New Arran ferry Glen Sannox out of service due to cracked hull

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The Glen Sannox ferry, which only recently began operations in January after significant delays and cost overruns, has been taken out of service due to the discovery of a crack in its hull. The vessel had been shuttling between Troon in South Ayrshire and Brodick in the Isle of Arran before the fault was detected, leading to the cancellation of several departures. Contrary to speculation, the ferry did not hit the harbor, but a small amount of water did seep into the rear of the ship near the steering gear.

CalMac, the ferry operator, announced that the MV Glen Sannox will remain out of operation until a dive team can assess the situation and determine the necessary repairs. As a result, all sailings scheduled for Saturday have been canceled, with alternative arrangements being made for affected passengers. Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of the crack in the hull on the vessel’s structural integrity.

The Glen Sannox, designed to accommodate 127 cars and 852 passengers, has been embroiled in a saga of delays and escalating costs since its initial order nearly a decade ago. The controversies surrounding the ship’s construction have culminated in its removal from service due to the hull crack, requiring further evaluations to ascertain the extent of the damage. Passengers are advised to check for updates on the ferry’s status before planning their travel.

The setback with the Glen Sannox has attracted criticism of the Scottish government, as the ferries are owned by a government agency. Opposition parties have condemned the handling of the ferry project, accusing the SNP of incompetence and negligence in providing reliable transportation for island communities. The incident has underscored the challenges faced by the ferry network in Scotland, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and oversight to prevent similar disruptions in the future

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