Calmac suspends ferry services after serious hull damage discovered

In Scotland, the ferry Glen Sannox has been taken out of service after a significant crack was discovered in its hull. This issue arose just eight weeks following its official launch, causing Calmac to cancel all sailings between Troon and Brodick. The vessel, which was delivered more than six years later than expected from Ferguson Marine shipyard, began its operations in January 2025 but has already encountered problems, including a set of repairs addressing an anchor system failure earlier in its service. The crack was located on a weld seam near the waterline, with a small amount of water entering a section of the ship close to the steering gear. Calmac is now working with a third-party team to perform a thorough assessment and has apologized to customers for the disruption this incident has caused. As the ferry is currently docked at Brodick, MV Alfred will conduct extra sailings to maintain transport to Arran. The launch of Glen Sannox was met with hopeful anticipation, particularly after delays and increasing costs that have marred the ferry construction project. Originally contracted in 2015 for £97 million, this price has ballooned to approximately £400 million due to subsequent cost disputes. The contract ran into complications after the yard initially responsible for building the vessels entered administration in 2019. The nationalization of Ferguson Marine aimed to resolve these problems and fulfill the urgent need for ferry services in the region. However, the ongoing issues with Glen Sannox draw attention to the difficulties faced within the Scottish ferry network and raise important questions regarding the competence of the government and involved contractors, particularly the Scottish National Party (SNP) government which has been criticized for its handling of this and previous matters. Government officials and local politicians have voiced their frustrations over the impact of this situation on island communities. Sue Webber from the Scottish Conservatives described the cancellation of services as a betrayal, reflecting broader concerns regarding the SNP's responsibility for maintaining a reliable and efficient ferry network. Willie Rennie of the Scottish Liberal Democrats echoed these sentiments, highlighting the numerous problems that have plagued the ferry construction and further emphasizing the distress experienced by island residents, workers, and taxpayers caught in this ongoing saga. Community members reliant on ferry services for transport and commerce have been left disappointed and alarmed by the breakdown of such a vital resource so soon after its launch. The future of Glen Sannox now hangs in the balance as stakeholders await the results of the full assessment.