The Glen Sannox ferry, a vessel that took nearly a decade to enter service, has been pulled from operation due to a crack in its hull. The ship, already infamous for delays and cost overruns, now faces fresh scrutiny as investigators assess the damage and determine the next steps.
Ferry Pulled from Service After Crack Discovered
Passengers traveling between Troon and Brodick faced unexpected cancellations after CalMac, the ferry operator, confirmed a fault in the vessel’s hull. The issue was detected near the waterline, forcing the company to halt sailings until a dive team could assess the damage.
The disruption led to the cancellation of several sailings on Friday, including the 13:00 and 17:20 departures from Brodick and the 15:10 from Troon. CalMac quickly moved to reassure the public that reports of a collision or significant water ingress were untrue.
However, they did acknowledge that a “very small amount of water” had entered part of the vessel’s rear section near the steering gear. A third-party team is expected to inspect the damage, with a full assessment scheduled for Saturday morning.
Replacement Services and Passenger Impact
With the Glen Sannox docked for inspection, CalMac scrambled to accommodate stranded passengers. The MV Alfred, another vessel in the fleet, was assigned an additional journey to pick up some of those affected.
While efforts are being made to minimize disruption, the operator has warned that passengers without prior bookings should not expect guaranteed travel.
Additional measures include:
- Adjusted MV Alfred sailings to incorporate the extra crossing
- A shuttle service operating between Lochranza in Arran and Claonaig in Kintyre
- Ongoing updates from CalMac regarding further cancellations and scheduling changes
Saturday sailings have already been scrapped, and a decision on Sunday’s operations is expected after the inspection results come in.
A Troubled History of Delays and Overruns
The Glen Sannox is no stranger to controversy. Originally commissioned nearly a decade ago, the vessel was part of a contract awarded to Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow. What was supposed to be a smooth procurement turned into a drawn-out saga of delays, cost overruns, and political fallout.
Key Figures:
| Contract Price | Final Cost | Delay |
|---|---|---|
| £97 million | Over £400 million | Nearly 7 years |
The shipyard that built the ferry ultimately fell into administration, leading to nationalization in 2019. The final delivery of the vessel earlier this year was met with relief, but also frustration over the enormous financial burden placed on taxpayers.
Political Backlash and Public Reaction
Criticism over Scotland’s ferry infrastructure has been relentless, and the latest issue with the Glen Sannox has only intensified scrutiny. Opposition parties have seized on the development to attack the Scottish National Party (SNP), which oversaw the project’s mismanagement.
Scottish Conservative transport spokeswoman Sue Webber MSP condemned the situation, calling it a “hammer blow” for island communities. She accused the SNP of failing to provide a reliable ferry service, leaving travelers stranded once again.
Scottish Liberal Democrat Willie Rennie MSP echoed those concerns, describing the ferry contract as a “never-ending nightmare” for those who depend on the network.
What Went Wrong?
BBC Scotland’s transport correspondent David Henderson noted that the ferry had performed well since its launch in January, even handling rough winter conditions without incident. But the discovery of a crack raises questions about the vessel’s long stint at the Ferguson shipyard, where it sat exposed to the elements for years before finally entering service.
For CalMac, the situation is deeply embarrassing. A new ferry needing urgent repairs just weeks after launch is a public relations disaster. More importantly, it reignites concerns about the long-term durability of the ship and whether more structural issues might emerge down the line.
With an investigation underway, passengers, taxpayers, and government officials will be watching closely. The Glen Sannox was supposed to represent a fresh start for Scotland’s troubled ferry network. Instead, it has become another chapter in a frustrating and expensive saga.
