CROWDS gathered at Coronation Park to watch one of the two Caledonian MacBrayne ferries being built at Ferguson Marine set sail along a calm Clyde for the first time under her own power today.

MV Glen Sannox hit a major milestone as she made a short voyage along the sun-kissed river to get her sea trials underway.

The vessel, which was originally due to be finished alongside its sister ship Glen Rosa in 2018, will now undergo a series of tests to ensure she is ready for her handover this summer.

The initial trials involve the vessel gathering pace, slowing down and stopping many times, with her anchors also tested.

Greenock Telegraph: Glen Sannox sails under her own propulsion for the first time.

It is understood that further tests will take place tomorrow and Thursday, which could see her travel as far as Gourock and back.

She was closely followed by two tugs as a safety precaution throughout yesterday’s testing.

Further endurance tests, which will evaluate how the vessel will cope with higher speeds for longer periods of time, will form part of a further trials programme scheduled for after her dry docking in April.

Ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne will also conduct its own sea trials once the vessel is handed over before she finally enters service as the new Arran ferry.

Greenock Telegraph: Glen Sannox sails under her own propulsion for the first time.

The dual-fuel ship, which is the first of its kind to be built in the UK, was running on diesel as it made its journey along the Clyde but will eventually be able to run also on liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The contract for the two ferries was originally awarded to Ferguson in 2015, when the yard was under the ownership of an investment firm led by businessman Jim McColl.

Greenock Telegraph: Glen Sannox sails under her own propulsion for the first time.

Despite construction getting underway the following year, repeated delays led to the two vessels missing their 2018 delivery date, with costs spiralling.

The shipyard fell into administration in 2019 and was subsequently nationalised.

Greenock Telegraph: Glen Sannox sails under her own propulsion for the first time.

However, delays and cost increases have continued since the most recent rescue, with the full cost for the two vessels now believed to be at least £360m compared with an initial estimate of £97m.

It is hoped that the Glen Sannox can be handed over later this year, with her sister ship set to launch on April 9 ahead of a delivery date scheduled for the end of May next year.