Late and over-budget CalMac ferry Glen Rosa to be launched

The late and over-budget Glen Rosa ferry is to launch into Scottish waters next week.

Hull 802, officially named MV Glen Rosa, will enter the water for the first time on April 9 at the Ferguson Marine yard in Port Glasgow.

The ferry is one of two dual-fuel ships being built at the yard which are some six years late and will cost around three times the original price of £97m.

When complete they will serve routes in the west of Scotland for CalMac.

Hull 802 measures 102-metres and will be capable of operating on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine gas oil (MGO).

It will have the capacity to carry up to 852 passengers plus at least 127 cars or 16 heavy goods vehicles, or a combination of both.

It is due to be delivered by September 2025 with the launch into water described as a “significant milestone” in the shipbuilding programme.

Further outfitting and other installation work is expected to be completed after the launch.

Glen Sannox, the sister ship to Glen Rosa, successfully completed its first sea trials in February using only marine gas oil.

It was indicated last week that the ferry’s dual-fuel system may not be ready for the planned handover in late May.

Both ships were designed to run on both traditional marine gas oil and LNG, which is much greener, and are the first in the UK to be built with a dual-fuel system.

The announcement of the Glen Rosa launch comes days after CEO of Ferguson Marine was sacked after telling ministers further delays on ferries currently being built by CalMac are “likely”.

David Tydeman’s contract was terminated by the state-owned company’s board.

Following the firing of Mr Tydeman, the chief executive of state-owned ferry operator CalMac, Robbie Drummond, was also removed from his post this week.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said ministers did not order the sackings.

Interim chief executive John Petticrew will oversee the launch alongside five female employees, wellbeing and economy secretary Mairi McAllan and Rev William Boyle who will bless the vessel before it launches.

Beth Atkinson, a qualified welder who completed her apprenticeship at the yard, will smash a bottle of whisky to officially name and launch the vessel.