Scotland's 'Green' Ferry Emits More CO2 Than Old Diesel Vessel
The MV Glen Sannox, Scotland’s long-delayed “green” ferry, has arrived with promises of sustainability but is instead raising significant concerns about cost, environmental impact, and planning missteps. Launched as a dual-fuel vessel to support Scotland’s climate ambitions, the Glen Sannox has been marred by controversies over its emissions, financial handling, and delayed delivery.
The Glen Sannox, capable of running on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and marine gas oil (MGO), was touted as a key step toward greener transportation. However, emissions analysis reveals the vessel’s annual carbon footprint is significantly higher than its predecessor, the 31-year-old MV Caledonian Isles. While the Caledonian Isles emits 7,732 tonnes of CO2 annually, the Glen Sannox emits 10,391 tonnes, a 35% increase. This discrepancy stems from the ship’s larger size (the larger ship can carry 127 cars in comparison to the old vessel that could carry 90), increased fuel consumption, and the methane slip associated with LNG, a potent greenhouse gas.
Methane slip occurs when unburned methane escapes into the atmosphere during LNG combustion. Methane is up to 28 times more impactful on global warming than CO2 over 100 years, further questioning LNG’s purported environmental benefits. Adding to the emissions are logistical inefficiencies: Scotland lacks a local LNG supply, necessitating transportation from Kent, which contributes an additional 140 tonnes of CO2 annually.
The Glen Sannox project epitomises flawed financial handling in public procurement. Initially estimated at £97 million, its budget has ballooned over the years, exacerbated by design complexities and delays at the Ferguson Marine shipyard. By the time of its delivery, years overdue, the ship had cost taxpayers over £200 million.
The planning process has also come under scrutiny. Decisions by ferries procurement agency CMAL and Transport Scotland prioritised increased car capacity over environmental efficiency. The larger engines and heavier structure required to meet these specifications have rendered the ferry less environmentally friendly. Despite these compromises, the ferry cannot berth at Ardrossan, the primary mainland port for the Arran route, until significant redevelopment is completed.
The Glen Sannox is part of a broader trend of financial mismanagement in public projects within Scotland’s academic and transport sectors. The recurring issue of underestimated costs and delayed timelines suggests systemic inefficiencies in planning and execution. Critics argue that such projects fail to deliver promised benefits while burdening taxpayers with escalating costs.
This financial strain is not unique to ferries; it echoes challenges faced by Scotland’s universities, which grapple with deficits due to over-reliance on volatile income streams like international tuition fees. Both sectors highlight a need for stronger oversight, realistic planning, and prioritisation of sustainability without compromising fiscal responsibility.
Several alternative strategies could have mitigated the environmental and financial pitfalls of the Glen Sannox project:
Battery-Electric Ferries: Advances in battery technology make all-electric vessels a feasible option for most of CalMac’s routes. Unlike LNG, electric ferries charged with renewable energy would produce zero emissions at the point of operation. Other countries have already implemented such systems successfully.
Catamarans: Vessels like the Alfred, a catamaran currently operating on the Arran route, offer a more fuel-efficient solution. The Alfred cost £14.5 million to build, a fraction of the Glen Sannox’s price, and consumes far less fuel due to its lightweight design.
Retrofitting Existing Infrastructure: Instead of constructing a new ferry with inflated specifications, upgrading existing vessels with hybrid or electric propulsion systems could have been a cost-effective and environmentally sound alternative.
Local Biogas Production: Transitioning to bio-methane, derived from organic waste, could provide a carbon-neutral fuel source for LNG-compatible ferries. However, this would require substantial investment in infrastructure such as biogas production and liquefaction facilities.
The Glen Sannox saga underscores the importance of aligning ambitious environmental goals with sound financial planning and practical execution. It also highlights the dangers of committing to transitional technologies like LNG without thoroughly considering their long-term viability.
To restore public confidence, Scottish authorities must prioritise transparency in decision-making, ensure that future projects are backed by rigorous feasibility studies, and adopt holistic approaches that consider not just upfront costs but lifecycle environmental impacts.
While the Glen Sannox was envisioned as a flagship project for sustainable transport, its execution has raised troubling questions about Scotland’s capacity to deliver on its green ambitions. The financial mismanagement, compounded by a lack of foresight in environmental planning, should serve as a cautionary tale for future infrastructure projects.
With Scotland striving for net-zero emissions by 2045, it is crucial to invest in genuinely sustainable solutions. From embracing battery-electric ferries to improving local supply chains for renewable fuels, there are viable paths forward. The Glen Sannox may have missed the mark, but its lessons could pave the way for more effective and environmentally responsible investments in the future.
