Associated British Ports has completed a £200,000 upgrade to the East Pier Linkspan at the Port of Troon, ensuring continued support for a reliable lifeline ferry service to the Isle of Arran.
The investment, 100% funded by ABP at no cost to the Scottish taxpayer, focused on refurbishment of the linkspan’s main hydraulic lifting cylinders critical infrastructure that enables vehicles and passengers to board ferries safely and efficiently.
The works were carefully timed to avoid disruption to ferry operations, with ABP’s local team and contractor Laing Marine working intensively within a tight seven-day window.
Thanks to their dedication and close coordination with CalMac, the linkspan was returned to service on schedule, avoiding any cancellations to the vital ferry connection for the island community.
Bryan Davies, Divisional Port Manager at ABP, said that this project demonstrates ABP’s commitment to maintaining critical infrastructure and supporting the communities that rely on their ports.
The Port of Troon continues playing a critical role in supporting ferry operations while the future of Ardrossan remains unknown. In 2024, Troon handled over 90,000 passengers, 31,000 cars, and more than 1,200 commercial vehicles, with a cancellation rate of just 2%.
The latest upgrade builds on a £6 million investment in the East Pier Ferry Terminal, which included a new terminal building and car parking facilities.
Troon is fully equipped to accommodate the new larger ferries, Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa, without the need for further public investment.
ABP’s investment ensures the port remains a reliable gateway for the Isle of Arran and reflects its broader strategy of investing in infrastructure across its network of UK ports.
