Sea trials of Glen Sannox ferry suspended after ‘blackout’ on board

Trials of a late and over-budget ferry have been suspended after a “blackout” caused by an accidental tripping of a fire alarm on board.

The Glen Sannox is currently going through acceptance trials after building work was completed at the Ferguson Marine yard in Port Glasgow, Inverclyde.

According to an update from the yard’s interim chief executive, trials did not go ahead on Thursday following an incident on Wednesday which saw a power cut on the vessel.

John Petticrew said in a letter to Holyrood’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee on Thursday: “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 issue with the fire detection system has been put in place, he added.

On Monday, one of the ferry’s anchors failed, Mr Petticrew said, although it was decided the trial should continue.

But in a rare piece of good news in the saga of the building of the Glen Sannox and its sister ship the Glen Rosa, the vessel was able to dock at Brodick on the Isle of Arran, which Mr Petticrew described as a “great achievement” which saw locals “out in support”.

Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Graham Simpson said news of the 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.”

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.”