Divers are currently examining the new Glen Sannox vessel after a crack was discovered in its hull. The ferry, which has only been in operation since January, has faced setbacks after being delivered almost seven years late and costing more than four times the original contract price. As a result, all of the Glen Sannox’s Saturday sailings have been cancelled, with the MV Alfred stepping in to provide an additional service. CalMac has stated that an update on Sunday’s sailings will be given once a dive team has completed a thorough assessment.
Operating for just over two months between Troon in South Ayrshire and Brodick in the Isle of Arran, the Glen Sannox was taken out of service on Friday due to a crack found on a weld seam close to the waterline. While there were rumors about the vessel hitting the harbour or water leaking into the car deck, CalMac clarified that these claims were false. However, they did confirm that a small amount of water had entered a section near the rear of the ship by the steering gear.
Additional sailings have been introduced between Lochranza in Arran and Claonaig in the Kintyre peninsula to help manage the disruption caused by the Glen Sannox’s removal from service. Passengers are advised to have a booking prior to arriving in Troon, as those without a reservation may not be guaranteed travel. The operator plans to make a decision about Sunday’s sailings on Saturday and has issued an apology for the inconvenience, reassuring customers that efforts are being made to contact those affected. With a capacity for 127 cars and 852 passengers, the Glen Sannox has become a focal point of criticism for the Scottish government due to disputes over its design, additional costs, and delays, ultimately leading to the nationalization of the shipyard involved in its construction. Opposition parties have raised concerns over the handling of the ferry contract by the SNP, with Scottish Conservative transport spokeswoman Sue Webber labeling it a “hammer blow” for passengers, while Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Willie Rennie described the situation as a “never-ending nightmare
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