Glen Sannox temporarily withdrawn from service

The MV Glen Sannox, which entered service in January 2025, has been temporarily removed from operation after a crack was discovered on a weld seam near the waterline.

The ferry operator, CalMac, has confirmed that a dive team will inspect the issue, with the earliest assessment scheduled for Saturday morning.

As a result, all Glen Sannox sailings on March 15 have been cancelled. However, CalMac emphasised that reports suggesting the ferry had struck the harbour or suffered water ingress were “categorically untrue.”

A spokesperson for CalMac explained: “We need to assess the damage before the vessel can return to service. Safety remains our top priority, and we are working to resolve this as quickly as possible.”

In Perspective

While the discovery of a crack has caused temporary disruption, such issues are not uncommon for newly commissioned vessels. Ships entering service—whether ferries, naval vessels, or commercial ships—often require post-commissioning adjustments and minor repairs as part of their early operational phase.

Even advanced naval warships frequently undergo hull inspections and modifications after their first months of operation. These inspections are routine to ensure the vessel remains in optimal condition for long-term service. As with any complex engineering project, early teething issues are expected, and they do not indicate a fundamental flaw in the ship’s design or construction.

A friend of mine who’s a marine engineer looked at the reports and said that based on what’s been described—a crack on a weld seam near the waterline—it’s a minor issue that’s not uncommon on new vessels. He said it’ll likely be assessed, repaired, and strengthened if needed, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary.

“From the images available, I believe this to be a minor issue related to stress relief or initial flexing in a welded seam, which is not uncommon for vessels newly in service. Cracks in weld seams near the waterline often stem from thermal expansion, contraction, or localised stress concentrations. In most cases, they are addressed by grinding out and re-welding or reinforcing the area as necessary. I would be surprised if the dive team assessing the vessel finds anything more serious, but of course, full inspection results will confirm that. Based on what I see, I do not believe that to be likely.”

Ferguson Marine Faces Leadership Change

The development comes as Ferguson Marine, the shipyard responsible for Glen Sannox, undergoes a leadership transition. Interim CEO John Petticrew has resigned, citing “personal reasons”, and will return to Canada.

Chief Financial Officer David Dishon acknowledged Petticrew’s contributions, stating: “John has had a demonstrable impact on our business, and the board wants to thank him for his contribution over the last four years, both as interim CEO and non-executive director prior to that.”

The shipyard is in the final stages of appointing a permanent CEO, with Dishon adding: “We remain focused on securing a sustainable and prosperous future for the yard.”

Ferguson Marine faces future ‘with optimism amid challenges’

Strategic Expansion

Meanwhile, Ferguson Marine is negotiating a significant subcontract, reportedly involving additional work on the UK’s Type 26 frigates, as part of its strategy to sustain and expand its workforce over the next two to three years.

During a Scottish Parliament Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee session, Petticrew outlined the shipyard’s plans for workforce stability and new opportunities. “We are negotiating for a major subcontract—I cannot mention the people to whom we are talking,” he revealed, while also discussing plans to attract new customers beyond the construction of Glen Rosa.

Ferguson Marine has previously contributed steelwork for the Type 26 programme, with hull sections built at the Port Glasgow yard and transported to BAE Systems’ facility in Govan. The company is now aiming to increase its role in the programme.

Sustaining Scotland’s Shipbuilding Industry

The UK’s Type 26 frigate programme is a £4.2 billion project to replace ageing Type 23 frigates with eight next-generation anti-submarine warfare vessels. As part of this, BAE Systems has outsourced sections of steel fabrication to UK shipyards, including Ferguson Marine.

BAE Systems commented: “We have outsourced steelwork fabrication for a limited number of units to support delivery of the Type 26 programme. This is typical for a programme of this scale and offers an opportunity for UK companies to play their part on this national endeavour.”

This initiative spreads the workload across British shipyards, ensuring timely delivery while boosting the UK’s shipbuilding industry. For Ferguson Marine, securing further Type 26 contracts would reinforce its long-term sustainability, ensuring continued employment for its 290 permanent staff and maintaining its role in Scotland’s maritime sector.

Looking Ahead

While Glen Sannox’s temporary withdrawal has caused short-term disruption, the broader outlook for Scotland’s shipbuilding industry remains positive. Ferguson Marine continues to expand its capabilities, while the Royal Navy’s Type 26 programme presents further opportunities for the yard to strengthen its reputation and workforce stability.

Meanwhile, CalMac remains focused on returning Glen Sannox to service as quickly as possible, with the inspection and necessary repairs expected to be completed shortly.