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Glen Sannox Ferry Runs Only on Diesel Since July 2025
16 Apr
Summary
- The dual-fuel ferry Glen Sannox has operated solely on diesel since July 2025.
- Concerns over gas entering engine spaces led to suspension of LNG use.
- Resuming LNG use is planned when network pressures ease and a suitable opportunity arises.
The CalMac ferry Glen Sannox, capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG), has been exclusively operating on diesel since July 2025. This decision followed concerns that gas from a vent pipe could enter engine spaces via an air intake. Although a safety feature was fitted during its annual overhaul, CalMac chose not to refuel the ship with LNG when it returned in February 2026.
A spokesperson cited the priority of returning the vessel to service swiftly due to a shortage of available ships on its west coast network. Refilling the LNG tank is a lengthy process, requiring the engine to cool for a week. CalMac plans to resume LNG usage once network pressures ease and an opportune moment arises.
Glen Sannox, which normally serves Arran, is currently redeployed to the Ullapool-Stornoway route due to vessel shortages. Ferries procurement agency CMAL began exploring LNG as a fuel in 2012, with dual-fuel capability agreed upon for new vessels two years later. The attraction was cleaner burning and compliance with new emissions regulations. However, the global warming benefits of LNG engines have been questioned due to methane emissions.
