Fresh fears over MV Glen Sannox handover after 'blackout'

The overdue vessel is currently going through acceptance trials after building work was completed at the Ferguson Marine yard in Port Glasgow.

In an update sent to the Scottish Parliament's Net Zero, Energy and Transport (NZET) Committee this afternoon, shipyard boss John Petticrew confirmed the vessel's sea trials did not go ahead today due to an incident which took place on Wednesday (October 2).

The Tele revealed this morning that the ferry had suffered a 'blackout'  yesterday while she was undergoing trials on the outskirts of Loch Fyne, between the Kintyre Peninsula and the Isle of Bute.

The ferry was nursed back to Greenock yesterday (Image: George Munro) The incident is said to have been caused by the accidental tripping of a fire detector on board, which resulted in the ship's main propulsion system being shut down.

In a statement to ministers, Mr Petticrew said: "Yesterday, during day three of owner’s trials, MV Glen Sannox experienced a blackout.

“This was a result of inadvertently triggering a fire detector on board; although a false alarm, it ultimately resulted in the shutdown of the ship’s main propulsion.

“The ship was operating on marine gas oil at the time.

“Checks of the main engines were undertaken, and a soft restart followed. All systems were safely restarted without any adverse effects. However, trials were temporarily halted.

“As a precaution, tugs were called to assist. The vessel returned to Inchgreen under her own power with a view to assessing the event and the operation of the fire detection system.

“Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited and CalMac together have agreed that trials should remain suspended today with an aim to resume tomorrow.”

A "solution" to the fire detection system is now said to be in place. 

Mr Petticrew also revealed in his letter that one of the vessel's anchors failed acceptance tests during Monday's trials, although it was decided that the trial should continue. 

The shipyard boss said he was unable to give a timeframe for a solution to the anchor issue until a subcontractor had reviewed the yard's proposals.

He added: "We will provide an update as soon as we have further information. After completion of sea trials, we will give a further update next week on any impact on the handover date."

Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Graham Simpson said news of Wednesday's blackout will have “many islanders wondering if this ferry is cursed following so many disasters and delays”.

He added: “Our islanders will be disheartened that the Glen Sannox has fallen at one of the final hurdles after how long it took to get it ready for sea trials.

“The SNP must urgently let them know if this blackout will delay the delivery of the Glen Sannox even further, especially if it could mean travelling over Christmas will be difficult.”

The disappointing news comes after the six-year-late ferry hit a major milestone by berthing in Brodick, on the Isle of Arran, for the first time. 

The sea trials have also seen her undergo various tests along the Firth of Clyde and in the shelter of Loch Fyne.

The vessel is earmarked to serve the Ardrossan to Brodick route and was originally due for delivery in 2018, but has been beset by a series of problems including previous design difficulties. 

She is currently due to be handed over to CMAL in the middle of this month. 

A spokesman for ferry operator CalMac said: “Sea trials are an essential part of the vessel build process and ensure rigorous testing of all essential systems and equipment.

“The process has worked exactly as intended and helped identify an issue that can be rectified prior to delivery.

“We are liaising closely with CMAL and Ferguson Marine as we move towards MV Glen Sannox’s handover.”