that the ferry is coming along well, and we look forward to welcoming her back to Port Glasgow for a continuation of the commissioning programme."

As well as important work on the vessel's propulsion systems, her seals and bow doors will also be worked on.

A statement issued on behalf of the Ferguson's said: "The ferry made the 40-minute voyage down the Clyde to the Dales Marine site at Greenock and will be worked on by a combination of Dales and around 130 Ferguson Marine staff.

"MV Glen Sannox will return from dry dock in early August another step closer to completion."

Mr Tydeman added: "Our next major milestone is the testing of main engines and generators before October, which will bring the ship to life."

Ferguson's say that all major equipment for Glen Sannox and her sister, Hull 802 - engines, gearboxes, steering gear, thrusters and pumps - have been subject to a robust maintenance programme during storage.

This has included inspections from equipment manufacturers, new oil, filters and grease and parts replaced where necessary.

MV Glen Sannox is scheduled to be delivered between March and May next year and Hull 802 between October and December 2023.