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The Scottish ferry Glen Sannox was billed as an environmentally-friendly LNG powered alternative when it was first ordered in 2014, and the builder and the operator invested heavily in bringing its LNG fuel system online, a factor in the vessel’s years-long delivery delay. But after a serious gas leak incident last year, it is no longer using the high-spec system and has switched to running on diesel, according to a new investigation by BBC.
On June 3, 2025, Glen Sannox began a routine crossing from Troon to Brodick, Arran. During the crossing, gas alarms sounded and the port engine automatically cut out, a safety response to an abnormality in the supply of natural gas fuel. The crew switched to diesel and investigated the matter further when they reached the pier in Brodick; no serious issues were found and the vessel departed for the return journey as usual.
Later that evening, while the vessel was under way back to Troon and running on gas once more, a high-pressure LNG vent valve failed. Over the course of 12 minutes, it released 700 kilos of gas out to the exterior of the ship through a vent pipe on the starboard side. The size of the leak and the location of the vent – just forward of a ventilation intake – meant that a small quantity of gas was drawn back inside the ship, not enough to cause harm but enough to provoke concern.
The operator’s internal investigation report – obtained by BBC – found that the vent valve may have been damaged through contact with a loose component, possibly linked to the ship’s severe vibration issues when operating astern. It did not have a monitoring sensor or position indicator at the time; that safety function has since been retrofitted. The OEM had previously issued three service memos suggesting that the valve be upgraded or replaced, and reinstalled with extra care in order to prevent loosening of fasteners.
FULL ARTICLE AVAILABLE HERE: maritime-executive.com
