While in drydock in Birkenhead, Cammell Laird will try to identify the problems that have caused the ferry’s vibration issues since she entered service at the beginning of this year, and which have resulted in two hull cracks close to the waterline. Cammell Laird is expected to carry out permanent repairs to fix this problem.

At present, GLEN SANNOX is scheduled to return to service on 10 December. However, as the scope of work to be carried out on the ferry is complex, it is not out of the question that repairs will take longer to complete than initially expected.

In March this year GLEN SANNOX suffered a 5-inch crack in a hull weld near the waterline, said to have been caused by excessive hull vibrations from the ferry’s twin c.p. propellers and stern thruster. A second hull crack was discovered in early October in the same area, right of the machinery space, close to the starboard propeller, and was temporarily repaired in the Inchgreen Dry Dock on the Clyde.

It is hoped that full and permanent repairs to the vessel’s vibration issues will be carried out by Cammell Laird.

For planning purposes, CalMac has said that CALEDONIAN ISLES will maintain the service between Ardrossan and Brodick, while the chartered catamaran ferry ALFRED will continue operations between Troon and Brodick until 28 December.

Meanwhile, CALEDONIAN ISLES is scheduled to go for her annual drydocking from 4 January 2026, and vessel deployment across the CalMac network will be reviewed nearer the time. 

© Shippax