Glen Sannox Ferry Set to Relaunch After Latest Humiliation
- Troubled ship due to return to service after engineers weld crack in hull
- However, it will face one last examination prior to being returned to service.
- Fault lines add to the list of unforgivable chapters in this chaotic ferry disaster.
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The controversy-ridden Glen Sannox ferry is scheduled to resume operations today following repairs where engineers have mended a fissure that was found in the vessel’s newly constructed body.
The ship was moored at Brodwick Harbour in Arran last Friday – only a few weeks since its maiden voyage.
Ferry operator CalMac announced last night that services would resume today following the completion of the repairs overnight.
Nevertheless, the Glen Sannox’s initial journey of the day to Troon in Ayrshire has been called off to permit the vessel to conduct a final inspection. Should everything proceed smoothly, it will depart with guests onboard at 2:50 pm.
Although the news that the ferry will likely resume operations may bring comfort to the islanders, critics have criticized the fact that such a modern vessel experienced this kind of problem.
Tory MSP Jamie Greene stated: "This most recent issue marks yet another unacceptable chapter in this chaotic ferry crisis."
'It's good news that the services are restarting, but passengers might be curious as to why issues emerged only a few weeks after the service started, following a seven-year postponement.'
The long-suffering islanders deserve more and they will justly be outraged by this recent failure, leaving passengers stranded.
'It is utterly shameful that not one SNP minister has faced accountability for their role in this ongoing national crisis that keeps escalating.'
'Urgent clarity must be given on why a crack in the ship’s hull occurred in the first place and assurances must be given that its sister ship the Glen Rosa will not suffer a similar fate.’
The Glen Sannox, which arrived nearly seven years behind schedule and at over four times the initial budget, commenced operations in January.
However, on Friday, it was discovered that a fissure had appeared near the waterline at a 'weld seam,' leading CalMac to suspend services as specialized divers examined the problem yesterday.
The ferry was secured at Brodick while engineers conducted repairs on the vessel’s hull. In order to maintain service continuity, the MV Alfred was deployed for return trips, enabling 'most' of the passengers initially scheduled on the Glen Sannox to continue their journeys, according to CalMac.
Yesterday evening, a representative from CalMac announced that a diving inspection had discovered 'a small fissure at a welding joint on the ship’s hull,' leading to necessary repair work.
They stated: "An initial test suggests that the welding was successful; however, another check will be conducted tomorrow once the joined section has fully cooled."
'If this test proves successful, MV Glen Sannox will restart operations at 2:50 PM from Brodick.'
'This indicates that the initial morning departure has been canceled; however, all reserved passengers can be resettled onto other sailings that have open seats.'
'The MV Alfred was scheduled to depart from Brodick at 12:40, however, this has been moved up to 11:20.'
The day before, irate passengers expressed their rage over the most recent problem to afflict the ferry.
A pair of individuals informed BBC Scotland: "We had to spend the night at a hotel as we were unable to return."
'We had planned to arrive on Friday, which meant we had to find accommodation at a hotel.' A different man characterized the scenario as 'a catastrophe'.
This development represents the newest addition to the unfortunate series of events involving the troubled vessel and its counterpart, the Glen Rosa.
The controversy surrounding these ships began when a contract worth £97 million for the construction of the two vessels was signed with Ferguson Marine in 2015.
In 2019, the SNP government took control of the shipyard by nationalizing it.
Both ferries were supposed to be operational by then, yet the delays continued to accumulate as expenses skyrocketed to £400 million.
The Glen Rosa remains out of service, whereas the Glen Sannox started operating between Troon and Brodick on January 13.
Last month, however, it went back out of service due to snags requiring repair work. According to a spokesperson from Transport Scotland, they were awaiting updates from CalMac, and understood that the operator was 'making every effort to resume complete services' as swiftly as possible.
The newest development in the ferry fiasco occurred shortly after John Petticrew, the acting CEO of Ferguson Marine, stepped down from his position. He reportedly tendered his resignation due to 'personal reasons' and plans to head back to Canada. This happened only days following his appointment at the shipyard in Port Glasgow.
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